On the side of men's snapback caps, New Era leads with its 9FIFTY Heritage and Retro Crown, the Mets Subway or the Braves, followed by '47 Sure Shot and Cold Zone in Yankees colours. Kangol Jockey Cap and Outdoor Patch, Billionaire Boys Club College and Icecream bring a more streetwear vibe.
It’s instantly recognisable: a flat visor, high and rigid crown, with a snap band at the back. It has grown up with rap and urban skating, and remains a marker of street style.
At New Era, a company founded in Buffalo in 1920, the snapback is called the 9FIFTY. Its high crown highlights the logos, and its flat visor can be curved for those who prefer it.
The Heritage line features archive logos: the Highlanders, the name used by the Yankees in their early days, the Atlanta Braves, or the Yankees. With a lower crown, the Retro Crown echoes caps from past decades.
The New York Mets Subway 59FIFTY gives a nod to the New York subway, a model for fans of the Big Apple.
New Era also offers caps in the colours of European clubs, such as FC Porto.
The Boston brand '47 offers the Sure Shot MVP and Cold Zone MVP in a snapback version, for Yankees fans. An alternative to the more vintage style of New Era.
Kangol, an English brand, produces the Jockey Cap, inspired by jockey caps, and the Outdoor Patch, which features a badge. Two models for those who want a snapback without sporting logos.
Billionaire Boys Club and Icecream, brands associated with Pharrell Williams, offer a College snapback and a graphic model with a strong streetwear style.
Yankees, Mets, Highlanders: New York holds a special place in the range. These caps are worn by both baseball fans and city lovers, for whom the NY logo has become a symbol in its own right.
Worn with a simple outfit, grey sweatshirt, raw jeans and white sneakers, a subtly branded snapback fits seamlessly into everyday life. It’s best to take it off when arriving at the office.
Worn straight, with a hoodie, cargo pants and high-top sneakers: the ultimate streetwear outfit. Paired with a varsity jacket or tracksuit, it brings back the spirit of the 1990s.
Purists want it perfectly flat, gold sticker included. Others prefer a slight curve, closer to baseball. It’s a matter of taste.
The high crown of a snapback balances an elongated face. For a round face, a slightly curved visor softens the features. The Retro Crown, being lower, suits those who find the 9FIFTY too high.
In skate culture, the snapback is worn with a loose t-shirt, baggy pants and flat-soled shoes. Worn backwards, with the visor facing the back, it doesn’t interfere during tricks.
Limited editions, archive logos, collaborations: the snapback is one of the most collected caps. Keep it in its original form, with a flat visor and intact sticker, to preserve its value.
Archive logos, like those from the Heritage line, tell the history of the teams. They appeal to sports fans as much as those who love vintage graphics.
The back strap adjusts notch by notch: aim for the one that keeps the cap snug without leaving a mark on the forehead. A well-adjusted snapback doesn’t shift when you tilt your head.
Brush it, then clean any stains with soapy water using a soft brush. Avoid getting the visor cardboard wet, as it may warp. Dry it on a round support, away from the radiator.
Curved visor: baseball caps. Lower crown: 5-panel caps. The Buffalo manufacturer has its page New Era, and the whole range in the men's headwear.
The snapback silhouette from the New Era catalogue.
The snapback is adjustable, while the 59FIFTY is fitted and chosen by size.
A New Era snapback with a lower crown, inspired by retro styles.
It’s a style choice, common in streetwear culture.
With a brush and soapy water, without wetting the visor.