TQS StaffBaseball caps were big fashion news in the 1980s, and now, after 30 years of seeing little action in the style stakes, caps are back.
At Kris Van Assche’s Dior Homme show in Paris earlier this year, all 47 outfits were teamed with a different baseball cap and many other top names also included caps in their shows.High street stores are reporting that sales have increased by as much as five times compared to last summer, and the Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalk shows heavily featured a number of baseball caps.
Where the top designers lead the fashion chains always follow, so there is no surprise that caps are working their way into the collections at all the top online and high street stores. For instance, look to Size.co.uk for a huge collection of the latest and greatest hats and caps (above).
The one-to-watch style is the five-panel cap, which has seen a massive surge in popularity this year. The square design with a top panel, two side panels and two back panels offers something different to the average hat roster. You can find these caps in a variety of patterns – the Size own-brand offers some simple and versatile colours, while Quintin’s graffiti-style range comes in a choice floral, swirls or speckled prints. Other hot new designs include bang-on-trend camouflage print caps by Tyson, and star-studded prints by HUF.
Also back in fashion are the snapback caps, which get their name from the adjustable plastic snap-fasteners at the back. These baseball caps have never really fallen out of favour with sports fans, but now they’re a must-have accessory for every man. You can choose from New Era’s classic baseball caps, Obey’s retro designs, Carhartt’s smart grey caps and HUF’s laid-back buffalo checks in red and black. If you fancy standing out from the crowd, take a look at the Vans collection, which includes caps adorned with quirky Aztec prints, bright florals and tiki-style Hawaiian girls.
If you prefer the old-school baseball caps, you will love New Era’s collection, which includes both snapback and fitted caps with classic logos for teams such as the LA Dodgers, Washington Redskins, Boston Red Sox and Miami Dolphins.
Baseball caps are setting up to be as big a hit with this generation as they were the first time round. Even the girls love wearing them – with Rihanna and Gwen Stefani having both been spotted sporting the accessories.
Let that serve as a warning to hide your hot new hat from your girlfriend and keep your major league look to yourself.
