If the first known baseball caps were originally "fitted" models, i.e. adjusted to the wearer's head, since the 80s and 90s we can no longer count without the famous soft plastic strap called "snapback" which allows to adjust a cap on the back. Popularised at the time by New Era and hip-hop stars, the snapback marked the beginning of the cap's fashionable career, which continues to this day. Today, there are different adjustment systems that vary according to the brand and the desired style.
AMERICAN STYLE: THE SNAPBACK SYSTEM
The snapback system consists of a plastic band on the back of the cap that can be adjusted by inserting pins in the holes provided. Hence the name snapback, from the verb to snap. This system, which allows a cap to fit most people, makes caps much cheaper. Taking advantage of the publicity made by hip-hop groups, who wear them embroidered with the name of their neighbourhood, whether it be Brooklyn in New York or Compton in Los Angeles, brands are seeing sales of this type of model soar. Another factor is sports celebrities, such as Michael Jordan, who appear with theirs in post-game interviews. The falling cost of snapbacks has opened up endless possibilities for manufacturers, and snapbacks have gone beyond the sports and music industry to suit every trend. Less popular around the 2000s, they came back with a vengeance once again from the hand of hip-hop with Kanye West and Jay Z.
OLD-FASHIONED: ADJUSTABLE VELCRO FASTENING
Favoured by traditional American brands such as 47' who have a long experience of baseball caps, the velcro fastening has the advantage of being more flexible than a snapback, and more discreet too, since the velcro is sewn onto a band of the same material and colour as the cap, whether it's twill cotton, velvet, denim... It is a millimetre adjustable system that is ideal on unstructured models, on curve caps if you want them to keep a vintage spirit, and for baby caps that you want to be very comfortable.
STRAPBACK: VINTAGE AESTHETICS AND HIGH-END FINISH
The cap has become a fashion accessory. A leather adjustment system with a metal buckle gives a superior standing to all caps that want a premium look, especially if leather is used. Besides the fact that leather allows for a custom fit and is comfortable on the back of the head, connoisseurs will appreciate the variety of colour and grain to match the cap's material, as well as the difference between real and imitation leather. A choice that will not be innocent for their wallet either.
From old school snapbacks to vintage leather to the velcro of all time, your cap's fastening system has a lot to say. At Headict, we pride ourselves on offering thousands of cap designs from the best brands and bought with an eye for the latest trends. There is bound to be the cap of your dreams amongst our selection, the hardest part will be choosing!