The fashionable baseball cap

CEBU, Philippines - The headwear that is said to have been first worn in 1860 by Brooklyn baseball team the Excelsiors has since become a modern-day fashion accessory. And why not? The baseball cap is so handy that it fits in a clutch bag or even in the back pocket of the pants. And, like a charm, it can make one look cool and chic… instantly.

First of all, the baseball cap serves a very practical purpose: it effectively shields the head from the heat of the sun. As James Joiner, at www.esquire.com, puts it, the cap “shades the eyes, protects the head from passing bird bombs, and allows some semblance of subtlety when casting covert glances at the girl across the way.”

With a pair of sunglasses beneath the brim’s shade, it can make any regular Joe look like a movie star, Joiner adds. But popular as it is nowadays, perhaps only a few truly knows the fashionable baseball cap. To most, the only thing they know about it is wear it.

The modern baseball cap comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. A few of these are big favorites and are considered the ‘classics’ of baseball caps. In his www.esquire.com article, James Joiner writes about and gives advice for some of these favorites:

The Mesh Back Trucker

Depending on the context, fit, and brand, the mesh back hat can either say, “Dude, look at my beard, let’s go skate” or “I’m ready for adventure at a moment’s notice, just hang on while I sign this petition!” or “Get off my land!” Avoid the high crown and overly-puffy front. It’s a hat, not a crown. As with all “working man’s hats,” the dirtier and scuffed up the better. Nothing says poser like a crisp clean trucker hat.

The College Cap

Usually white and generally donned by alumni, low profile, with embroidered logo, these have a clean fit, and with proper poise will allow access to country clubs and sailboats without so much as a passing glance. Great for letting lady friends wear to keep hair out of eyes in the ‘Stang convertible.

The Fitted Baseball Cap

This is a time-honored classic. Wool, well-constructed, simple colors. Sure, there are alternatives to that standard, but they should usually be avoided, unless you’re headed out on tour with Macklemore, the hip-hop recording artist. These are the rare chapeau that can cross style lines – you can wear ‘em on a boat, to the bar, in the yard, at band practice, you name it. Baseball is the all-American sport, and, consequently, this is the all-American hat. Just make sure you take the sticker off the brim and tag off the back, and feel free to give it a little bend. No one wants to see your spatula impression.

Streetwear Caps

It gives off an unmistakable youthfulness. High school girls that wear it draw special attention. The boys, well, they look innocuously sexy.

Camo Caps

Okay, so let’s be honest with each other. When you see a dude wearing a camo cap – ‘camo’ for ‘camouflage’ –  you’re immediately jumping to conclusions. Well, you shouldn’t, because a) stereotypes are bad and b) they probably have a gun. Seriously, folks, unless you’re en route to bag a buck or bass, or are serving in the military, in which case by all means, carry on, you should likely opt for something a little less casual. What are you trying to hide from, anyway?

Car Company Caps

These fall under the same auspices as the beer company hats. You probably got it free, it’s dirty as hell, bent, folded, misshapen, and imprinted with enough DNA-laced dried sweat to build an army of clones, and you love it. It’s perfect. You’re not going to wear it to the office, but sometimes a man’s has to block the glare so he can scan the horizon. All right, but just a tip: stick to truck brands. Everyone is going to feel weird if you rock a Daewoo lid.

Fashion Caps

Quite expensive, fashion caps are a special accessory, and sometimes other fashionistas make it a highlight to their fashion signatures. But it’s all in how the hat or brand makes you feel. And items like this sell out all the time.

Caps with Gadgets and Gizmos

These are a completely distinct lot, and perhaps for a distinctly different purpose other than looking fashionable. Maybe the guy wearing it is on his way to go do some night jogging, or read during a blackout. Whatever. Be very cautious. People are not likely to take seriously someone who wears on of these. (FREEMAN)