Why Is It Called A Dad Hat?

Perhaps you have heard of a baseball style cap referred to as a dad hat. "What on earth", you may have wondered, "is a dad hat?" Let's take a look at exactly what is meant by the term "dad hat", how they became such a popular trend, why they got named "dad hats” in the first place, and finally, the best place to purchase your next dad hat.

Dad Hats – What Are They?

You're not alone if you're unfamiliar with what this type of hat refers to. More or less, it's just your basic baseball cap but, with its slightly curved brim and comfortably worn-out look, it differs from one of those shiny new caps right off the shelf.

Ordinarily, the brim comes pre-bent by the manufacturer. Also done before you even press select on your computer – when you're online shopping – the front of the cap’s bill, as well as a couple of other areas on the hat, is slightly frayed. This gives these particular hats a worn but comfortable look – and comfy they are!

Though mostly unstructured, you can find dad hats with a structured crown. When worn, they take the shape of your head nicely. Plus, these traditionally six panel hats cover more of your face than do some other styles.

Why "Dad Hat"?

It is thought the reason behind the name is that, if worn by a young person or teenager, they would probably not have an ideal fit. Today's dad hats, however, may well come with an adjustable strap which helps just about anyone fit in them perfectly.

What's in a Name?

You may think the dad hat got its name because some really great dad invented it. Not so much. Middle-aged men were the people who wore these hats most often, so the name got generated because the style was mostly reserved for grown-up guys.

Who Wears Dad Hats?

The answer to this question is easy: Everyone! Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles – they can all rock a dad hat. Once again, with adjustable straps, they are even more versatile. Pair your dad hat with sporty wear or streetwear, and you can look casual, hip, and trendy!

How Did They Get So Popular?

As early as the 1920s, this kind of cap was used on the baseball field. With the invention of television, more and more people got to see these types of hats. The trend of dad hats really took hold in the 1990s.

To accessorize their style, back in the 90s, celebrities (artists, rappers, athletes, etc.) and actors (both female and male) started wearing hats like this on a regular basis.

Weirdly enough, however, in the 2000's, these hats all but disappeared from the fashion scene. They began to slowly reemerge around 2016. Thanks to numerous fashion-conscious individuals, today, they don't appear to be going anywhere soon and are a styling fashion staple.

These hats are not season specific and can be worn for just about every occasion. Though frowned upon by some, they've even been seen on the heads of men attending a formal event.

Where to Purchase Your New Favorite Dad Hat

At Hat Heaven, we carry the dad hat of your dreams! With sports logos, catchy sayings, cartoon characters – or no decoration whatsoever – we have multiple colors, color combinations, or even camouflage. Just choose which hat or hats best suit your needs and personality.

Shop at Hat Heaven today!