The Best Baseball Cap | 2023

Baseball caps aren’t just for baseball players. In fact, you don’t have to be an athlete at all to wear this type of sporty headwear. A baseball cap can be a great accessory for those days when you want to skip styling your hair and just head out for the day. It can even be a fashion statement in itself, giving you a fun, casual look when you’re hanging out with friends, running errands or chilling on vacation.

But wearing baseball caps have other benefits, too. The right kind of hat can provide some protection against the sun’s harmful rays. The brim of a baseball cap is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and shielding most of your face. It can also be more effective at covering the top of your head than woven sun hats that require gaps for ventilation.

For short spurts of sun exposure, a baseball cap can be plenty. However, if you’re hanging out by the pool or attending an outdoor sporting event, you can supplement the protection a baseball cap provides with sunscreen and protective clothing. If you’re outdoors, sitting in the shade is ideal. But if that isn’t a possibility, make sure every inch of skin is protected, whether by your headwear or sunscreen.

Gaps in sun hats serve an important purpose. They promote airflow, helping keep your head cool on those hot days. A baseball cap offers full protection without those gaps, but it also lacks the ventilation you might need on those sweltering hot days. You’ll want to look for a cap made from material like cotton to give yourself that extra breathability.

Baseball cap sizing can be tricky. You’ll find that many promise that one size fits all, but this might not apply to those with heads on the petite or extra-large side. Some (but not all) have an adjustable band in the back that can make up for some variances in sizing. If you’re buying a baseball cap for your youngest family members, check the measurements to make sure it will adjust down to their head size.

• Before buying a baseball cap, look at your wardrobe and consider how often you’ll be able to wear it. You might prefer one in a solid color that goes with more items in your closet to a patterned one you can wear less frequently.
• Both cotton and polyester have their benefits. While cotton can be more lightweight, it might tend to wrinkle more and be less durable.
• Pay attention to the care directions on any baseball cap you’re considering. Some can be machine washed, but most are labeled for hand wash only. This can require extra time, so keep that in mind while you’re shopping.
• It can take time to curve the bill of your baseball cap to fit your preferences. Some caps come with pre-curved bills to make things easier. This also provides more coverage while you’re out in the sun.
• Sweat can be a huge inconvenience when you’re wearing a baseball cap, and it can be tough to avoid if you’re outdoors on a hot day. Some baseball caps have built-in sweatbands that will wick moisture away from your forehead and hairline. This can help keep you cool and comfortable.
• Comfort is essential when you’re picking out something you’ll wear for hours at a time. Some baseball caps feature a multi-panel design that ensures it fits comfortably all the way around. The adjustable back with an opening can also boost comfort.
• Small or large logos are often a part of baseball caps. If you can’t find one you like without a logo, you might have to settle for a cap with a logo that’s smaller or more subtle.