These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (2024)

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While a good dad hat will offer protection from the sun when you're outdoors, the best dad hats are meant to be thrown on casually too, paired with things like sweats, khakis, or jeans and a T-shirt

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It’s obvious to say that dad hats are not just for dads. Dad or not, the baseball cap-style hat is perfect for busy and laid back days — running errands, taking a stroll with your dog (or kids), fishing, coaching a team or just as part of your grail-worthy outfit.

The best dad hats (or dad caps) make a statement that says you’re not trying to look cool, and yet subtle confidence exudes from what you’re wearing – and how you’re wearing it. And while a good dad hat will offer protection from the sun and shield your face when you’re outdoors, the best dad hats are meant to be thrown on casually too, paired with things like sweats, khakis, or jeans and a T-shirt.

Dad Hats vs. Baseball Caps

Dad hats are baseball caps, but not all baseball caps are dad hats. Here’s why: a dad hat is a six-panel baseball cap with unstructured front panels and uncomplicated logos. It’s usually made of canvas or cotton and has a pre-curved brim. The fit is relaxed and often can be adjusted to fit the wearer. Some are a little faded, so they have a vintage look. The style of a dad hat is not meant to match perfectly with anything, but rather to complement in order to complete the effortless look.

Whereas baseball caps are stiffer in construction, dad hats are less rigid and are often known as “floppy hats” or “floppy caps” as well, thanks to their more relaxed fit and design.

And while baseball caps are often interchangeable design-wise with snapbacks, truckers, or fitted caps, dad hats can be similar to snapbacks, but they’re not made to be stiff or have a flat brim.

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What Are the Best Dad Hats?

Below, we rounded up the best dad hats from some of our favorite brands online. Wear them year-round for effortless style – whether you’re a dad or not.

1. Maison Kitsune x Trevor Project Rainbow Fox Embroidered Cap

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (1)

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Maison Kitsune’s adjustable cap is done in collaboration with Trevor Project and 15 percent of net sales will be donated directly to the Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. The embroidered hat features a rainbow fox that boldly contrasts with the hat’s pale latte shade. It’s made out of canvas and cotton.

Buy Maison Kitsune Rainbow Fox Cap $125

2. Spooky Ghost Boo Novelty Retro Mario Hat

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (2)

For Super Mario fans, this (unofficial) dad hat might be your pick. Rather than the usual six, it’s constructed with five panels and made out of 100 percent cotton twill. With X eyes, the ghost design seems to be inspired by the artist Kaws. The hat conjures childhood memories of playing Super Mario and trying to escape Boos. Now that’s something a dad would be into.

Buy Spooky Ghost Boo Retro Mario Hat $20.45

3. Balenciaga White Sony Playstation Edition Logo Cap

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (3)

Balenciaga collaborated with Sony Playstation for a pricey logo hat suitable for all fashion-conscious gamer fans. The cap features the date of their collaboration as well, embroidered on the side of the hat. It’s made in Italy with 100 percent cotton and polyester trim. This is a “more is more”-type of collab, with flashy logos and statement font on a relaxed, dad hat style.

Buy White Sony Playstation Edition Logo Cap $495

4. Nike SB H86 Washed Cap

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (4)

Nike’s SB H86 cap looks vintage, thanks to its washed grey color. The hat is made out of soft twill. It has easy maintenance, as it can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. The hat also includes breathable vents, so you won’t get too hot during the summer months. The Nike logo is small and subtle, letting the hat — and its easy, breezy colorway — speak for itself.

Buy Nike SB Washed Cap $34.34

5. ‘47 Clean Up Toronto Raptors Baseball Cap

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (5)

Are you a Toronto Raptors fan? This baseball cap is for the basketball fans. Whether you’re from “The 6” or not, show off your support for your favorite NBA team (multiple team logos are available).Adjust the hat to your liking with its adjustable back strap.

Buy Clean Up Toronto Raptors Cap $25

6. Earth Embroidered Washed Baseball Hat

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (6)

Urban Outfitters’ earthy green hat, featuring an embroidered planet Earth, is nice and simple. Show people you love our planet with this design, which works as well for heading to brunch as it does for heading into the woods for a hike or camping getaway. For care, the washed cotton can be spot cleaned.

Buy Earth Embroidered Washed Baseball Hat $29

7. FGSS Bear Print Adjustable Dad Hat

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (7)

This extra affordable cap on Amazon features a design just like Kanye West’s Graduation bear. The bear is printed on the hat rather than embroidered, however. This cap is unisex, true-to-size, and made with soft polyester. It’s especially eye-catching in pink.

