How to Wear a Snapback | Curated Mint

In the early half of the 20th century, a man did not leave the house without a hat. Nobody knows exactly why we collectively decided to become head-nudists – some say it was the switch from public transport to cars, some point to the enviably popular hairstyles of JFK and The Beatles – but at some point in the middle of the 20th century, men’s hats disappeared.

‘So how does that affect me?’ I hear you cry. Well nowadays, leaving the house with a hat is something of a statement. When you add a hat to an outfit, regardless of how little thought went into the decision, it looks like you’ve made an effort.

But be warned! While this can work in your favour, it doesn’t mean that you’ve suddenly found a universal answer to all of your sartorial questions. It’s an unfortunate truth that ‘making an effort’ does not automatically add up to ‘looking good’. And nothing’s worse than a statement piece that is more of an eyesore than a vision of beauty. So put your trust in us and we’ll keep you looking snappy in your snapback and help you to avoid an outfit that tries hard but falls flat.

What is a Snapback?

To the cap connoisseurs amongst us, this might sound like a silly question. But the reality is that there are so many different styles of caps out there that it’s worth taking the time to distinguish between the different types. And where better to start than the snapback itself?

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The snapback is a baseball cap with a wide flat bill. It draws its name from the fastener at the back of the cap which allows the wearer to adjust its size. The six panels that form the dome of a snapback hats are rigidly structured, meaning that it is more likely to retain its original shape if it is squashed or folded. This results in a high dome at the front, providing a larger available space for text and graphics.

Snapbacks were created by New Era Caps, who continue to produce them today. The brand has strong links to the sporting world, most famously with the New York Yankees. Today, their New York snapbacks are not only popular amongst Yankee fans, but have become a part of the global fashion landscape.

What is a Fitted Baseball Cap?

A close cousin of the snapback is the fitted baseball cap. It encompasses all of the qualities of the snapback except the adjustable strap at the rear. Although this may seem an insignificant detail, it can actually make a big difference when shopping. While snapbacks are one-size-fits-all, the fitted cap comes in a variety of sizes. So make sure to try before you buy.

Fitted caps do have their advantages though. The extra space gained at the rear can be utilised for further subtle design features, such as brand logos and monogramming.

What are Trucker Hats?

Another flat-billed cap with a similar shape is the trucker hat. Often confused with snapbacks, they tend to be lower quality, with the rear four panels made of mesh. A relic of a time when American truckers were given caps as freebies, they often carry a non-branded slogan at the front almost like a bumper sticker.

What is a Visor Hat?

Moving away from the more structured styles, a classic cap that remains on trend today is the curved visor hat. Although still made from six panels, the dome is less rigid and tends to follow the shape of the head, creating a rounder finish. The real difference though is in the peak, which is curved rather than flat. Since the snapback made a comeback in the early noughties, the curved visor has experienced a lull in popularity. But with 90s nostalgia on the rise, both on the runways and the high street, expect to see much more of this headwear staple in the future.

What is a 5-panel Cap?

Finally, we have the 5-panel cap. Designed differently to all the other styles, the 5-panel is not built around one central point. Instead, it has five wider panels creating a boxier, close-fitting look. This style has experienced a huge surge in popularity in the last few years. Taking some of the focus away from the snapback, it has become synonymous with global streetwear brands such as HUF, Obey and The Quiet Life.

How to Wear a Snapback

Right, so now you know what a snapback is and you could pick one out from a police line-up. You’re probably desperate to start wearing one. But knowing how to wear a hat and knowing how to wear a cap can be tricky, so what do you do? Below you’ll find some handy tips on the dos and dont’s of snapback etiquette.

Colours

If you’re a first-timer, stick to simpler styles to begin with. A plain style or one with a simple logo on the front is a great option at the beginning. As we mentioned earlier, donning a hat can already be quite a statement, especially if your friends aren’t used to seeing you wearing one. So don’t go over the top straight away.

It’s also a good idea to go with basic colours that compliment the rest of your wardrobe. Black, blue and camouflage are colours that often work well for accessories as they tend to fit in with your wardrobe as a whole. But remember this is personal to you. For example, if you like to wear warmer colours, perhaps you’d rather go for a maroon? Just make sure to think about what would work well with your favourite outfits before you buy.

If you’re a headwear veteran – or just like to go bold at all times – consider a more stand-out option to really add some oomph to your outfit. There are plenty of options out there with eye-catching colours and designs. Whether you see your hat as an up-to-date platform for a traditional paisley print or an opportunity to sport a garment entirely covered in semi-dressed women, there’s something out there for everyone.

You can also play with different types of material in your cap collection. The majority of snapbacks out there will be made of some kind of blend of wool, cotton and polyester. But if you have quite a few hats in a similar style, maybe throw in some denim, corduroy or even silk. After all, variety is the spice of life.

Don’t throw too much at one outfit though! When it comes to adding a hat into the mix, follow the same rules as you would with the rest of your clothes. If you’re wearing a heavily patterned shirt, you wouldn’t normally go for patterned trousers, and the same goes for a snapback. So if your hat is quite loud, keep the rest of your outfit pared back to really highlight your cool new headwear.

