The 19 Best Baseball Caps to Adorn Any Outfit
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
From designer splurges to classic dad caps.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
Few garments are more essential than your standard baseball cap when achieving the ever-coveted “off-duty celeb” aesthetic. It reads low maintenance and serves plenty of practical purposes, too. It’ll shield you from rain, protect you from sun, and best of all, absolve you of the need to wrestle with your bedhead. Baseball cap options are manifold. As fashion stylist and podcaster Emma Wooley points out, these hats are also “a perfect mini billboard for the things you love or want to support.”
Whether you’re repping an actual baseball team, a beloved restaurant, a quippy catchphrase, or a luxury brand, we’ve tapped three style experts to help us hand-select our absolute favorite shoppable cap options for any/all occasions—with plenty of intel to aid you in making the best choice.
Best Overall: J. Crew Made in the USA Dad Cap
Why We Love It: Listen, the baseball cap has always been a classic. Much like old Levi’s, or perfect penny loafers, some entirely quintessential version is ever in style. And keeping a basic, solid, logo-free option on hand is a must for pairing with busier outfits (no shade to the power clash). “If you're wearing a pattern-heavy outfit or a graphic T-shirt, you don't want to overload your look with insignias—and I often find myself reaching for my own plain khaki dad hat,” says Wooley. “I bought my dad a similar one from J. Crew for Christmas, and he wears it too.” This particular number, made of garment-dyed cotton twill, is made to sun bleach throughout a summer season. And with plenty of colorways available, and an adjustable, metal-enclosure back strap, you’d be hard-pressed to find an outfit (or a head) it won’t suit.
Material: Garment-dyed cotton twill | Size: OS
Best Budget: Gap Organic Cotton Hat
Why We Love It: Few brands will give you timeless, affordable, and endlessly reliable quite like Gap. And this particular cap, which clocks in at $12—the price of a matcha latte with oat milk in New York City—is an easy and endlessly reliable addition to any wardrobe. Made with washed, organic cotton and a perfectly pre-arched bill, it comes in the ideal, always flattering, classic dad cap cut, regardless of your head size. Plus, the fabric is 100 percent organically grown (i.e. without the use of harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers) so you can feel good about making a budget selection that doesn’t qualify as fast fashion.
Material: Washed, organic cotton | Size: OS
Best Splurge: Jacquemus Le Casquette Frayed Cotton Twill Hat
Why We Love It: If you’re going to spend on a baseball cap, you might as well opt for Jacquemus. This version, in an earthy brick red, boasts a bill roped in a tidy frayed trim, and a classic raised logo with the French designer’s signature lettering. “If you’ve ever had your hat blow away into the ocean or a busy city street, this chic hat is the one for you,” says fashion journalist and fellow InStyle contributor, Jenna Igneri. “An adjustable cord solves this issue, and the frayed trim is a fun, summery touch.” Made of cotton twill, the chin strap-equipped hat is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the moment's trendiest bucket hats—while remaining true to its classic dad cap roots.
Material: Cotton twill | Size: 56–60
Best Denim: Polo Denim Cap
Why We Love It: Without skewing too far into the whole Britney-and-Justin shtick, this all-denim polo cap still pays appropriate homage to the Canadian tuxedo movement (whereby no amount of denim is too much denim). Complete with embroidered eyelets, a pin-buckle fastener, and the ever-charming threadbare Polo bear logo, it feels loud, but not ridiculous. And what with the intentional fading spread across the surface, the embroidered back face logo, and the pre-washed quality, it feels like an easy addition to any already-denim outfit. “As a known Canadian tuxedo wearer, I’d love to sport a denim cap with the new Pamela Anderson x Re/Done collab, and some little heeled sandals,” says Wooley. “My podcast co-host and I just did some market research and noted a lot of unconventional light wash denim accessories—top handle purses, pointy-toed slingbacks. A cap is a fun way to lean into the trend.”
