The Rising Popularity of Fashionable Bleached Hats and Caps

The Rising Popularity of Bleached Hats

Bleached hats have become an increasingly popular fashion accessory, especially among younger generations. Often made of denim or cotton, these hats are treated to remove their original color and give them a white or light blue appearance. The bleached look has a relaxed, casual vibe that aligns well with current style trends.

The Bleaching Process

Creating a bleached hat starts with choosing a hat style that is typically dyed or colored, such as a baseball cap or bucket hat. The hat is then immersed in a bleaching agent, most commonly sodium hypochlorite bleach. This removes or strips the original pigments from the fabric. Several rounds of bleaching may be necessary to achieve the desired lightness.

Once sufficiently bleached, the hat is rinsed well and allowed to dry. What remains is a hat with a distressed, faded aesthetic that looks like it has been left out in the sun for years. Yet the structural integrity of the hat remains intact.

Bleached Hats in 90s Fashion

Bleached hats first rose to popularity in the 1990s. Music groups and celebrities of the era were often seen sporting these faded accessories. Devotees liked the relaxed, ironic, anti-mainstream spirit they conveyed. Wearing distressed items also suited grunge sensibilities.

Denim and cotton baseball caps with a bleached finish remain closely associated with 90s fashion. Modern fans will often incorporate them into throwback outfits. A bleached hat is a quick way to add a nostalgic casual flair.

Coordinating Outfits

Those wanting to work a bleached hat into their wardrobe have plenty of outfit coordination options:

• Pair with ripped light or medium wash jeans for a double dose of 90s style
• Match with cut off denim shorts and a crop top for a beachy vibe
• Wear over a simple white t-shirt and dark jeans or leggings for an effortless monochromatic look
• Top off loose overalls or a casual floral dress for an eclectic combination

Since bleached hats have a relaxed aesthetic, they pair well with other items featuring distressed details or lightweight fabrics. The faded color also serves as a nice neutral that won't clash.

Caring for Bleached Hats

Those adding a bleached hat to their accessory lineup will want to take measures to extend its lifespan. As the bleaching process weakens fabrics, these hats require a bit of extra care.

Be mindful of exposing bleached hats to direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause further fading. When not being worn, store in a hat box or protective bag. Follow any care instructions from the manufacturer, or wash gently by hand if needed.

With some basic maintenance, a quality bleached hat should provide seasons of wear. The distressed look will only improve with age as the hat accumulates even more faded character.

Bleached Hats Trends & Style Inspiration

Check out these current takes on bleached hats that can spark personal style creativity:

Patterned & Printed

Some brands now offer bleached hats with subtle patterns like small checks or stripes. These add visual interest while retaining the worn-in bleached vibe.

Colorful Accents

Try an accent color on a pocket or brim for a playful pop. Pastel hues work nicely to enhance the faded finish.

Novelty Shapes

Bucket hats and baseball caps are classics, but brands also produce bleached styles in beanies, visors, trucker hats and more.

Distressed Details

Look for bleached hats with extra rips, fraying, patched holes or loose threads to emphasize that well-worn look.

Text Embellishments

Some bleached hats add whimsy with text phrases like "Beach Babe" or "Vacation Mode." The casual vibe allows room for playful words.

However it's styled, a quality bleached hat makes a laidback, effortless addition to any relaxed outfit. The beloved bleached aesthetic only continues to grow in popularity across fashion accessory categories.

FAQs

What fabric is best for bleaching hats?

Denim and cotton are the most common fabrics used to make bleached hats. They tend to withstand the bleaching process well and achieve that iconic faded look.

What colors can you make with a hat bleaching kit?

Bleach removes color rather than dyeing. So bleaching hats results in light blue or off-white shades rather than new colors. You can experiment with accent colors on things like brim stripes.

Should I wash my bleached hat?

Only wash bleached hats gently by hand if needed. The fabrics are delicate. Avoid machine washing, wringing or extended sun exposure which can cause premature wear.

Where are the best places to buy bleached hats?

Online retailers like Etsy offer handmade options. Major hat brands and clothing chains also carry bleached baseball caps and bucket hats. Vintage stores can provide authentic 90’s style bleached hats.