The Complete Guide to MLB All Over Print Hats and Caps

The History and Evolution of MLB All Over Print Hats

Baseball hats have long been associated with America's favorite pastime. The basic hat design featuring a structured crown and curved bill can be traced back to the mid-1800s when the Brooklyn Excelsiors wore a version of the modern baseball cap. But it wasn't until the 1950s that Major League Baseball LOGO baseball hats started popping up on the heads of players and fans.

The mlb all over hat print style hat is a more recent development in the long evolution of the humble baseball cap. Let's take a look at how MLB hats have changed over the years and how all over prints took the traditional baseball hat to new heights of style and customization.

The Origins of MLB Team Hats

In 1954, New Era Cap Company produced their first collection of official on-field caps for Major League Baseball teams. The structured wool hats featured embroidered team logos on the crown and matched the uniform colors. This started a tradition of official MLB hats that continues today.

Throughout the 60s and 70s, the classic solid color pro-style MLB cap with a team's primary logo remained the standard. Hats were still made of wool and defined the look of players in that era like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Pete Rose.

The Rise of Adjustable Caps

In the late 70s and 80s, adjustable plastic snapback closures started gaining popularity. These easy to adjust "one size fits most" hats opened up MLB team caps to a much wider consumer market. Bright polyester fabrics also modernized the look. MLB logos remained front and center but color schemes and designs got bolder.

The 1980s also saw the rise of alternate and special edition caps. For big events like the World Series or All-Star Game, on-field hats strayed from the standard team colors and logos. This opened the door for more custom and unique MLB hat designs.

The Flat Bill Era Arrives

In the 1990s, a new generation of baseball players started shaping the bill of their on-field caps. Gone was the classic curved bill, replaced by a flat surface showing off the New Era flag logo. This flat bill look would soon take over youth culture and streetwear.

Fitted caps also overtook adjustable hats as the most popular headwear style overall. The structured fit and premium wool fabric created a look that matched the baggy uniforms and bold styles of 90s MLB stars.

The Rise of Alternative On-Field Designs

By the 2000s, specially designed alternative on-field caps became a standard way for MLB teams to market new officially licensed products. Throwback uniforms celebrating a team's history or special event caps for holidays like July 4th took fan merchandise to the next level.

But most popular of all were alternate logo and color scheme designs that strayed wildly from the official team colors and classic logo. Nicknamed "batting practice" hats, these gave teams like the New York Yankees a chance to wear odd designs that fans gobbled up.

All Over Print Designs Take Over

The first MLB all over print hat was worn by MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr. in the late 90s. But it was a one-off custom design. The first mass-produced all over print hats came from New Era in the early 2000s.

These distinctive caps featured distressed prints of team logos, names, and icons covering the entire cap. The chaotic mishmash of team graphics became hugely popular among collectors and fans. Soon New Era was producing more and more elaborate allover print designs each year.

Other brands like '47, Zephyr, and Twins also jumped on board with their own all over print MLB caps. Featuring colorful graphics and displays of team pride, mlb all over hat styles are now some of the hottest selling caps year after year.

The Future of MLB Hat Style

While classic, primary logo hats will always have their place, alternate designs, throwbacks, and flashy graphics are here to stay. MLB hats have come a long way from the wool caps of the 40s and 50s.

Print technology and innovative designers outside of the Major Leagues will continue to influence the looks that make it onto the field. And collectors hungry for the hottest gear will drive demand for caps that push the boundaries of team styles.

The mlb all over hat craze shows that America's pastime has no problem embracing daring new looks alongside timeless classics. As hat styles continue to evolve, one thing is certain - the baseball hat will remain atop the heads of players and fans for generations to come.

Popular MLB All Over Print Hat Styles & Designs

All over print baseball hats are the ultimate way to display your team pride. With eye-catching graphics covering every inch of fabric, they are far from subtle. But that's exactly why MLB fans love these bold caps.

From retro distress prints to colorful collages and camo combinations, here are some of the most popular styles of mlb all over hats.

Icon Scatter Prints

The icon scatter features chaotic coverage of team logos, names, numbers, and symbols. No negative space allowed on these caps. It's a graphic overload that looks awesome and shows serious fandom.

Hero Number Prints

All over prints with just a single uniform number repeated create a cool look. Dedicated to legendary players like Babe Ruth's #3, Jackie Robinson's #42, or Derek Jeter's #2, these pay tribute to baseball heroes.