Material: Non-stretch cotton denim | Size: OS
Best Business-Casual: Toteme Leather-Trimmed Hat
Why We Love It: Yes, it is possible to splurge without sporting a designer logo front and center. Case-in-point is this cap from Toteme in a creamy, pristine beige. As part of the brand’s very own athleisure capsule collection, this piece is a nod to sporty glam—without sacrificing the signature Toteme sense of refinement. Cut from an organic cotton-blend twill (with 39 percent recycled fibers) the ultra minimal accessory rounds out with a brown leather tab closure at the back. It’s classic enough to sport with leggings and Hokas—but upscale enough to pair with a full-on business suit. “For those who don’t believe in quiet luxury, this is the ultimate game changer,” says Igneri.
Material: Organic cotton-blend twill with recycled fibers, leather | Size: OS
Best Corduroy: Clare V. Embroidered Corduroy Cap
Why We Love It: Sometimes, one word simply says it all—so why not go with “yes?” This full corduroy cap from French designer, Clare V, has a distinct ‘70s bend in a deep, almost aquatic green. Embroidered with a simple “oui” in punchy, orange thread, it’s the perfect Francophile accessory. With a slightly longer bill, a relatively shallow crown, and a sliding metal enclosure over the corduroy backstrap, this hat skews more fashion than utility (the fabric isn’t exactly the most rain and sweatproof material out there). That said, branching out of cotton twill territory is a welcome opportunity to invite some new joie de vivre (it’s French, get it?) into your wardrobe. “Be sure to experiment with textiles when you’re looking to mix things up with your caps,” says design consultant Joyce Lee. So, why not start with corduroy?
Material: Cotton corduroy, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best Vintage-Inspired: Sporty & Rich Tennis Cap
Why We Love It: “This one is perfect for dabbling in the tennis-core trend, even if you—like me—have never picked up a tennis racquet in your life,” says Igneri. “Fake it ‘til you make it!” With an oxblood red bill and a contrasting, vintage-inspired off-white crown, this particular hat gives the appearance of something you found tucked away in a thrift store or your grandpa’s closet—and the old school, capslock “Tennis Club” insignia up front certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Made of 100 percent cotton twill with a curved bill and a cinched fastener, this is the sort of for-the-ages cap you thought you couldn't buy straight from the source. Hell, it might even convince you to invest in tennis lessons (or, well, a proper tennis outfit).
Material: Cotton twill, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best Classic: Museum of Peace & Quiet Hat
Why We Love It: Made of 100 percent cotton with a metal clip strap for sizing adjustment, this perfect, feminine-leaning option is an easy go-to when you’re looking for a staple hat—but with a touch more character, “This cap is simple, clean, and comes in the prettiest olive hue—a neutral, in my book,” says Igneri. “And It also doubles as a powerful daily affirmation. Who doesn’t need some peace and quiet?”
Material: Cotton twill, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best Trucker: Alo Trucker Hat
Why We Love It: In the landscape of dad caps, there’s always room to celebrate the ever-topical trucker hat. Sold by beloved yoga brand, Alo, it’s not exactly likely that you’ll find many truckers sporting this particular model; nonetheless, it comes with that signature plastic-pegged back enclosure and a fully mesh back crown designed to give any athlete maximum scalp breathability while still protecting the face from things like rain and sun. Available in a variety of colors from “bone white” to “stealth green,” there’s an option to match any workout outfit (no matter how many patterns it may include). Plus, it’s perfectly easy to spot clean after long, sweaty outings.
Material: Neoprene, polyester webbing | Size: OS
Best Sustainable: Parks Project Stacked Rocks Hat
Why We Love It: This classic five-panel cap comes pre-washed, giving it a pleasantly worn-in, properly outdoorsy affect right from the start. Boasting a stacked rocks logo—a celebration of the stacked rock sculptures, often called cairns, left behind by hikers on major trails—it’s the perfect way to rep U.S. national parks wherever you are. Made with 100 percent recycled cotton and a metal back enclosure, it’s an easy go-to for all head sizes. Plus, it’s machine-washable so you can wear it on a hike. Better yet, any merch product you purchase from Parks Project helps the organization continue to fund, spearhead, and champion conservation efforts and vital maintenance projects in national parks across the U.S.
