It might surprise you to know that snapbacks are still the most popular hat style. The casual cap has stood the test of time and is one of this year's must-have trends.

Why Are Snapbacks So Popular?

A common misconception surrounding the history of the snapback is the decade it originates from. Whilst most people associate the snapback with the nineties rap music scene, it actually originated in nineteen-fifties baseball culture.

After initially being worn by the  Brooklyn Excelsiors in 1958, the snapback was in high demand and hat-makers were keen to capitalise off the new hat design. Four decades on, in the nineteen-nineties, the snapback returned and became one of the fashion trends that defined the decade. This time, it wasn't baseball players, but rap and hip-hop performers popularising the snapback.

This rich history doesn't mean the snapback hasn’t faced significant competition. The most notable being its nineties rival, the bucket hat. In the last few years, the popularity of the bucket hat has soared. Alongside the bucket hat, the humble knit beanie and the Parisian beret have also been worthy contenders.

It’s clear that the popularity of the snapback continuously wavers, and is closely linked to prevalent hairstyles. 

Despite these fluctuations, the snapback keeps returning and gaining mass popularity as a fashion trend every few years. As a leading hat retailer, we're constantly asking ourselves what it is that makes the snapback so popular? Is it the rich history or simply how easy the cap is to style?

Snapbacks And Popular Culture

As we've briefly outlined, snapbacks have a fascinating cultural history. This history dates back to the nineteen-fifties when the Brooklyn baseball team debuted the style, to more familiar (and more hilarious) styling from actor and icon Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Smith and other hip-hop icons of the nineties made snapbacks one of the most iconic fashion accessories of the decade. It was here that the snapback became the trendy street style accessory we associate it with being today.

In the nineties, as in the modern-day, the snapback is more at home when styled with a graphic tee, baggy jeans and sneakers. Attend any skate park or hip hop show, and you’ll encounter a sea of caps and the cool yet casual outfits associated with them.

Who's Still Styling The Snapback?

The snapback isn’t solely a male fashion accessory. Supermodel, Gigi Hadid, proved that ladies can rock the look just as well. In 2019 the American supermodel greeted Paris fashion week wearing a Louis Vuitton cap and an oversized white suit. Whilst the cap might be out of most of our price ranges, you could easily make your own custom snapback in the same colours to achieve this bold look.

One sports style icon that can’t get enough of the snapback is David Beckham. The 45-year-old ex-footballer regularly showcases an extensive hat collection, with snapbacks often featuring heavily. Unsurprisingly, Beckham tends to pair his hat with a luxury sportswear ensemble. With timeless style icons like Beckham wearing high-end and custom snapbacks, it's unsurprising the snapback is still so popular.

Another celeb famous for his extensive hat collection is Chance The Rapper. Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, otherwise known by his stage name, Chance The Rapper, is always sporting a snapback. Over the years, Chance has established a signature look: the world-famous rapper and hip hop star keeps it casual in a white tee, denim jeans, and his signature number three snapback. Chance’s look is easy to replicate from your existing wardrobe, and with a custom made snapback with your own design on it, you’ll have nailed his look easily.

The Biggest Hat Trends Of 2021 

Celebrities and musicians have been styling the snapback throughout the decades and keeping this style of athletic headwear in the public eye. Now, the snapback is making another comeback, with more influencers, celebs, and fashion-savvy individuals styling the hat. More and more of these social media influencers are creating their own brands featuring custom snapbacks.

But, this surge in popularity doesn’t come without competition. 

Bucket Hats

As mentioned previously, the nineties inspired bucket hat has become a must-have fashion accessory. The stylish hat is giving its fellow nineties snapback a run for its money. The bucket hat has become a seasonless style essential. Catwalks from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior have all featured the uber-trendy hat. What was initially created as a piece of practical headwear, to protect fishermen and farmers from the rain, has evolved into a streetwear favorite.

Custom Embroidered Beanies

Beanies are always hugely popular in Fall and Winter due to their practicality, comfort and style. The wool beanie is often styled with oversized streetwear or loungewear for the ultimate stylish-yet-casual look. In 2021, custom embroidered beanies are going to be a must-have item. People want casual and comfortable accessories that add interest and uniqueness to their looks.

Trucker Hats

A well-loved cap is essential in any wardrobe and the trucker hat, defined by its signature mesh back is another favorite. This snapback style is popular amongst those in warmer climates, but millions favour this early 2000s trend regardless of their environment. 

Fans of the trucker style are now seeking ways to make their headwear more unique. Many individuals are choosing to design a trucker hat themselves, creating a one of a kind hat that is signature to them. Small business owners are also increasingly interested in adding their logos to trucker hats to help them with their branding needs.

What Will Be The Most Popular Hat Of 2021? 

Despite the growing popularity of other hat trends, we’re pretty well certain that the snapback will remain the most popular hat style for 2021. The casual and easy to style hat has a long history, making it a timeless and sentimental fashion accessory. In the modern-day, as the demand for individuality and distinctive styles increases, the custom snapback facilitates this change with many brands now giving customers personalization options. The snapback has stood the test of time and continues to develop in ways that prove its longevity and style.