Though there are several types of wig caps available on the market, here we look at the two most common – wefted and monofilament – in more detail.

“Wefted caps”, also known as “capless”, are the most common wig cap constructions, are feature rows of wefts of synthetic fiber or human hair that have been sewn together into the shape of a cap, with no underlying solid cap. Higher end wefted caps feature a lace inset at the crown, which allows the wearer to wear more natural styles as the strands can be brushed in any direction.

A thin weft, where rose of wefts are spaced farther apart, is considered more “breathable”, but often lacks the lace inset at the crown. Unfortunately, the underlying wefting is also sometimes visible when the wig is parted at the top.

The second most common wig cap construction is monofilament, a wefted wig that features an inset of transparent micro-mesh sewn in at the crown, with individual strands of synthetic fiber or human hair hand-tied to the mesh, creating ventilation that prevents the build up of heat and moisture. This construction also allows for more flexibility in styling options. Generally, monofilmanet caps look and behave closest to natural hair, as the hair appears to grow out of a real scalp.

Monofilament wefted wigs were designed specifically for women who had experienced significant hair loss from chemotherapy, alopecia, or other medical reasons, as the transparent mesh allows the bare scalp to show through. For this reason, this type of wig is also known as a medical wig.

While there are definite pros and cons to both styles of wig caps, deciding which style is right for you is dependent on personal preferences in regards to fit, styling, and price.

If you won’t be wearing your wig all the time, you might consider the wefted cap construction. These styles are usually less expensive (though if you pay for a cheap wig you are likely to end up with a poor quality product), and while their construction can be comfortable, they are more suited to occasional wear as opposed to daily. In addition, wefted wigs cannot be restyled, and the external part of the cap does not mimic human scalp.

For wig cap that can stand up to daily wear, as well allow the wearer to show off different styles that still look natural, consider a monofilament cap. The quality and craftsmanship involved in constructing monofilament wigs can make these styles restrictively expensive, however, for those who would prefer this style, a part-monofilament cap wig may be the solution. As opposed to the entire cap, only a section of the wig cap, usually around the crown or fringe, is hand-tied, so this portion can be parted or worn in different styles.