Material: Cotton, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best for Bad Hair Days: Comme Si Silk-Lined Hat
Why We Love It: In the daintiest shade of eggshell, this structured hat is the bedhead solution of your dreams. The cotton twill number is lined with silk on the interior—which is to say, it won’t just mask your messy, tangled hair. It’ll actually smooth it out. We’re rethinking the term “hat hair” here, people. Complete with the Comme Si insignia in its own shade of cream, this cap fastens with a grosgrain band and a hook-and-loop closure at the back. And given that it’s purely handmade in Italy, every detail feels careful and intentional. “The embroidery here is so subtle and lovely,” says Lee. “And the silk lining is such a bonus. It feels so luxurious and also keeps your hair looking nice as soon as you take off the cap.”
Material: Cotton twill, silk lining | Size: OS
Best for Movie Buffs: SCRT Wong Kar Wai Cap
Why We Love It: Few things will make a dad hat more fundamentally cool than a niche reference. And this one, repping Wong Kar Wai, is a great way to make your cinephile clout known to the world. “I recently purchased this gorgeous WKW baseball cap, since it’s celebrating one of my all-time favorite directors,” says Wooley. “For all the other cinema nerds who want to attract other cinema nerds, I can’t recommend it enough.” Originally inspired by the 1995 film, Fallen Angels, this particular garment is crafted out of heavy cotton twill with five panels, an embroidered logo, and an inner woven logo. Plus, the metal clipped back clasp ensures that thing is, indeed, one-size-fits-all.
Material: Heavy cotton twill, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best Sporty: Outdoor Voices Doing Things Hat
Why We Love It: Surely, you’ve seen the Doing Things cap on hundreds of heads across the country (not to mention your Instagram feed). But to be frank, there’s a reason: This Velcro-closure number is perfect for ensuring a snug fit for runners, hikers, even bikers—even though it’s lighter in weight than most caps. Made of 100 percent recycled nylon taslon in signature royal OV blue, it’s sweat- and rainproof (unlike so many of its cotton competitors). Plus, the brim is made with fully traceable “NetPlus” material crafted entirely from recycled fishing nets—so while it supports your workout, it’s also preventing harmful plastics from entering the ocean. And, whether you’re wearing the thing to run a marathon, or run some errands, the “doing things” mantra rings true.
Material: Recycled nylon, Velcro | Size: OS
Best Graphic: Ronner Equestrian Carousel Cap
Why We Love It: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Horse girl is always en vogue. Lean equestrian without going the whole nine yards with this perfect, delightfully muted green cap, featuring two embroidered, enrobed dancing horses. Made with soft, pre-washed cotton and fixed with a metal back fastener, it’s designed by an equestrian company—which is to say, you can rock this thing in the stables or on the race track just as effectively as the subway. Featuring classic crown eyelets and a pre-curved bill, it certainly gives the impression that this is not your first rodeo. Or, well, whatever else it is that horse girls do.
Material: Embroidered cotton, sliding metal enclosure | Size: OS
Best Museum Merch: Whitney Logo Cap
Why We Love It: Who knows great design better than a lauded art museum? We highly recommend visiting museum gift shops as often as possible when in the market for a new baseball cap: They tend to be well-made, chic, and reserved—plus, they’ll give off the obvious aura that you are, indeed, spectacularly cultured. “Don’t sleep on museum hats!” says Wooley. “This Whitney Museum version is a perfect example.” In a tirelessly chic black-on-black colorway, this particular cap, made with 100 percent cotton and a one size fits all adjustable back strap, is sure to stage you, yourself, as a work of art (or an aficionado, at least).
