There are so many different types of hats out there from all sorts of backgrounds - it's a dizzying selection, however, this also means that there's a type of hat out there for everyone, whether you're looking for function or fashion. Sure, it's easy to spot a baseball cap, and the difference between a snapback and a strapback might be intuitive, but hop in with us and we'll have you telling your bucket from your bowler, and your cabbie from your coonskin.
What can we say about hats that hasn’t already been said? Historically, hats have been worn to mark social status or military rank. Straw hats have been used and made for hundreds of years by farmers to block the sun all over the globe. Hats became a common part of American culture through baseball and military use. Now that you know about the history of hats, on to the fun part.
As a general rule, if it has a front facing brim and panel construction, it is a ball cap. There are many different types of ball caps based on how they adjust to your head and how they are constructed. These include fitted, snapback, strapback, flexfit, trucker and 5-panel styles.
Measure your dome and buy accordingly. Fitted hats are denoted by a size that corresponds to the circumference of your head, in inches (7 5/8", etc.). Fitted hats are most often standard baseball caps, made from 6 cloth triangles and topped with a fabric-covered button called a, yes, this is the real word, squatchee.
Snapbacks got their start in sports during the 1950s but declined as fitted hats became more popular. It wasn’t until the ’80s and ’90s that snapbacks blew up in the hip hop scene and they gained popularity across the hat-wearing world. They use plastic snaps to adjust the diameter (size) of the hat. Snapbacks can generally be found on truckers, baseball, and old school Starter style hats.
Strapbacks overlap with traditional 6-panel and 5-panel hats. They are similar to snapbacks, but instead use an adjustable leather or poly band to adjust the head diameter.
These hats were all the rage in the ’90s (expect to see a resurgence soon). They are made out of a “poly-weave spandex” and stretch to fit your dome. One size fits most. We expect a comeback in 2020.
Beanies keep your head warm and the hair out of your face. They come in a couple of distinctive fits that can really change the vibe of your headwear. Slouch beanies, for example, can be used to store all those natty dreads. If you wear a slouch beanie, be prepared for reservoir tip comments. Skullcap style beanies are tight-fitting and give off a tough vibe; they should be accompanied by at least one facial scar (shaving, rail grind accident, they are all good). Roll up beanies do what they sound like they would and are quite versatile; wear one under a ski helmet or just around town depending on your roll preference. Pom pom beanies got their start as military wear (it’s true, call the French and Scottish) but have now been relegated to off-mountain wear for skiers and boarders (because they don’t fit under helmets), and on-mountain wear for those who don’t wear helmets. In Canada, they call beanies by their Canadian translation, a toque.
This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, and Snoqualmie Pass. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.
evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.
Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.
This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, and Snoqualmie Pass. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.
evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.
Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.