The baseball cap is ubiquitous and is worn by almost everybody. What started as a hat worn exclusively by American baseball players has become a staple found in pretty much everyone’s wardrobe, regardless of their personal style or their athletic ability. Around the world, people young and old turn to baseball caps to shield their eyes from the sun, cover up a bad hair day, or simply accessorize an outfit.

The widespread appeal of the baseball cap, mixed with its timeless style and its ability to generate countless impressions with just one wear, make this hat one of promo’s true heavy-hitters. But how did the baseball cap get to be so popular?

Origins

Looking back to the early years of America’s favourite pastime, the baseball players of the 1800s were permitted to wear any kind of brimmed hat to keep the sun out of their eyes during the game. That is, until just before the turn of the century, when the earliest versions of the cap we all know and love today began to take shape. The initial baseball caps didn’t closely resemble the ones we think of today. They were composed of a wool cap and leather brim and had much different proportions to modern baseball caps. Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for caps to take off. The trend that started on the diamond had taken to the streets of America by the early 20th century. While some people wore them for utility and some wore them for style, there was no denying that baseball caps were becoming a common element of everyday wardrobes– and once they arrived on the everyday fashion scene, baseball caps certainly evolved…but they never really left.

Becoming a Promo Superstar

Early baseball caps did not feature much room at the front for any kind of logos or designs, and as a result the hats’ brims also pointed slightly upward. This design choice made any message or logo on the front of the cap difficult to see and ultimately limited their potential as promotional products. Despite all this, the Detroit Tigers were the first to place a logo on the front of their team’s caps in 1901. But the real promotional superpowers of baseball caps weren’t unleashed until the 1940s when changes were made to the crown of the hat that made it more vertical and stopped the brim from pointing upward. Ultimately, this alteration allowed more visible real estate on the front of the cap, so that designs or logos were much easier to see. One of the most incredible things about the baseball cap is that whatever is printed onto the front of the cap will meet its perceivers at eye level. When you look at someone who is wearing a baseball cap, you almost can’t help but notice what brand or team they’re repping!

Styles for Everyone

Since their inception, baseball caps have been adapted and adopted by a wide range of audiences and cultures, becoming, really, a global phenomenon. There are now an incredible number of baseball cap variations to choose from, from structured and unstructured caps (i.e. “dad caps”), flat brims and curved brims, fitted and adjustable caps, and caps made from a wide range of materials. With more than 100 unique styles to choose from, we know we’ve got the right one for you–so whatever the style is that you’re looking for, let us help you bring your baseball cap vision to life!