Material: Cotton | Size: OS
Best Authentic: MLB New York Mets Hat
Why We Love It: For all the fashion baseball caps out there, we’d be remiss not to proselytize at least one supporting baseball. Directly from the source (the MLB merch store, that is), this washed-cotton blue cap comes with a raised, embroidered ‘47 Mets logo up front, and a proper MLB insignia in the back. With six panels and a low crown, this foolproof hat style certainly takes itself seriously. But be wary: This fitted cap is nonadjustable, so make sure you’re selecting the correct size if you’re ordering online.
Material: Washed cotton | Size: S–2XL
Best Literary Merch: Paris Review Cap in Butter Yellow
See at Store.theparisreview.org
Why We Love It: Speaking of intellectualism, few brands deserve your guerilla marketing money (by way of baseball cap) quite like the Paris Review. It’s still publishing brilliant, high-caliber work in print. This particular cap, crafted from 100 percent bio-washed chino twill in a vintage-inspired, perfectly washed-out butter yellow, is the perfect summertime swimsuit accoutrement. Better yet, the fabric tri-glide buckle closure comes in antique brass, driving home the full-bleed, old-school aesthetic.
Material: Bio-washed chino twill, antique brass enclosure | Size: OS
Best Restaurant Merch: Jon & Vinny’s x Madhappy Fusilli Palazzo Hat
Why We Love It: If we’re talking brand merch, we simply can’t avoid touching on the sartorial genre that is restaurant garb. Whether in your neighborhood, or while abroad, you’re well advised to check out the merch selection at any bar or restaurant that uniquely strikes your fancy. We, for example, are obsessed with this collab cap from Madhappy and iconic Los Angeles Italian institution, Jon & Vinny’s. With an insignia that reads, “Fusilli Pallazzo, Come Famiglia” (translation: as a family), above a scaled-down image of the Italian flag, it certainly speaks to the restaurant’s proud and lauded Italian roots. Made of 100 percent cotton in a pristine, almost glowing white with a steel back enclosure, the wide-billed, flat-brimmed cap is a proper Jon & Vinny loyalist’s necessity.
Material: Cotton, steel | Size: OS
Best Brand Logo: New York or Nowhere Cap
Why We Love It: “Classic, timeless, and a nod to my favorite city,” says Lee. “And it has a perfect silhouette.” With the ever-charming “New York or Nowhere” logo embroidered in white against the 100 percent cotton twill exterior, it’s the ultimate (original) New York homage. In a matte black hue with black brass hardware at the enclosure, the six-panel cap has a low-profile, boxy design that screams “incognito.” Plus, in effortless clean blacks and whites, it’s an easy warm-weather addition to your boldest, most eccentric outfits—and an equally essential garnish atop your typical wintertime long-black-coat uniform. Au contraire, for those looking to branch out beyond the whole all-black-everything ethos, it also comes in a classic cream with black embroidery for a bolder look.
Material: Cotton twill, brass hardware enclosure | Size: OS
What to Keep in Mind
Size: “Head shapes and sizes vary, so adjustability is key,” advises Igneri. “Most hats will have some sort of strap at the back, but I prefer styles with a hook-and-loop strap rather than pre-stamped notches to get that perfect fit. They especially come in handy on windy days when you need to better secure your hat to your head.” Metal closures, snapbacks (plastic fasteners), and Velcro straps are the most common closures you’ll see—all of which tend to be sold in one-size-fits-all formats. That said, Velcro and snap-back closures tend to be firmer and less likely to loosen throughout the day (making them smarter for workouts and bad weather days). Be sure to watch out for caps that advertise as “fitted”—which is to say, they won't include that always-essential adjustment strap. Sizing for fitted caps is numerical. For adults, they range from 7–8 (think: 7 ⅛, 7 ⅜, the list goes on) based on the actual circumference of your head. While you can measure to find your optimal size, it’s recommended that you stop at the merch store next time you visit a baseball game to determine the sizing number you prefer.
