National Hat Day

National Hat Day is coming up on January 15, drawing our attention to hats, the functions they serve, and the statements they make. Hats have a long and evolving history. The earliest proof of hats being worn comes from a mural dating back to 3000 BC that shows a man wearing a straw hat.

Originally, hats were worn strictly for function, but gradually the presence of hats has shifted to have aesthetic appeal as well. From being an article of clothing worn to protect against the elements, it has now become a fashion accessory worn in many societies. Differences in hat design between cultures stem from the available materials as well as the skills and manufacturing capabilities of various groups.

Celebrating National Hat Day is a way to show off the broad range of styles, materials, and colors available for hats nowadays. There are many different categories of hats, and within the categories, there are sometimes several sub-categories.

The most iconic and recognizable hats include top hats, bowler hats, fedoras, cowboy hats, ten-gallon hats, baseball hats, beanies, helmets, and others. Baseball hats have also evolved in design to include variations like snapbacks, New Era hats, trucker hats, and Flexfit hats.

Baseball Hat Variations

In most instances, baseball hat variations are no longer considered baseball hats. For somebody who knows little about hats, they may not notice the subtle differences. As the name suggests, a five-panel hat is made of five different panels that meet at the top of the hat.

A snapback has a plastic clasp or “snap” at the back of the cap that allows the hat to be tightened or loosened to fit. Flexfit hats are meant to fit the head well without a fastener and are considered ideal for sports or casual wear. Trucker hats usually have a brand name on the front and may have mesh material for the side and rear of the cap.

Another variation of the baseball cap is the dad hat. The dad hat is designed for laidback, comfortable wear around the house, office, or even while playing golf. This is a durable hat that can be worn in almost all weather.

What sets the dad hat apart is that it does not necessarily have merchandising or brand names on the front. It is designed to be a slightly floppy, less-structured cotton hat with a somewhat curved bill. It also has a unique design on the front, which may include epithets or a short, meaningful phrase.

The iconic logo or phrase on the front has made dad hats a staple accessory for many, including celebrities. Dad hats are now worn not only by dads at work and play, but also by famous personalities and hipsters as they go to night spots and clubs.

If you’re looking to show off your philosophies or personality, consider wearing a hat, whether it be a dad hat with a customized statement on the front or a stylish beanie to keep your head warm while making a fashion statement.