Caps have been around for thousands of years. Earlier, a cap’s utility was more functional, used solely to cover the head and shield the eyes from the sun. Today, a cap has gone beyond its functional usage to become a style statement, an expression of personality, and a shield against the elements.
From sportsmen to the general public, everyone can be seen donning a cap on a hot summer’s day. It is an accessory that is equal parts functional and fashionable.
If you plan to add a well-fitted cap to your collection of headgear, here is everything you need to know about men’s caps before buying one.
- A Brief History of Caps
Did you know the earliest record of headgear similar to caps was in 3200 BC? The first headgear that resembled the modern cap was the Greek Petasos. It was a wide-brimmed hat made of straw or felt, with a chin strap and a conical crown. People in ancient Greece wore it.
The word ‘cap’ comes from an Old French term ‘chapeau’ meaning ‘head covering’. The modern baseball cap was born in the 1800s when American baseball teams used to wear a headpiece with a visor to shield their eyes during games and get better vision. Over time, changes were made to the style to accommodate the game’s and the players’ demands, leading to the modern men’s caps rising in popularity.
- Why is Owning a Cap Necessary?
A cap is a basic accessory that protects your head, hair, face and skin from the harsh sun. During summer, when it feels burdensome to wear too many layers of clothing, simple cotton men’s caps help you shield yourself from the sun, offering shade and relief. If you are a sportsman, the cap becomes a saviour when you might be playing on the field in the sun, wicking sweat and keeping your hair out of the way. Moreover, it also protects you from natural elements like rain, storms, hail and more.
Apart from the functional uses of a cap, it is also often worn for fashion. Wearing a cap over your jogging outfit makes your look functional and stylish. Even if you are casually going out with your friends, a baseball cap completes the outfit. Want to hide bed-head or have a bad hair day? A cap comes to your rescue every time.
3.Different Types of Caps for Men
When we think of a cap, the most common image that pops up is the typical baseball cap. However, different types of men’s caps are available, each with unique quality, making them suitable for different occasions and outfits.
- Baseball Caps
These are the most common caps you will see people wearing. It has a structured crown and a curved visor for the best style and utility. You will often find logos of brands or teams at the front. The back of the cap will usually have a velcro, plastic or elastic adjuster to fit the head of different wearers.
The baseball men’s caps have a snug fit that keeps the cap intact on the head. This was done to ensure it would not move as baseball players would run around the pitch. The long visor protects the eyes from natural elements and sunlight. Today, baseball caps have become the basic, quintessential cap that people wear casually for a sporty vibe.
- Snapbacks
You might associate snapbacks with the raging hip-hop culture of the late 1900s. These men’s caps have a wide, flat brim that is slightly shorter than baseball caps. They are called snapbacks because they have plastic adjustable snap closures to offer a more custom fit to the wearer. Street style wearers, hip-hop lovers and dancers swear by the snapbacks for a more urban look these caps add to the outfit. People who are a fan of sports also wear snapbacks.
- 5-Panel Cap
The 5-panel cap was popular in the 1990s, typically worn by skateboarders. A regular cap has six panels, while a 5-panel cap, as the name suggests, has five. It has a unique look above the brim due to the missing sixth panel, making the cap more curved. The brim is slightly shorter than a traditional cap and curves towards the edges.
- Trucker Caps
A trucker cap is known for its rugged, outdoorsy look. The cap is a version of a baseball cap with a distinct mesh panelled back that is not often found in other types of men’s caps. The name comes from the fact that it was first worn by truckers in the late 1900s who wanted to keep their heads cool from the heated back of the truck. It is an entirely functional cap with a curved brim to shade the eyes from the sun while driving.
Conclusion
While buying men’s caps, there are some things that you should always consider, such as the material of the cap, weather conditions and the occasion for wearing it. Cotton caps are lightweight and breathable, perfect for warmer weather. If you are into sports, a durable moisture-wicking cap is the most suitable for athletic activities. Go through the most trending caps for men and choose one that fits your purpose best, adding the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.
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