Fabric: Odds are, almost any cap you pick up will be made of cotton twill—the likes of which dyes well, is soft to the touch, and can withstand plenty of weather. That said, if you’re looking for serious athletic wear, we’d recommend opting for something nylon. Moisture-wicking materials will keep you cool and dry no matter how sweaty you may get on a long run—and they’re very easy to wash. “Nobody likes a sweaty scalp, so you’ll want to opt for a hat that’s breathable, especially during warmer, humid months,” says Igneri. “Look for styles made of 100 percent cotton to ensure they’re breathable or with embroidered eyelets or mesh panels for maximum ventilation.” Materials like denim, leather, and corduroy will be harder to wash and less breathable than your classic cotton-twill number so be sure to save these guys for fashion-forward occasions (and avoid wearing them in serious rain and sun).
Logos: Given that most dad hats will maintain the same silhouette, it’s important to express some creativity with the logo or insignia embroidered therein. Whether that’s a designer logo, a quippy catchphrase, or the name of your favorite bagel shop, be sure to use your cap as an opportunity to convey some personality. “Baseball hats are kind of like graphic tees, presenting the perfect opportunity to express yourself to those around you without having to say a word,” says Wooley. “Choose a brand, institution, or sports team you identify with, or something with a cheeky quote that perfectly encapsulates your current mood.”
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best way to clean a baseball cap?
While plenty of caps will include cleaning instructions on the tag—and a number are, indeed, machine-washable—it’s always important to check before you begin. For those that can be machine washed, we recommend you slide them into a mesh laundry bag before slipping them into the machine to help them retain shape and avoid snagging. Use the delicate cycle and wash in cold water, then reshape your cap and leave it out to air-dry to ensure it keeps its silhouette.
If you’re looking to spot clean or wash by hand, try filling a basin or your sink with cold or lukewarm water (to keep colors from bleeding) before mixing in some natural detergent. Submerge your cap and use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the surface, before reshaping and leaving it to air-dry on its own (avoid wringing it out for fear of damaging the shape). And if you’re just looking to spot clean, use a brush, detergent, water, and a bit of vinegar to scrub specifically at stains or filthy patches without fully submerging the cap.
How do you style a baseball hat?
A baseball cap is the perfect way to dress down an outfit, add a punch of personality, or champion a brand or designer you support. That said, when it comes to determining how, exactly, to style your cap, there are a few key rules to keep in mind. “In transitional seasons with unpredictable weather, I tend to lean on the sneaker/trench coat/baseball cap outerwear comb,” suggests Wooley. “Adding a cap on top of a Burberry trench coat will keep the ensemble from feeling too formal or business-y.”
If you’re looking to dress down a more formal outfit, we’d suggest opting for a classic cotton dad cap with an insignia in a neutral color (cream, navy, or black, for example). And for more formal occasions that are merely begging for headgear, opt for alt materials (leather, corduroy, nylon) in logo-free neutrals. “You can truly style a baseball cap with anything, but I like a high-low look, pairing mine with a floor-length leather coat and heeled booties,” says Igneri. “They’re also excellent outfit companions for bad hair days or when your bangs suddenly turn greasy.”
Of course, when you’re truly struggling, cap-to-toe monochrome is always a good move, too.
Why Shop With Us
Freelance writer and editor Eliza Dumais has been covering fashion, travel, and wellness for nearly 10 years at a variety of publications. She’s braved her fair share of fashion week shows, spent months living and working nomadically (largely out of a carry-on suitcase), and reported many a story alongside designers, artists, and product developers. For this particular story, she tapped the below experts to weigh in on their go-to caps—and the ways they prefer to style, select, and shop for them.
Emma Wooley is a fashion stylist and podcaster.
Jenna Igneri is a freelance fashion journalist. She’s a former fashion editor at Refinery29 and Nylon.
Joyce Lee is a design consultant and the former Senior Vice President of Design at Madewell.
For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on InStyle.
