When it comes to headgear, nothing seems more standard and natural than a baseball cap. While originally an American phenomenon, the popularity of baseball caps has exploded across the world and societal classes. It can be worn as a fashion statement, to identify one’s loyalty to a sports team, or to block out the glare of the Sun and hold one’s hair out of their face while working. For these reasons it, has been referred to as the “Common Man’s Crown,” and it is no wonder why baseball caps are worn by almost everybody.

The New York Knickerbockers introduced their baseball uniform to the world in 1849, and it featured brimmed straw hats. Other baseball teams followed suit with their own headgear. It wasn’t until 1954 when New Era made their 59Fifty model hat that the modern-day baseball cap was born.^[4] (This model is still worn today by MLB players.)

While popular among baseball players, it was considered crass and weird to wear baseball caps off the field until the 1970s. Again, celebrities paved the way for wearing a previously niche article of clothing in everyday life when Tom Selleck donned his Detroit Tigers hat in the television show Magnum P.I. Other celebrities such as Spike Lee introduced other demographics to the style of baseball caps, making it a truly cross-cultural symbol of tribalism and utilitarianism. The overall design and simplicity of the baseball cap is sure to stay for some time, as any deviation usually tends to err on the wacky side. (I’m looking at you propeller caps).