If you’re like me, then you might look back and wonder how this trend even got started to begin with. Who decided that wearing caps backward is cool? It wasn’t until I started researching this topic further that I learned the real history behind this trend, and why it became so popular among young people in the 80’s and 90’s.
How it All Began
Over time, caps went from utilitarian to trendy, finally settling into both the fashion and cultural zeitgeist. In 1849, the now defunct New York Knickerbocker baseball club members were considered the first team to wear official uniforms, which strangely enough included a straw hat. Fast forward to 1992, when Michael Jordan began wearing his Chicago Bulls cap backward during practice. With stars like him sporting theirs caps in reverse, it didn’t take long for many other athletes and fans to follow suit. However, it wasn’t until hip hop musician, Eazy-E, wore his cap backward in 1993 that wearing them became fashionable with the youth of America, or at least with those who followed the music scene.
How the Trend Gained Popularity
Athletes were the first ones to popularize the trend. From track stars to ball players, many wore their caps backward because they wanted to keep sweat from dripping into their eyes while running or playing a sport. It also kept hair from getting in their face during a performance. If you know someone who’s an athlete, don’t tell them what I’m about to tell you. Several professional baseball players have actually been suspended for wearing their caps incorrectly and in violation of MLB rules, which stipulate that each team must wear its official cap when on field. In 2004, Orlando Hernandez, a relief pitcher for New York Yankees, received a one-game suspension because he continued to wear his hat backward during games despite being warned by referees that it was against league rules.
Rappers and artists started to wear caps backward in the late 90’s and it continues today, often spotted on the likes of Kanye West and Jay- Z. Their immense popularity made fans all around the world emulate their style, from the clothes they wore to how they wore them. This of course included having their caps on backwards.
Big-name stars like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus got their start on television and gained millions of young fans in the process. Whether playing a character or being caught on camera in public, their style was just as scrutinized as A-list celebrities. Even a new haircut could have salons and barbers raking in profits for months. Spotting a backwards baseball cap on a day out, meant that young fans wanted to do the same too.
Current Perception
Whether you agree it’s a fashion faux pas or not doesn’t matter, wearing a cap backward has been popular since the day the trend began, and it isn’t going anywhere. More often, doing so was a way to represent how laid back a person was. Perhaps doing so served a real purpose in sporting activities, or maybe it was thanks to musicians and other celebrities who just wanted to look different recording videos and performing live, regardless, it’s here to stay.
