Featuring unexpected materials like raffia, leather, and silk
The baseball cap silhouette, a simple combination of form and function, was commissioned by Major League Baseball in 1954 as uniform headgear. The organization opted for a duck-billed canvas hat, which was light on heft, big on surface area, and adjustable.
65 years later, as New York City–based stylist Sho Tatsuishi notes, the now-ubiquitous item doubles as a fashionable staple. “Around two years ago, people started wearing them with everything, not just as casual-wear,” says Tatsuishi.
Of late, the hat has become a versatile site of fashion innovation, with upmarket brands continuing to apply their own aesthetic stamps. Here, are 7 on-trend examples:
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Wooly Pleats Cap
Here, Japanese designer Issey Miyake celebrates his homeland’s robust baseball culture. For added ripple effect, pair it with matching shorts.
Alexander Wang Scuba Leather Hat
The godfather of athleisure fuses a classic canvas bill with a leather crown. The result is a dressy alternative to run-of-the-mill streetwear.
Balenciaga Embroidered Cotton-Twill Baseball Cap
If anyone is responsible for the baseball cap’s rebrand, it’s Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Balenciaga. Don this minimal version for an outdoor HIIT workout or a hike.
Givenchy Shark Printed Cap
Givenchy’s offbeat, Jaws-inspired take manages to be both bold and understated. To make it stand out even more, try it with a neutral white or black tee.
1017 Alyx 9SM Nike Cap
This cap combines two fitness forces—Nike and Matthew Williams’s streetwear brand Alyx—in a pop of color. Wear it with Alyx’s Hero Chain, showcasing a matching swoosh charm.
Gucci Logo-Print Raffia Baseball Cap
This lightweight hat features a sweatband-inspired nameplate. It’s a perfect complement to tennis whites, a soccer jersey, or a swimsuit.
Burberry Monogram Logo-Print Silk Bandana Cap
This headgear hybrid provides bold graphics in an easy-to-pair beige hue. The super-soft clasp offers luxury and adjustability in equal measure.