The Complete History and Style Guide on Snapback Hats

The History of Snapback Hats

Snapbacks, sometimes referred to as flat brims, have become an iconic hat style in streetwear and hip hop culture. But where did they originate from?

The Birth of Snapbacks

Snapback hats first emerged back in the late 1800s as part of the baseball uniform. Early baseball caps had unstiffened peaks that could be snapped down to keep the sun out of the players' eyes. These hats were simply called "baseball caps" or "ballcaps."

It wasn't until the 1940s that baseball teams started adding their logos onto the front of the caps. The Brooklyn Excelsiors were the first team to customize their caps with an embroidered logo in 1950. This kicked off the trend of snapbacks as a branding item.

Snapbacks Hit Pop Culture

Over the next few decades, snapback hats grew exponentially in popularity across America thanks to baseball and hip hop culture. Baseball fans started wearing snapbacks to represent their favorite teams.

Then in the 70s and 80s as hip hop went mainstream, rappers and graffiti artists on the East Coast adopted snapbacks as part of the signature street style. Legendary groups like Run DMC and NWA cemented flat brims and tilted baseball caps as part of hip hop fashion.

The Rise of Starter & Fitted Hats

In the early 90s, athletic brand Starter became one of the most iconic sportswear labels thanks to their snapbacks featuring embroidered team logos. Around the same time, fitted or "flexfit" hats also came onto the scene.

Fitted hats differed from snapbacks due to their flexible or stretchable headband that allowed them to conform to different head sizes. Snapbacks had always made use of an adjustable plastic strap in the back to achieve a perfect fit.

For a while, fitted hats cut into the popularity of traditional snapback caps. But by the late 90s and 2000s, snapbacks came surging back, especially in the skating, punk, and hip hop circles.

Elements of a Snapback Cap

Snapback hats may seem simple in design, but they're more complex than you think! Let's break down the key components that define a true snapback.

The Bill/Visor

The "bill" or "visor" refers to the stiff projecting brim at the front of the hat. Snapback bills are traditionally wide and flat. They can come in a variety of shapes like squared-off, slightly curved, or extra elongated.

Adjustable Plastic Strap

The adjustable strap is the signature snap function that allows you to customize the fit. Modern snapbacks feature a plastic strap with holes along with a metal clasp. Vintage snapbacks may have a fabric fastener instead.

High Profile Crown

Snapbacks are structured hats. The crown maintains its domed shape due to the cardboard or plastic inserts layered inside the fabric. This gives the hat a boxy, rounded silhouette.

Mesh Back Panel

Nearly all snapbacks feature some type of mesh back panel above the plastic strap. This improves ventilation and breathability, while also allowing you to adjust ponytail or bun hairstyles.

Multiple Colorways

From simple black or white to neon hues to colorful graphic prints, snapbacks come in a limitless array of color schemes. It's all about standing out from the crowd.

How to Style Snapback Hats

Tilt the Brim

Snapping only the back plastic strap while leaving the brim flat and stiff is the quintessential way to wear a snapback. Angling the brim slightly to one side gives off an urban, streetwear vibe.

Coordinate Colors

Choose a snapback color that contrasts or complements the rest of your outfit. For example, rock a red cap to match a red hoodie. Or wear a green hat to offset an all-black tracksuit.

Stack with Other Accessories

Pile on the chains, shades, and hypebeast kicks to complement your snapped lid. The more swagger-filled accessories, the better when it comes to making a street style statement.

Let the Sticker Show

Most snapbacks ship with a round sticker on the brim. Leaving it on is part of sporting fresh new snapback. It lets everyone know your hat came straight from the store.

The Culture of Snapbacks

Vintage Collecting

Vintage snapbacks from the 50s-90s have become iconic collectors' items for streetwear enthusiasts and hip hop heads. Rare caps can fetch up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Fitted vs Snapback Debate

There are strong opinions on both sides of whether fitted/flexfit or old school snapback caps reign supreme. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and style.

Custom Culture

Today you'll see tons of people wearing custom snapbacks featuring homemade embroidery, patches, pins, and art. DIY your own snapback to show off your personality.

So whether you're a hypebeast, street guru, or baseball fan, snapbacks let you express individuality through fashion. The next time you see someone rocking a flat brim, take a closer look at the cultural significance behind this iconic cap.

FAQs

When were snapback hats first invented?

Snapback hats originated in the late 1800s as part of the baseball uniform. The first snapback caps had unstiffened peaks that could be "snapped" down to shield players' eyes from the sun.

What's the difference between a snapback and a fitted hat?

Snapbacks feature an adjustable plastic strap in the back to customize the fit. Fitted or flexfit hats have stretchable headbands that conform to the wearer's head size without any adjustments needed.

Why are snapbacks so popular in hip hop fashion?

In the 1970s-80s, rappers and graffiti artists on the East Coast started wearing snapback caps tilted or slanted as part of the burgeoning street style. Groups like Run DMC cemented the trend in hip hop culture.

What makes a vintage snapback valuable to collectors?

Rare vintage snapbacks from the 1950s-1990s that feature iconic sports team logos or retro graphics can sell for hundreds or thousands among collectors and resellers.

Should the brand sticker be left on a snapback hat?

It's a common trend in streetwear to keep the store sticker on the brim. The sticker shows that the snapback is brand new and gives off an authentic vibe.