The best baseball caps to nail the off-duty look
A hybrid of function and fashion, caps are a stalwart of the sports arena and runway shows alike. Here, we round up the best men’s caps to exude laid-back cool
Fashion mogul Edna Mode of The Incredibles was famously against capes. Caps, on the other hand, we assume she had no problem with. And the best of men’s caps are certainly A-OK with us. Follically challenged or not, most masculine dressers will likely own one or two: snapbacks and trucker caps are, after all, as essential to summer as beanies are to winter.
A staple that transcends trend and era in a way that bucket hats never could, ball caps are an accessory we reach for (almost) as often as a functional belt. It may come as no surprise, then, that the headwear was first designed (in the late 19th century) with practicalities in mind. It may also not surprise you to learn that the baseball cap originated in the American team sport, primarily as a way to keep the sun out of players’ eyes. As such, classic baseball caps by teams such as the LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees are still bestsellers to be found on every other street corner.
They’re far from the only type on offer today, though, and will often only be one type to be found in your typical streetwear devotee’s wardrobe. Corduroy styles, twill caps, snapback caps (also associated with baseball) and even cashmere-blend logo caps all present as options to buy into for a little menswear refresh.
Shop GQ's edit of the best baseball caps in 2024…
1/14Nike
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Colours: Black
Probably one of the most iconic company slogans in the history of the, well, the world, Nike’s “Just Do It” is proudly embellished smack bang in the centre of this all-black number. Written in an old school serif font, this one hundred per cent cotton cap is a headwear staple if we’ve ever seen one. £25. At endclothing.com
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2/14Percival
- Fabrication: Cotton twill
- Colours: Cream
Like its socks, Percival’s rotating cast of seasonal baseball caps offer a great entry point into the brand, no matter how rough a month you’re having financially. Currently piquing our interest is this “Daily Goods” lid, which is part of an Auxiliary collection promoting the concept of owning capsule essentials. A five-panel cap in a neutral workwear-inspired cream tone, complete with decorative patch logo, this certainly falls in that category. £39. At percivalclo.com
3/14Museum of Peace & Quiet
- Fabrication: Cotton twill
- Colours: Green, brown, black
Ahhh… Good vibes, positive energy, and the Museum of Peace & Quiet. Three things that you need if you want to create one of the best baseball caps of all-time. Influenced by the calm of the outdoors, this gloriously green piece has become an essential item among streetwear enthusiasts. Wear this with an oversized sweatshirt or hoodie and your fit is destined for greatness. £60. At mrporter.com
4/14Polo Ralph Lauren
- Fabrication: Cotton twill
- Colours: Navy, black, white (and one more)
This season, Polo Ralph Lauren is going back to its equestrian roots with this cap. Painted in an all-black colour scheme, the stretch-cotton twill piece is decorated with an intricately stitched pony on the front, as well as Polo Ralph Lauren branding around the back. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more vibrant, it also comes in a bunch of different colourways as well. Variety is the spice of life, people. £75. At ralphlauren.co.uk & amazon.co.uk
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5/14Cherry
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Colours: Red
The trucker hat has an illustrious history with trash-core dressing: a past that is coming back to life with the resurgence of ‘00s style in recent seasons. Mr Porter creation Cherry Los Angeles, then, is at the top of our list of cap brands to mine for the sunnier months. This hyper-Americana “Genuine Draft” five-panel piece has our enthusiastic vote. £65. At mrporter.com
6/14Prada
- Fabrication: Nylon
- Colours: Navy, black, beige (and two more)
The nylon Prada cap is something of an icon-status accessory. Most commonly seen in the brand’s oh-so-adored black colourway, this season we’re favouring its neutral cousin. Don’t worry, the flex-worthy triangle logo plaque is exactly where it should be. £350. At farfetch.com
7/14Arket
- Fabrication: Cotton corduroy
- Colours: Blue, black, green (and one more)
Since it’s divorced from the original twill or denim cotton baseball hat, a corduroy cap stands apart as something with a little more panache. Add yours to a classic white-tee-blue-jean ‘fit to enjoy the elevating effects without too-casual an implication. £37. At arket.com
8/14Gucci
- Fabrication: Cotton-blend
- Colours: Brown, black
The winning Gucci motifs are out in force on this baseball cap, including original GG fabric, green and red web stripes and luxurious brown leather trims. For extra steezy ‘fits, coordinate with a matching bag. £340. At gucci.com
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9/14Ami Paris
- Fabrication: Cotton
- Colours: Blue, grey, black (and two more)
Recognisable without shouting and constructed in the old six panel style, Ami Paris’ embroidered cap is an elevated streetwear Royal Flush. Available in several colours (each stamped with the brand’s red Ace of Hearts embroidery), it’s the pale indigo denim iteration we’ll be adding to top off a tonal outfit this spring. £120. At amiparis.com
10/14Columbia
- Fabrication: Nylon poplin
- Colours: Brown, grey, navy (and three more)
There's plenty about this Columbia cap that makes it a practical option for an increasingly unbearable British heatwave, from the sweatband to the UPF 50 sun protection and additional neck shield. But the truth is this kind of functional outerwear is increasingly appealing from a fashion perspective, too, worn with a graphic T-shirt and your favourite shorts. £25. At columbiasportswear.co.uk
11/14Louis Vuitton
- Fabrication: Cotton/wool
- Colours: Black
Some caps put a lid on a ‘fit; some steal the show. This Louis Vuitton number falls into the latter category thanks to its bold purple Malletier writing and visor and preppy LV embroidery at the back. Given its elevated leather closure and gold-tone hardware, it's arguably better worn backwards than forwards. £799. At stockx.com
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12/14APC
- Fabrication: Wool-blend with cotton-blend lining
- Colours: Grey, black, blue (and one more)
APC pulls out the big guns for its simple “Charlie” cap, putting textured wool to the outer and a comfortable cotton-blend to the lining for some serious natural fibre teamwork. There are flourishes here — topstitching, logo, tonal top button — but none of them distract from the clean, eminent wearability of this brand essential. £120. At mrporter.com
13/14Stone Island
- Fabrication: Cotton twill
- Colours: Khaki, navy
Sometimes having just the patch on your arm just isn’t enough. For 2023, Stone Island introduced a new style of baseball cap that every Stoney fan will want ASAP. Extremely premium, it’s made from durable cotton-canvas construction and is finely embroidered with the Italian imprint’s compass logo upfront, symbolising their endless research and love for the sea. Surprisingly, this piece actually isn’t that expensive compared to the brand’s other stuff. £140. At farfetch.com
14/14Burberry
- Fabrication: Textile with cotton
- Colours: Beige, green, yellow
Burberry adopts a more muted check than it’s known for with this new season cap, in lighter beige shades which, though different, are still easily placed as the British fashion house’s. If you did need the extra reassurance, Burberry branding is tonally embroidered across the back of the cap, which is sure to make you the envy of all who walk behind you. £320. At uk.burberry.com
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