The Best Baseball Caps for Men
An SG follower once said, “You’re either a hat guy, or you’re not.” While there’s some truth to that, it’s not quite that simple. After polling a few members of the SG team (our guy friends), we found that for men who care about looking good, a carefully chosen cap can make a real difference.
For some, a baseball cap is a personal signature and a weekend staple. For others, it’s a simple way to add a laid-back touch to an otherwise polished outfit.
Then, of course, there are those who see baseball caps as nothing more than a tool for keeping hair out of their face while driving with the windows down and the sunroof open.
And that’s fair!
Whether it’s about practicality, expressing personality, or covering up bald spots, the fact remains—there are countless reasons why we love and fully support guys rocking baseball caps with style and confidence.
When selecting your cap, everything from team allegiance to coastal roots can factor in. With so many options out there, knowing the different styles of baseball caps is key to finding the one that suits you best.
Keep scrolling for tips on how to wear a baseball cap, plus some great options to shop!
What you’ll find in this article:
- What is a fitted cap?
- What is a dad cap?
- What is a snapback hat?
- What is a five-panel hat?
- What is a trucker hat?
- How to style your baseball cap
1 The Fitted Cap
What is a Fitted Cap?
A fitted cap is a brimmed hat with no closure at the back, meaning it’s designed to fit snugly to your head based on size.
SG’s Verdict: At SG HQ, we believe fitted caps are all about showing love—whether it’s for your team, city, or even a beloved brand. That’s why the best versions—those most praised by fashion enthusiasts—often feature logos representing cities, sports teams, or iconic brands like Nike.
The TL;DR? Don’t grab a fitted cap just because you like the color! That would be... odd. Instead, pick one that represents something you’re loyal to, and make sure to get the right size—oversized hats? Not a thing.
Pro Tip: Take the stickers off! There’s been plenty of talk on this subject, and the consensus is clear—peel ’em off.
2 The “Dad Hat”
What is a Dad Hat?
Dad hats are a bit more relaxed than fitted caps. They have a softer, less structured shape and feature an adjustable closure at the back, usually metal or leather.
These hats are often simple in design, frequently embroidered with quirky or ironic images or slogans, rather than logos from sports teams.
SG’s Verdict: If you’re worried about looking out of touch or missing the joke, don’t stress. The dad hat is everywhere now, and the style is too cool and comfy to skip. It’s also perfect for guys who want a hat but aren’t into flaunting a sports team logo. Plus, dad hats are great for smaller heads, as they’re designed to fit snugly—not too tight, not too loose—and you can easily adjust them without disrupting the overall shape or look.
Your Best Pick: You might remember owning a Polo Ralph Lauren dad hat back in the late 90s or early 2000s (with that iconic polo horse logo, right?). Since retro styles are back, you could totally rock that same style again. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider going for something a little more offbeat.
3 The Snapback cap
What is a Snapback Hat?
A snapback hat features an adjustable closure at the back made from plastic. You can adjust the fit by snapping the buttons on one side into the holes on the other. Snapbacks, along with dad hats, are fantastic choices for twill baseball caps.
SG’s Verdict: The snapback has become a staple in almost every style scene, from streetwear to athleisure, preppy looks, hipster vibes, and California cool. Honestly, we could go on. It’s versatile and timeless.
Your Best Pick: Practically speaking, dark-colored snapbacks are a solid choice. They pair well with just about anything and do a great job of hiding the signs of frequent wear—like sweat stains on the inner band.
4 The 5-Panel Hat
What is a 5-Panel Cap?
A 5-panel cap is a hat with a shallower crown and often features a flat bill. As the name suggests, it’s made of five panels: one in the front, two on top, and one on each side.
SG’s Verdict: What started as an '80s skater trend, then evolved into a Brooklyn hipster-on-a-bike look, has now become a style embraced by surfers, hipsters, city dwellers, and really anyone with a head. The takeaway? With the right outfit, we’re all for it.
You can lean into its skater origins by pairing it with workwear pants and a coach’s jacket, or keep things casual with joggers and a hoodie. Plus, it’s probably the only hat style that can pull off an all-over print or pattern without looking out of place.
Your Best Pick: Generally, bold or busy designs can make a hat look tacky, but not with a 5-panel cap. So if you’re into this style, go ahead and embrace some pattern or print—this is your moment to get creative!
5 The Trucker Hat
What is a Trucker Hat?
A trucker hat differs from a regular baseball cap in its construction. While a typical baseball cap is made of cotton, a trucker hat has plastic mesh sides and a stiff foam front. Additionally, trucker hats are generally taller than most baseball caps.
However, the mesh paneling offers a breathable, cooler fit, which means in certain settings—like camping or on a boat—we’ll give the trucker hat a pass.
Your Best Pick: Let’s just say…proceed with caution. Keep the occasion in mind before rocking a trucker hat. If you’re in the right environment, it could work, but outside of that, maybe skip it.
A Final Word on Baseball Cap Styles…
A baseball cap is one of the best ways for a guy to instantly showcase a bit of his personality.
Women have tons of options for expressing themselves—skirts, dresses, funky culottes, endless jewelry, and accessories. We have about a trillion ways to say, "This is who I am" through our outfits.
For guys, though—thankfully or not, depending on how you feel about your closet—it’s a bit more limited when it comes to conveying personality through clothes.
That’s where accessories, like a baseball cap, come in.
A well-chosen baseball cap says a lot about a guy. The team or brand you rep, the design you go for, and even how long you’ve had it can say as much about you as your upbringing or family traditions. It’s kind of like a woman wearing her grandmother’s wedding ring around her neck—it’s deeply personal.
So what makes a great baseball cap?
For starters, the longer you’ve owned it, the better. Think about it—your favorite hat is the one you've had forever. Next, it’s all about character. A great baseball cap has a perfectly bent brim, with no visible sweat rings but plenty of scuffs and fading from years of use. Those marks tell a story of all the moments your hat has been with you, and that’s the kind of story we want to know more about.