John B's Iconic OBX Hat From Outer Banks: Its Origin, Meaning and Pop Culture Symbolism

The Iconic Hat from Outer Banks

One of the most recognizable aspects of the hit Netflix show Outer Banks is the hat worn by the main character John B Routledge. John B's hat has become an iconic symbol of the character and the show itself. Let's take a closer look at the history and meaning behind John B's hat.

The Origin of John B's Hat

John B's hat is a simple trucker hat style cap. It's khaki in color with a brown brim and a patch on the front that reads "OBX" in navy blue letters. OBX stands for the Outer Banks, the string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that serve as the show's setting.

In the show, the hat originally belongs to John B's father, known as Big John. Prior to his disappearance early in season 1, Big John can be seen wearing the hat in old home videos. After his dad goes missing, John B starts wearing the hat as a memento of his father.

The hat itself was purchased by the show's costume designer from a surf shop in Charleston, South Carolina. It was selected for its vintage, well-worn look that embodies the laidback vibe of the Outer Banks.

Meaning Behind John B's Hat

For John B, the hat represents his connection to his missing father. It's one of the few things he has left of Big John and wearing it makes John B feel closer to his dad. As the show progresses, the hat becomes part of John B's identity and a reminder of his mission to find out what happened to his father.

More broadly, the hat represents the Outer Banks themselves. For locals who live there, the OBX hat is a badge of honor and symbol of their home. The hats are popular among tourists as well who want to take home a part of the Outer Banks lifestyle.

Within the show, the hat also signifies being a Pogue - the name John B and his friends use for their group. The core Pogues - John B, JJ, Pope and Kiara - are seen wearing OBX hats throughout the show's two seasons.

The Hat's Popularity

It didn't take long for John B's hat to catch on with fans. As Outer Banks exploded in popularity on Netflix, the character's laidback style resonated with viewers. Fans immediately latched onto the hat as a way to emulate John B's signature look.

The show's costume designer saw demand for the hats firsthand. She reported that replica OBX hats sold out shortly after the show premiered and remained difficult to find for a while. Other retailers quickly jumped in to meet the demand.

Today there is no shortage of options for fans who want their own John B hat. OBX trucker hats in a range of colors can be found from retailers like Amazon, Etsy, eBay and more. The classic khaki style remains the most popular.

Outer Banks cast members have remarked on the hat's popularity. Chase Stokes, who plays John B, said the hats have become "a cultural phenomenon." He and other cast members are regularly gifted OBX hats by fans when they make public appearances.

The Hat as an Iconic TV Prop

Within the realm of TV shows, certain props become intrinsically linked to specific characters. John B's OBX hat is a classic example of an iconic prop.

Other famous TV hats include:

• Walter White's pork pie hat in Breaking Bad
• Arthur Fonzarelli's leather jacket and white T-shirt in Happy Days
• Maxwell Smart's shoe phone in Get Smart
• Sheriff Andy Taylor's sheriff hat in The Andy Griffith Show
• Gilligan's white sailor hat in Gilligan's Island

Like these iconic props, John B's hat serves as visual shorthand for Outer Banks. When fans spot someone in an OBX trucker hat, they immediately recognize the connection to the show.

The hat is also part of John B's identity. It's hard to imagine the character without his signature headwear. If a reboot or spinoff of Outer Banks were to happen, you can bet John B's hat would remain an essential part of his wardrobe.

The OBX Hat Beyond the Show

While John B's hat originated on Outer Banks, its popularity has extended far beyond the show. OBX hats are now ubiquitous among a certain demographic.

For young people and teens who want to emulate the laidback, beachy vibe of shows like Outer Banks, an OBX hat is the perfect accessory. The hats have become trendy across high schools and college campuses. Their reputation as a "cool" hat continues to grow.

In certain areas, the OBX hat has become almost meme-like. For example, it is widely recognized as part of the "Vineyard Vines, Sperrys and OBX hat" preppy outfit associated with fraternity culture. However it's viewed, the hat's connection to pop culture is undeniable.

It will be interesting to see if the OBX hat retains its relevance and cool factor as Outer Banks eventual concludes. For now, it seems John B's hat will remain an iconic symbol of the show and its ability to capture a cultural moment in time.

The Enduring Popularity of John B's Hat

John B's hat is a testament to the power of costumes and props in cinema and television. What started as a simple trucker hat selected by a costume designer has morphed into a full-blown pop culture phenomenon.

For fans, the hat is a way to show their love for Outer Banks and feel connected to their favorite character. For the cast and creators of the show, it's an unexpected surprise to see their work inspire such devotion.

John B's hat proves that sometimes a single item of clothing can take on a life of its own. In the world of TV fandom, fashion makes an impression and plays a key role in the viewing experience. John B and his iconic OBX hat have certainly left their mark.

FAQs

Where did John B get his OBX hat?

The hat originally belonged to John B's father Big John. After his dad went missing, John B started wearing it as a memento.

What does the OBX patch on the hat stand for?

OBX stands for the Outer Banks, which is where the show takes place. It refers to the string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina.

Where can I buy the same hat as John B?

The OBX trucker hat comes in many colors and can be found online at retailers like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and more.

Did John B wear the hat in real life?

Actor Chase Stokes, who plays John B, did not wear the hat in real life. The hat was a costume piece selected by the show's costume designer.

What other TV shows feature iconic hats?

Other iconic TV hats include the pork pie hat in Breaking Bad, Arthur Fonzarelli's hat in Happy Days, and Maxwell Smart's shoe phone hat in Get Smart.