The Most Popular Ways to Wear Snapbacks and How NOT to Wear Them

Snapbacks are back! Your favourite hat from the 90s is in style again, even though baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts have lost their appeal. Snapbacks look stylish and a little bit edgy (the good type of edgy) with contemporary pieces. All you need to know is how to pull off the look, and if you keep reading, you’ll definitely learn. From how to wear a snapback to how not to wear one, here’s are some tips to pull off this statement staple without looking goofy or outdated.

urban MLB clothing

The history of snapback, if you didn’t know, lies in baseball, and they are a key part of urban MLB clothing. But snapbacks aren’t to be confused with standard baseball caps. Even though they’re both similar, they have their own distinctions. The snapback gets its name from the adjustable strap at the back, which makes them one-size-fits-all.

Baseball caps, on the other hand, are simply fitted and they cannot be adjusted. Moreover, snapbacks feature a flat, wide brim and six rigid sections that make up the cap and result in a high dome up the front. This shape gives the snapback with its distinctive look and a larger space at the front for prints and text.

Choosing a snapback

Choosing a snapback is a personal journey with no wrong way to go. Even though snapbacks now come in a variety of designs, you can rest assured you’ll find one that fits your style and personality. From streetwear brands like Supreme, Obey, Undefeated to baseball MLB clothing caps – there’s something for everyone.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, just think about what you’re trying to do with your look, and go from there. If you’re a sports guy, you can get one with a logo from your favourite team on it, or if you prefer something more minimalistic, you can go for an unadorned design. If you’re still trying to figure out your style and you’re new to snapbacks, stick to classic, simple designs in dark colour.

Snapbacks pair great with casual clothing, but they can also work great with smart casual outfits. To make sure you pull off the look with a smart casual outfit, you’ll need a minimal style snapback in a darker hue. Wear your snapback facing forwards with the brim pointed slightly upward to reveal more of your face. You can pair it with a casual button-up and chinos in muted or neutral tones for a great smart casual look. And as for footwear, wear a pair of uncuffed, clean sneakers.

snapback - hip-hop outfit combinations

But nothing beats snapback – hip-hop outfit combinations. These two have a long history of teaming up. The little edginess snapbacks provide mixes perfectly with hip-hop style, making them a great accessory. get a snapback that makes a bold and sleek statement. You can’t miss with a black style snapback with white embroidery. Complete the look with a pair of sneakers, ripped jeans and a graphic, oversized tee.

The most classic way to wear snapbacks is with the brim facing forwards. Even though that’s still a casual look, it does provide a cleaner look than wearing it backwards. Still, this doesn’t mean that wearing your snapback that way can’t make a fashion statement. By pairing the snapback with any hip hop or smart casual outfit, you’re bound to stand out.

If you know what you’re doing and have the confidence to pull it off, you can wear the snapback backwards as well. However, this look can appear awkward and outdated if worn with the wrong outfit or wrong way. You’ll want to pair a backwards-facing snapback with contemporary and modern designs and styles. Furthermore, keep the outfit very casual as this look projects a more carefree and relaxed appearance.

snapback backwards

Avoid pairing snapbacks with business or formal wear. Whether or not a snapback fits the occasion is also something you need to know. Even though you may have pulled it off in the 90s, the rules have changed. Also, avoid bending the peak. People in the past used to do it, but it’s not a thing anymore. Snapbacks are made with a flat brim for a reason, and you can ruin them. If you prefer wearing a bent peaked hat, just get a curved visor cap instead.

Furthermore, don’t wear it sideways. That might have been cool 15 years ago, but now it looks kind of goofy. It’s an outdated style, so just wear your snapbacks forwards or backwards.

Lastly, remember your age. Sadly, snapbacks don’t usually suit all ages. Older gentlemen need a more sophisticated style, meaning the snapbacks are best left for those in their 30s and 20s. But of course, if you want to wear one, you shouldn’t let anything prevent you from rocking one with confidence. Alternatively, you could go for some other type of hat that suits your age group better, like a dad hat or a baseball cap.