Home run hitter

Home run hitterHow did baseball caps become so fashion?

Unpacking the cap’s history and its formidable rep of casual cool.

By Justin Kendall

13 October 2024 · 1 min read

The baseball cap started as a (not so) practical piece of sports gear when, in 1849, the New York Knickerbockers rocked the first known version — which was, itchily, made from straw. In the 1860s, out came a style worn by the Brooklyn Excelsiors featuring a longer brim, to keep the sun out of their eyes, and a deeper, button-topped crown — two design details pivotal in the modern-day cap. Over time, it became a key part of American casual style. By the 1980s, the cap was a symbol of street culture, especially in hip-hop, with brands like New Era leading the charge, but also courtesy of Bruce Springsteen who tucked one in the pocket of a pair of faded Levi’s 501s on his Born In The U.S.A record cover, anchoring them as a kind of working class uniform.

Today, the baseball cap stands at a unique intersection of accessibility and exclusivity. While it remains a go-to item for the masses, available at every price point, its presence on runways and red carpets cements its status as a fashion icon. This duality underscores its enduring appeal: a simple piece that speaks volumes, equally on your dad when he takes the boat out, at home in the hands of a streetwear enthusiast, or on the head of a hiding Leonardo DiCaprio.

On this episode of UNPACKED, @martins_aden explores the baseball cap’s history and its formidable rep of casual cool.