Types of Baseball Hats Explained: Snapback, Fitted, and Dad Hat Styles

When it comes to headwear, baseball hats are a statement-making staple. Whether you’re pulling together a fit to match your newest sneakers or trying to level up your everyday drip, the right hat says everything without saying a word. However, unique styles dominate different scenes. Knowing your snapbacks from your fitted hats and your dad hats is crucial if you’re serious about your style.

Baseball hats have come a long way from the dugout. Once made purely for on-field function, they’ve transformed into essential pieces of streetwear culture. They blend sports heritage with hype-worthy fashion. Today, whether you’re after a bold, structured 5-panel cap or a relaxed vintage vibe, there’s a hat style designed to match your energy.

Fitted hats (or "fitteds"), snapbacks, and dad hats are the big three baseball hats in the game right now. Each one has its vibe, fit, and fashion context. This guide will break down the different types of baseball hats to help you choose the right lid based on your look, comfort level, and lifestyle, so you can rock your headwear with confidence.

Fitted Hats: The Classic Choice

If you know your exact head size and appreciate timeless style, fitted hats are the gold standard of classic baseball caps. With no adjustable straps and no gimmicks, these hats offer a precision fit that hugs your head like it was made for you.

What Makes a Fitted Hat?

Designed for purists who won’t negotiate on style, fitted hats feature the following details:

• No back closure and fixed sizes for a tailored fit
• Structured cap and high-profile crown
• Flat visor that can be curved to your taste
• Premium materials like wool or performance blends

Fitted caps are clean and polished. For hat collectors, fitted hats are the holy grail. They are designed for classic MLB uniforms but have a modern streetwear edge. 59FIFTY by New Era is the original and official on-field cap for Major League Baseball players 

Style Tips

Perfect with varsity jackets, bomber jackets, and minimalist streetwear, a fitted hat can dress up a casual look or add structure to relaxed silhouettes. They create a clean, professional appearance you can wear to the game or around town.

Snapback Hats: The Streetwear Staple

Snapbacks are the go-to for hype-driven fits. They are the kind of hat you rock when you want your presence felt. Known for their flat brims, structured crowns, and adjustable snap closures, snapbacks bring a clean silhouette and bold attitude.

What Makes a Snapback?

Iconic headwear in sports and hip-hop culture, snapback hats often have the following features:

• Flat brim for a sharp, confident profile
• Structured crown for a high-profile fit
• Adjustable plastic snap closure for customizable sizing
• Materials often include wool blends or performance polyester 

Snapbacks blew up in the early 2010s thanks to their revival in the streetwear scene, but they’ve always been a part of the DNA of West Coast rap, professional basketball tunnels, and sneaker culture. They’re bold, expressive, and demand attention.

Style Tips

Snapbacks pair perfectly with oversized tees, cargo pants, jerseys, and your freshest kicks. They are a fantastic way to level up your weekend fit or rep your team without blending into the crowd.

Dad Hats (OSFM): The Laid-Back Favorite

You don’t have to try too hard to be stylish in a dad hat, because they offer easy style. With their unstructured crown, curved brim, and adjustable closure, these caps are the chilliest in the lineup. They are low-key cool with effortless vibes, and provide a "one size fits most" style.

What Makes a Dad Hat?

Rocked by A-listers, college kids, and creators, dad hats are one-size-fits-most (OSFM) and typically have the following:

• Unstructured cap, crown, and soft front and back panels
• Low-profile fit that molds to your head
• Pre-curved brim for a worn-in look
• Strap-back closure, often brass, slide, or Velcro
• Soft cotton for all-day comfort
• an adjustable,  "one size fits most" (OSFM) fitting style

They rose to popularity in the 2010s through vintage trends. But now, they’re everywhere, worn by dads, teens, and everyone in between.

Style Tips

Dad hats are made for brunch, errand runs, coffee dates, and vintage-inspired streetwear. Pair them with hoodies, joggers, or denim and let your relaxed style do all the talking.

Kids Baseball Hats: Stylish Headwear for the Rookies

Kids’ hats are for the next generation of style stars who already want to make a fashion statement. At Hat Heaven, we sell stylish hats for even the littlest fashionistas. Our kids’ baseball hats bring the same quality, design, and energy as the grown-up versions.

What Makes a Kid’s Hat?

Designed to be durable enough to keep up with school, sports, and hard play, these hats have kid-friendly features, including:

• OSFM adjustable straps for growing heads
• Soft, breathable materials that move with them
• Fun designs featuring favorite teams, characters, and colors

Style Tips

Kids’ hats are perfect for school outfits, game days, or matching moments with parents. You’ll get bonus points for picking out designs that show off their favorite teams or cartoons. Repping their favorites gives kids the confidence to shine.

Comparative Overview

With an adjustable snapback closure and structured, high-profile crown, snapback caps are great for making a bold statement. Their flat or curved brim is great for fashion fits and sneaker culture. Fitted hats also have a structured, high-profile crown, but they are not adjustable. Their flat or curved brim is perfect for a classic, athletic look and creates a refined and clean vibe.

If you’re looking for everyday wear and effortless style, dad hats are the perfect headwear option. Their pre-curved brim and unstructured, low-profile crown create casual, vintage, and laid-back vibes. Additionally, their adjustable strap makes them ideal for almost any size head.

Choosing the Right Hat for You

If you’re in the market for a new hat, Hat Heaven can help you find the best cap style for your vibe. When choosing your hat, think about your personal style. Are your sneakers loud and bold, and do you need a cap that can stand on its own? Opt for a snapback with a rounded crown. Want a polished, MLB-verified flex with a snug fit? Choose a fitted cap. Do you need an everyday retro hat that looks better with time? Look for a dad hat.

Snapbacks are bold and structured, made for streetwear lovers and sneakerheads who love statement fits. For a classic and clean look with a tailored feel, choose a fitted hat. These hats are perfect for those who value authenticity and nostalgia. Finally, dad hats keep it easy and breezy. They’re great for chill days, casual hangs, and vintage-inspired fits.

Browse Hat Heaven's Exclusive Collection of Baseball Hats

At Hat Heaven, we deliver statement styles adorned with team logos. Our curated collections are built for modern culture and trendsetters. Every hat is exclusive, and every design is made with purpose. Ready to find yours? Shop our inventory and explore our latest arrivals and limited-edition releases.