Like jeans and sports shoes, New Era caps were once simple, functional items worn by a specific group, but now they’re a fashion staple around the world. The brand was founded in the 1920s and became the official cap brand of Major League Baseball. However, since then, their hats have been designed for and used in practically every informal setting. Variations based upon their classic silhouette have helped them adapt and survive.
As with other fashion items, some people seem to be able to style their New Era hats better than others. This article will give you a few pointers on how to become one of them.
Choose a Flat Brim to Create a Streetwear Vibe
The flat-brimmed baseball cap has long been associated with street culture, and rappers like 50 Cent and Vanilla Ice have even made them a central part of their image. You can create a similar vibe by pairing your cap with a chunky, oversized ensemble. That could include an oversized hoodie, layers of oversized tees, and accessories like chains.
The trick to pulling this look off and still looking stylish is to avoid creating visual overwhelm. If you’re choosing a bold cap, keep the rest of the outfit neutral. If your outer layer is the statement piece, choose a more scaled-back cap.
Look Good with Little Effort by Choosing a Low-Profile Cap
New Era offers several cap shapes that could be described as low-profile. These are ones that aren’t as boxy or structured as classic baseball caps. They’re also shallower, with a crown that doesn’t stand as tall above your head. They’re a bit like a trusty pair of jeans, in that you can throw them on with just about any outfit to create a look that appears both effortless and stylish.
You’ll need to pick a neutral colour palette for maximum versatility. Navy, grey, and olive are all good choices that go well with anything.
Don a Minimal Cap for Smart-Casual Sun Protection
Sunglasses remain the number one smart-casual accessory, but they only protect your eyes. If you’re outdoors on a summer’s day and unsure about when you can reapply your sunscreen, a baseball cap is a much more convenient accessory for protecting your face. The only problem is that it can look incongruous when paired with a shirt and blazer. However, it can be done.
The smart approach is to opt for smart, neutral tones like black, navy and grey, and to opt for minimal branding. While customisation is trending among US fashion brands, and sports team or company logos have long provided focal points on baseball caps, these should be avoided with smarter outfits. Keep other accessories like your belt and watch to a minimum, too.
When in Doubt, Take Inspiration from Celebrities
Part of the reason New Era started offering different cap shapes beyond their original design is that they took notice of the ways people, and especially celebrities, were using their hats off the field. That means you shouldn’t be embarrassed about doing the same. In fact, it can get you into new trends early.
If you like to look sporty, take a look at how famous athletes are styling their caps in press conferences or when they arrive at events. If you’re into street fashion, check out how the latest hip-hop stars are wearing them. You can do the same for any type of look you want to create. And because the baseball cap is such a timeless staple, there will always be some examples.
Conclusion
Modern New Era caps are about much more than just preventing sunburn on your face and helping you see on bright days. They’re versatile accessories that can be used for self-expression or to enhance your outfits. These tips should have given you some ideas of how to use them in a more intentional, style-conscious way.
