A ball cap with a concealed opening that allows for a greater variety of hairstyles to be worn while simultaneously retaining the general shape, appearance, and functionality of a typical ball cap. The concealed opening is hidden in a default configuration of the hat, but it can be selectively opened to allow for hair such as a ponytail to pass through. The ball cap can include a protective coating on the sweatband to prevent makeup, sweat, and dirt from soiling the sweatband.