The many faces of the classic cap

Whether you call them caps, hats or even ‘cappies’, one thing’s clear: caps have never been more in vogue. Once created as athletic headgear for baseball players, caps have reinvented themselves into iconic fashion staples that accentuate any outfit with a personal touch — and not to mention the practical protection from sun and glare they offer. Over time, caps have evolved into a vast universe of styles and cuts, navigating which can be a real fashion jungle. We’re here to guide you through it all, helping you choose the perfect model to make your look truly shine.

To make sense of this diversity, we break down cap styles according to key features, starting with closures, crown construction and brim shapes, before exploring specific cap names and variations.

Caps categorised by closure

Snapback caps

Key feature: adjustable plastic snap closure at the back of the crown

In streetwear circles and especially within the hip-hop scene, the term "snapback" is widely used — and sometimes misused — as a catch-all for any trendy flat-brim cap. But let’s get precise: a proper snapback cap refers simply to a cap that features a plastic snap closure at the back. This mechanism allows the cap to be adjusted in size and therefore fits a wide range — commonly referred to as one size.

Strapback caps

Key feature: adjustable strap with buckle or hook-and-loop fastener at the back

Seen as the twin sibling to the snapback, a strapback cap features an adjustable strap instead — secured via buckle or hook-and-loop fastener. Just like the snapback, it’s a one-size solution, allowing wearers to tailor the fit to their needs while maintaining a clean and minimalist design.

Full-fitted caps

True to their name, full-fitted caps fully wrap the head and lack any form of adjustability. This gives them a sleek, streamlined silhouette, making them a stylish standout. Within this category, there are two main variants:

Fitted caps must be chosen with precision, in your exact head size — there’s no wiggle room. In contrast, flexfit caps have a closed back too, but feature an inner stretch band that accommodates various sizes slightly more flexibly. Flexfit models come in size ranges, whereas fitted ones adhere to a single, fixed size.

Caps categorised by crown shape

6 panel caps

Key feature: six-panel construction, typically symmetrical

Let’s start with a classic: the 6 panel cap. The majority of caps — particularly traditional baseball caps — use a six-piece construction sewn together into a dome-like shape. These six equally shaped panels usually meet at the centre, where they’re reinforced with a small button detail.

5 panel caps

Key feature: five-panel design, commonly asymmetrical

If you’re after a more fashion-forward twist, look to the 5 panel cap. Popularised by brands like Supreme since the '90s, this style breaks away from the symmetric six-piece structure in favour of a bolder front panel, often tailored to feature logos or eye-catching prints. Colours tend to vary across panels, making them a favourite among the style-conscious.

Army caps

Key features: curved brim, boxy crown, adjustable strap

For something with an edge, try military-inspired caps. Known for camo patterns, washed-out colours and rugged charm, army caps have a distinctly flat-topped silhouette, wide-fitting shape and almost always a curved brim. Popularly dubbed as Castro or Mao caps, their origins are military — but their style is unmistakably modern. Typically adjustable via strap or hook-and-loop fastener.

Visors

Key features: curved brim, no crown (open-top)

If you're looking for pure sun protection minus the hat hair, try a visor hat. Ideal for golf, tennis and warm-weather activities, visors shield the eyes and face while leaving the head exposed for ventilation. A top pick for women’s summer fashion, they pair well with a tied scarf or bandana to create a blend between headband and sun cap.

Flat caps

Key features: flat crown, short brim

This is the wonderfully British cap with more aliases than you’d imagine: flatcap, newsboy cap, ivy cap, driver cap — or even cabby cap. What sets flat caps apart is their low-profile design, where the flat crown sits flush with a short brim partially hidden below. A bastion of timeless style, they work beautifully with both smart and laid-back outfits thanks to their variety in cuts and fabrics.

Caps categorised by brim

Curved brim caps

Key feature: curved brim

Look at just about any performance or casual cap, and you’ll likely find a curved brim. Often referred to as curved brim caps in fashion lingo, this shape enhances comfort and provides more effective glare protection — especially for the eyes in bright conditions. Its design is also more aerodynamic, making it a go-to for functional use.

Flat brim caps

Key feature: flat brim

Flat brim caps are all about attitude. Originating from the hip-hop scene, they’ve become a fashion staple for those looking to level up their streetwear game. Flat brim caps come in variations too — some choose to slightly bend the brim for a look not unlike a retro cycling cap. Perfect for standout urban style.

Other common cap styles

Baseball caps

Baseball caps
Key features: curved brim, six-panel construction, fitted or adjustable

The original that started it all. The first baseball cap was worn by the New York Yankees in 1849 (yes, really!) — albeit made from straw. Today’s baseball caps come in soft fabrics, classic six-panel shapes and curved brims. You’ll generally find them as full-fitted caps or snapbacks.

Trucker caps

Key features: curved brim, mesh back, snapback closure

Adapted from the headgear of long-haul drivers, trucker caps (aka mesh caps), feature a ventilated mesh back that keeps your head cool — even on long journeys. Based on the baseball cap, they offer the same stylish shape but with extra breathability. Today, they’re often worn as fashion pieces far beyond the open road.

Dad hats

Key features: curved brim, unstructured front, clean and understated

Simplicity is the core of the dad hat. These relaxed, vintage-inspired caps often carry a humble “normcore” vibe — no loud branding, no firm front structure, just soft cotton and a comfortable fit. Once the domain of laid-back fathers, they’re now reclaimed by the fashion forward as a statement of understated cool.

New Era caps

Finally, let’s talk about a global heavyweight in the cap industry: New Era. Alongside 47 Brand, New Era has secured official licensing for MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL teams. Their models have earned cult followings, with style names such as the 9Twenty, 9Forty, 9Fifty, 39Thirty and the legendary 59Fifty. These caps are more than accessories — they’re collectible status symbols. In fact, many wearers leave the original sticker on as a badge of authenticity.