Where Did the Five-panel Cap Come From?

If you look back throughout history, there has always been at least one fashion item that characterizes a particular generation. Fashion accessories become popular for a while, only to be forgotten later when new things become fashionable. 

For several years now, 5-panel caps have become the dominant symbol of street-wear culture. The five-panel cap comprises five pieces of material, each part intended to cover a specific section of the head. The use of five panels makes the cap a tight-fitting one, which translates into a favorite fashion accessory because of its classy appearance. 

Plus, it has a flexible design, so it fits perfectly with a variety of head shapes.

This 5-panel hat history lesson begins in the 20th century when these hats were the domain of courier boys. They wore them so frequently that, over time, they became an acquired taste in popular culture. The five-panel hats disappeared for a while before making a resurgence in the 80s and 90s. This was mostly due to the massive number of club-going hat wearers in London and Berlin. 

Today, the 5-panel hat is no longer a niche item worn only by a particular group of people. Rather than just topping the heads of couriers, it is worn by all kinds of people looking to get in on the five-panel fashion craze.

James Jebbia’s Supreme is a favorite brand of five-panel caps. The company produces high-demand t-shirts, backpacks, and caps, including the five-panel. Supreme is now among the leaders of five-panel cap producers in the world, with branches in Los Angeles, Japan, and London. 

The brand is so popular that the moment they come out with a new version, buyers snap them up. Some of their limited edition five-panel hats are priced upwards of $100. Other leading brands don’t lag behind, either. For example, the Norse Project, the European version of Supreme, enjoys the same popularity as its American counterpart.

One reason behind the five-panel cap’s popularity is that it’s economical. Plenty of big-name brands sell these hats for a low price. While some people may not be able to purchase the elite brands, most people—even those on a budget—can afford a version of the trendy five-panel cap. Plus, now you can make your own custom 5-panel hat to stand out from the crowd.