All Over Camo Combinations

Camo graphics meet team colors and logos for a truly eye-catching cap style. Brands like New Era combine digital camo prints, splatter patterns, and neon colors for caps built for hunting fans.

Faux Back Distressed Prints

These retro hats look like well-worn classics with their distressed prints and faded logos. Oversized designs and combination team name/city graphics have an old school look.

Geometric and Pattern Prints

For a more subtle allover print look, some caps feature geometric shapes, subtle patterns, and tonal graphics. A modern take on team colors and logos in a less flashy display.

City Skyline and Landmark Prints

Represent your city, not just the team, with caps featuring iconic landmarks and skylines. Wrigley Field's red marquee and the LA skyline stretch around the crown for stadium style.

Whether you want to go loud and proud or rock a more minimalist print style, mlb all over hats let you rep your team in a whole new way.

Where to Shop for Authentic MLB All Over Print Hats

You can find cheap imitation mlb all over hats all over the internet. But for well-constructed caps with graphics that will last, you need to shop from official brands and licensed dealers.

Here are the best places to shop online for authentic MLB allover print caps:

New Era Company Website

As the official on-field cap of Major League Baseball, New Era makes some of the hottest MLB hats every season. Shop direct from their site for the best selection of 59FIFTY fitted and adjustable styles.

Lids

With over 1200 store locations, Lids is the place most people buy baseball caps in person. But their website also has a huge selection of authentic New Era, '47, and Zephyr MLB caps with fast shipping.

Fanatics

The online Fanatics store is your one-stop shop for officially licensed gear of all kinds for all leagues. Browse their inventory of MLB hats from brands like New Era, Nike, and more.

Rally House

With over 100 brick and mortar locations across America, Rally House offers easy in-person shopping. Their website has lots of unique MLB allover print hat designs at great prices.

Hat Club

This retailer specializes in limited edition snapbacks and fitted caps from brands like ECAPCity and New Era. Lots of bold MLB colorways and print designs live here.

Stay away from Amazon and other mass retailer marketplaces where counterfeit hats abound. For the real deal, shop directly from the official manufacturers or trusted licensed dealers.

Factors to Consider When Buying an MLB All Over Print Hat

Not all mlb all over hats are created equal. With so many brands producing multiple styles each season, it helps to know what to look for. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for your next allover print cap.

Hat Sizing and Fit

Pay attention to sizing charts and reviews to ensure a proper fit. MLB hats come in standard sizes from 6 3/4 to 8 inches in 1/8 inch increments. Measure your head and choose accordingly.

Fabric and Construction

Premium caps will use wool blend fabrics, buckram lining, and embroidered logos. Cheaper caps look flat, use rough polyester, and have inferior build quality. Choose quality materials for durability.

Limited Edition Graphics

The most collectible caps feature designs only printed for a limited time. These can sell out quickly and increase in value. Act fast on limited release all over print styles.

Comfort and Wearability

Make sure to consider breathability, moisture wicking, and overall comfort on head. Well-constructed caps should feel broken in while durable enough for everyday wear.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Stick with established brands known for quality construction and team partnerships. And always check buyer reviews on sites like Lids for real user feedback.

Price

Beware of prices that seem too good to be true. Low quality caps go for cheap. But most authentic MLB all over hats range from $25 to $45 for standard designs.

Choosing the right mlb all over hat for your collection means considering all these factors. Premium materials, proper fit, and limited edition style will ensure hat happiness.

FAQs

When did MLB teams start wearing official logo hats?

The first official MLB on-field caps were made by New Era in 1954 when they produced fitted wool hats featuring team logos for all teams.

How did flat brim hats become popular in MLB?

In the 1990s, players started bending the brims of their on-field caps into a flat shape rather than the traditional curved style. This flat brim look soon became popular in streetwear and youth culture.

What was the first MLB all over print hat?

MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr. wore a custom all over print hat in the late 1990s. But the first mass produced allover print MLB caps came from New Era in the early 2000s.

Where can I buy authentic MLB all over hats online?

Shop directly from official brands like New Era, Lids, Fanatics, Rally House, and Hat Club. Avoid Amazon or other third party sellers to ensure authenticity.

What should I look for in a quality MLB all over cap?

Consider fit, fabric, construction quality, limited edition graphics, comfort, brand reputation, buyer reviews, and price when selecting an authentic MLB allover print hat.