Snapback Or Dad Cap? Your Ultimate Caps Guide

by Sana Bun

Snapback Or Dad Cap? Your Ultimate Caps Guide

22 Apr 2024

Caps have been around for decades, firmly becoming a staple piece in fashion, even though originally, they had nothing to do with self-expression. In this guide, we investigate the most popular cap silhouettes, their history, and a modern take on iconic designs.

Although the caps’ massive inception started in the mid-19th century, their story began way earlier, in ancient times, when different types of headgear were used across cultures for practical and ceremonial purposes. For instance, ancient Greeks and Romans wore cloth coverings for sun protection, while in Medieval Europe, headwear could denote social status.

Of course, back in those days, caps weren’t like the ones we are used to, and our ancestors didn’t look like hip-hop artists. Modern silhouettes originate from baseball caps, which were invented in the 1860s to shield athletes’ eyes from the sun and improve visibility during outdoor games.

The first designs were quite simple, but soon, as baseball grew in popularity, their construction and looks evolved, gaining such elements as adjustable straps for a better fit and incorporating teams’ colours and logos as a sense of identity. In no time, caps expanded far beyond sports and crossed into mainstream fashion while also becoming very common in certain sub-cultures like hip-hop and skateboarding.

Today, when talking about classical baseball caps, people generally mean a fitted cap — a structured headwear with a flat brim and a closed back, designed to fit snugly without an adjustable strap.

KITH FOLLOW x Yankees '47325 AED

KITH FOLLOW x New York Yankees350 AED

KITH FOLLOW x Disney Kith & Kin Goofy325 AED

KITH FOLLOW x Yankees '47325 AED

KITH FOLLOW x New York Yankees350 AED

KITH FOLLOW x Disney Kith & Kin Goofy325 AED

A very similar model, snapback, with an adjustable strap at the back and internal lining preventing sweat from dropping on the forehead, was introduced in the 1950s but made a breakthrough only in the 1990s — partially thanks to rappers.

A bit later, in the 1960s, caps with a mesh back and a foam front are believed to have been given away or sold very cheaply at truck stops and petrol stations. So-called trucker caps provided good ventilation and, therefore, worked well for outdoor workers. They later became associated with rural and blue-collar culture before finding their place within hip-hop and streetwear scenes.

Beautifully Said350 AED

Market225 AED

Beautifully Said350 AED

Market225 AED

In the 1990s, caps sewing techniques also got more complicated: the five panel cap, which consisted of five distinct panels stitched together, came out. Its design was influenced by the functionality required for activities like hiking, camping, and skateboarding, which, on the one hand, had a comfortable fit but, on the other — left enough space on the front panel for prints, embroidery, and other decorative elements, adopting the model as a popular streetwear accessory.

Supreme426 AED

Maison Kitsuné388 AED

Supreme408 AED

Supreme426 AED

Maison Kitsuné388 AED

Supreme408 AED

At the same time, another variation of a baseball cap evolved: the dad cap, which emerged in the late 20th century, was less structured, had a relaxed fit, and curved brim, creating a worn-in effect. It started as a model generally worn by older generations, but with time, has transformed into a staple piece that perfectly works for effortless yet chic looks and now can be found in most wardrobes around the world, proving once again the ability of humble utilitarian pieces to turn into a fashion statement.