We were catapulted into the fashion world after Spike Lee called in 1996 and asked for a red Yankees cap instead of the traditional navy blue. After he wore it to that year’s World Series, everyone wanted one, including hip-hop and rock stars.

– Christopher Koch, CEO New Era Caps

How to Wear a Snapback Forwards

Wearing a snapback forwards is the bread and butter of the snapback world. This is what they were designed for and it’s very easy to get right. So if caps are a new feature in your repertoire then this is probably your best bet.

How to Keep it Casual

This is a great way to create a classic casual look. And it’s incredibly versatile. Try pairing it with a basic tee or shirt and a pair of jeans. Adding a hat to a simple outfit shows that you’ve made an effort and that feel confident with your style

But just because it’s a classic look doesn’t mean it has to be boring. A great way to create a more interesting casual look is to let the brim of your hat sit on top of your head with the peak pointing upwards instead of resting on your forehead. This position will allow you to show off a bit more of your hairstyle. So if you love wearing hats and you have great hair, this is the style for you my friend. It is a perhaps a braver choice, but if you’re a seasoned hat-wearer and you’re not afraid to stand out in the crowd then definitely give it a go.

The Secret to a Smart Casual Snapback

The Snapback doesn’t have to be limited to very informal styles It can transition from casual to smart casual in the same way that denim can. Go for a clean hat in a dark neutral colour and replace the tee with a well-fitted shirt or T-shirt. You can either make sure your sneakers are in perfect ship-shape condition – if they’re scuffed and dirty, it will look too informal – or substitute them for a casual loafer. But perhaps take it off if you’re going to a job interview. Loafers can only get you so far.

What you should avoid here is pairing a snapback with anything too formal. Although certain cap-meets-blazer combinations have been known to work, they can look a little unusual if not done correctly. So while a casual loafer can work, it’s probably best to avoid your shiny black polished oxford shoes and your tuxedo.

How to Wear a Snapback Backwards

Wearing a snapback backwards is perfect for a casual outfit. But it does carry with it some risks. Unfortunately, the backwards cap look is sometimes thought of as a bit douche-y. So it’s best not to wear it with that Chang beer vest you bought on your gap year unless you’re actually on holiday. Seriously, if there’s no sand, no vest. Also, try not to check your hair in the mirror every 5 minutes even though you’ve got your hat on. It’s all covered up. Nobody can see it. Who cares about hat hair? Embrace it. Relish it.

How to Get the Streetwear Look

The backwards snapback does look great when it comes to streetwear though. So if your wardrobe is jam packed with loads of great streetwear brands then this is the look for you. Avoid looking like a cartoon character by wearing it high on the top of your head, pushed back from your forehead rather than straight backwards. Try putting it together with some casual sneaker, a branded tee or sweater,  and some wide-leg work trousers for a great streetwear look.

This backwards style is also much more aerodynamic. So if you’re an eco-warrior who bikes from A to B, or if you’re actually cool enough that for you skating is a mode of transport rather than a relic of your 12-year-old self, this way you won’t lose your hat en route.

How Not to Wear a Snapback

Right, so you’re all pumped, snapback on head and ready to go. Well first we’ve put together some golden rules of how to wear a cap, that will keep you on the straight and narrow.

Don’t Bend the Peak

First things first, don’t bend the peak! I know it’s quite tempting but it just isn’t a good look unless it’s a curved visor hat. Remember, Adam and Eve were booted out of Eden, cocoa butter tastes like soap, not chocolate, and snapback caps do not look good with a curved peak. It’s called a flat-bill cap for a reason and sometimes it’s just best to play by the rules.

Ponytails are a No No

Don’t shove your hair through the back in a ponytail. Now I know this is only relevant to the guys out there with long hair, but it’s definitely a fashion faux pas. That is unless you’re a ball boy at Wimbledon, in which case it’s great for keeping the hair out of your face and the sun out of your eyes – perfect for tennis watching!

Sideway Caps are Not a Thing

Finally, avoid the sideways look. There’s no denying Will Smith pulled it off with aplomb in The Fresh Prince of Belair. But he also managed to pull off the word ‘b-ball’ and an impressive array of neon shell-suits. The sad reality is that he’s a lot cooler than us. And we just need to accept that fact and move on with our (slightly less jaunty) lives.

How to Wear a SnapBack

1. When choosing your colours, make sure to go for a snapback that suits your complexion and fits in with the rest of your wardrobe.
2. Try out different patterns and materials. There’s a whole world of hats out there to try. So sow your wild oats, play the field. You won’t regret it.
3. Don’t mix a loud cap with a loud outfit though! You can have too much of a good thing.
4. Wear a snapback forwards to complete a simple casual look. Pull the peak back to sit jockey-style on top of your head if you want to make more of a statement.
5. Go for the backwards look in informal circumstances to bring a bit of edge to the table.
6. Don’t wear it sideways. No negotiations. It’s never going to work, I’m sorry.

On That Note

Snapbacks are a wardrobe staple for many men. They may have had their ups and downs over the years but they are yet to go out of fashion. So you can definitely wear yours with confidence. Remember, the more comfortable you feel in your outfit, the better you look.

Feature image from Pinterest