Buy FGSS Bear Print Adjustable Cap

These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren't Just for Dads (2024)

FAQs

Why are dad hats called dad hats? ›

The streetwear dad hat was born in the 1970s as baseball players wore them during matches. Owing to their large size, mostly middle-aged men sported dad caps, and hence the name, “dad hat”.

Are dad hats in style in 2024? ›

This enduring popularity is exactly why the classic dad hat is the perfect niche item to sell if you're planning to open your own print-on-demand store. Combine the dad cap with custom embroidery, and you have a bestseller!

What is the difference between a dad hat and a regular hat? ›

Generally, baseball caps have a stiff brim, structured crown, and a snapback. They are usually worn by athletes and have become a vital accessory in fashion over time. In contrast, dad hats are low-profile caps that assume a more laid-back fit and a curved brim. They also have a strap or buckle closure at the back.

Who wears dad hats? ›

Originally worn by baseball players to shield their eyes from the sun, dad hats quickly gained popularity as a fashion accessory in the 1970s. The curved brim and relaxed fit of dad hats made them a favorite amongst middle-aged men, college campuses, and American baseball teams.

What is the real name for a dad cap? ›

Some people also refer to the baseball cap as baseball hat. A dad cap (or dad hat) is a cap variant, often made of six panels, that derives from the classic baseball cap but with the exception that is has soft front panels (unstructured front).

What does yes daddy mean from a girl? ›

“Daddy” is a term of endearment that signifies care, love, and protection. If your girlfriend calls you “daddy,” it means she likes you and feels comfortable around you. Alternatively, she might call you “daddy” because it turns her on and she wants you to take charge in the bedroom.

What does daddy O mean in the 1950s? ›

The Slang: “Daddy-O” is a hip way to refer to a cool man. According to A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, the term was one of the most frequent words used in early 1950s beatnik culture.

What is daddy Hood? ›

(North America, informal) Fatherhood.

Are dad hats still in? ›

In conclusion, dad hats are a simple yet versatile accessory that has become a major fashion trend in recent years. Their popularity is due in part to the rise of streetwear and casual fashion, as well as their affordability and emotional appeal.

Are mens hats making a comeback? ›

Men's caps rise in popularity to beat the summer heat: Guide to ivy, baseball, bucket hats. Hats off to hats. The New York Times recently reported that hats have made a comeback, indeed they are a necessity given hot days and tricky weather thanks to climate change.

How come men don t wear hats anymore? ›

Nobody, however, has pinpointed one sole reason why this happened, but there are several key things are that are strongly believed to have contributed. The most popular attributed cause is the rise of closed cars and other transportation. As covered cars became more popular, the necessity for a hat diminished.

What does Daddy hat symbolize? ›

The "Daddy" cap, an accessory embroidered with slang for a sexy older man, is a symbol of Ponsetto's complete ambivalence towards the situation — and how her actions as a white woman have impacted Harrold Jr.

Can I pull off a dad hat? ›

You can find dad hats in a variety of colors and designs. While you can wear them with just about anything, low-key outfits like sweatshirts and jeans go best with them. Don't wear a dad hat to anywhere too fancy, however. These hats are best for daily wear or outdoor activities.

What is the difference between a 6 panel hat and a dad hat? ›

A 6-panel hat has a seam/stitching in the middle, which holds the separate panels together and most dad hats are 6-panel hats. Dad hats normally have an adjustable, buckle closure or a hook and loop closure.

What is the difference between a 6-panel hat and a dad hat? ›

A 6-panel hat has a seam/stitching in the middle, which holds the separate panels together and most dad hats are 6-panel hats. Dad hats normally have an adjustable, buckle closure or a hook and loop closure.

Who is the founder of Dad's hat? ›

In a way, Herman Mihalich's childhood in Monessen, Pennsylvania predicted his future as the founder of Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey.

How did beanie hats get their name? ›

The word “bean” was considered American slang for “head” in the early 20th century. Apparently, some thought a bean resembled a head. When a baseball pitcher threw a pitch at a player's head, it was called a bean ball. Since the snug-fitting cap outlined the shape of the head, it became known as the beanie.

What are gangster hats called? ›

Fedoras were much associated with gangsters during Prohibition era in the United States, a connection coinciding with the height of the hat's popularity between the 1920s and the early 1950s.

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