When comparing wigs, there is often more information about the cap than the hair: monofilament, mono-top, silk base, machine-sewn. The terms describe how the hair is attached, which determines both how natural the wig looks and how it feels to wear.
This concerns the top of the wig. If you want to read about the front edge - lace, closure and frontal - you can find that overview in a separate article.
Machine-sewn cap
The hair is attached to sewn wefts that run in rows around the cap. It is the sturdiest and most affordable construction, and it provides a lot of volume for the price.
The downside is that the hair has a fixed direction. You cannot create a part wherever you want, because the wefts will then be visible. For someone who wears their hair down with the same part every day, this does not matter.
Monofilament
A fine, semi-transparent mesh in which each hair is hand-tied. Since the hairs are attached individually, they can move in all directions, and the mesh allows your own skin tone to show through, making it look as though the hair is growing from the skin.
This is also why monofilament is so often recommended for hair loss: the mesh rests softly against the skin without seams. See our monofilament lace front wigs.
Mono-top
A middle ground that many people choose. Monofilament where it is visible - on the top - and machine-sewn wefts farther back where no one looks.
You get a movable part and a natural-looking top at a lower cost than a fully hand-tied wig. For most people, that is enough.
Silk base
A double layer in which the knots are hidden between two fabric layers, so that only the actual hair emerges on top. The result is the most convincing scalp imitation available.
The trade-off is that the base is slightly higher than a lace base and feels a little firmer. We compare the two with video in Lace Closure vs Silkbase Closure.
How to choose
Consider how much of your own hair you have and how often you wear the wig. If you still have your own hair and wear a wig occasionally, a machine-sewn or mono-top cap is usually sufficient. If you wear a wig every day and have little or no hair of your own, monofilament or silk base is worth the difference, both for the appearance and for comfort against the skin.
Not sure? Book a free consultation, so you can feel the difference in your hand instead of guessing from a product image.
Frequently asked questions
Are the knots less visible in a silk base?
Yes. In a silk base, the knots are hidden beneath the top layer, so they are not visible at all. In monofilament and lace, they appear as small dark dots, which can be toned down by bleaching them.
Which cap is coolest in summer?
Monofilament with open, machine-sewn sections at the back provides the best ventilation. A fully hand-tied cap is more enclosed, and silk base is the warmest because it consists of two layers.
Can you replace the cap on a wig you already own?
Yes, if the hair is in good condition. We can move the hair to a new cap through Cap Renewal. This is most common when the cap has become worn, but it is also done to switch to a construction that suits the skin better.