By: Melody
Posted on: Aug 16, 2022
Snapbacks or Fitted caps? Which one will work the best for you? How do these cap styles compare and when should you choose one over the other? Read on to find out the answer.
Snapback caps, as the name indicates, are a type of hat with a snapback strap at the rear. The adjustable closure allows you to fit it perfectly on any head size making the cap a one-size-fits-most headgear.
This hat style has a rich history dating back to the 90s. During the period, custom snapback hats became a part of pop culture and fashion trends. It took over the fashion world by storm when it was adopted by lots of celebrities and has remained a popular fashion icon ever since. Snapbacks are going to be around for a long time as long as hip-hop culture and street style are still popular.
Those who want to wear the same hat for a variety of situations.
You can simply tighten the strap of a snapback hat when you are running, or when it gets windy so that it does not fall off your head.
Men and women with long hair put their hair in a ponytail and comfortably stick it through the back opening of the cap when engaged in sports or other activities.
People who change their haircut often might be better off choosing an adjustable snapback hat. As the thickness of hair could affect how well the hat fits on your head, the adjustable strap makes it easy to make it work.
Fitted hats are a type of baseball hat that comes with a closed-back panel. It comes in a fixed size and does not give you the option to change the fit with an adjustable closure. As these hats are designed to fit snugly on your head, you will have to find your head size and choose the right size for the best comfort. However, they are designed to fit most adults and are available in various sizes. Also, fitted hats are often made from stretchable fabric so that the hat wraps around your head neatly.
The fitted cap is more of a throwback trend. It became popular in 1954 when New Era reworked their fitted baseball caps to bring forth the iconic style - 59Fifty. It still remains a popular choice amongst fashionistas of the day, thanks to its roots in American sports fashion.
The fitted hat has the fashion edge compared to the snapback based on whom you ask. Some think that the lack of plastic enclosure, which is exactly the feature that gives the snapback more of an edge, offers a much cleaner crown to this cap. The absence of any gaps in the crown also makes this a favorite choice for customization, especially when you want to decorate the rear side of the cap.
People who want to decorate the back panel of the cap. The lack of an opening in the back panel of a fitted hat gives you more space to embroider your design.
Companies that are aiming for a clean & tailored clean look for their team uniform.
Now there's a question for the ages: snapbacks or fitted caps? It is, of course, a matter of personal preference. But how do you choose? How do you know which one you personally prefer? Let's take a look at both of these styles of caps so that you can make an educated decision.
Snapbacks and Fitted Caps
In a head to head battle (or hat to hat), though they have their differences, these are undoubtedly two of the coolest hat styles in existence. Hat collectors love them over all others. These awesome accessories, though appearing at first glance very similar, have specific differences which we will now explore.
The Snapback Cap
Yes, snapbacks are cool, but there’s so much more. For hat lovers of all kinds, these caps come in a huge variety of styles. A big trend back in the 90s were the fitted caps that we will discuss next. But snapbacks stole the spotlight, in fact, the entire show, once the 2000's rolled around. What's the biggest advantage about this kind of cap? Clearly, the feature that makes this particular cap so attractive and popular is the fact that it is adjustable to most any head size. You can customize the fit with just a few snaps on the back – ergo, the name. So, when compared to the fitted cap, this hat is simply more versatile.
That adjustable strap at the back is what makes this hat more conducive to heads that are harder to fit. It can be worn by dad, and then by his teenage son, and then dad again. Mom might even throw it on her head on occasion, with a ponytail sticking through the hole in the back.
Who rocks this hat? Rocking it, and rocking it well, have been megastars like Tupac and Michael Jordan. Of all street fashions, this is one of the most popular.
The Fitted Cap
This hat comes in many styles, sizes, and colors. Some have curved, softbills, while others have bills that are flat. Different manufacturers and brands come up with different designs of varying levels of interest. But sports teams always have been, and still, remain the most popular choices. The back of this cap is its most distinguishable feature. As opposed to the snapback, described above, there is no adjustable back. These hats are designed to fit snugly on your head, which is why they are referred to as fitted. Those who prefer this type of hat show them off proudly. They are worn backward by many fitted cap enthusiasts.
Some believe that because this hat does not fasten at the back, it is more conducive to custom designs, having a much cleaner crown. As we all know, custom designs are what give many of the hats today their edge.
And, by the way, if there is a gold (or metallic looking) sticker on your fitted cap, don't remove it! Where fitted hat aficionados are concerned, removing the sticker devalues the hat.
This, of course, just touches on the major differences between these two caps. Try one. Live with it for a while. Then try on the other style and live with that for a while. It shouldn't take long to decide which you prefer. You may even want a few of both!
At Hat Heaven, we carry fitted caps, snapbacks, NFL, NBA, and more. We have a wide array of choices that will appeal to every member of your household. Check out our selection today.