We all know the silhouette, but do you know where it came from? The snapback isn’t just a piece of headwear; it is a cultural icon that bridges the gap between sports and hip-hop.
The Early Days (1950s – 1980s)
While baseball caps existed way back in the 1800s, the adjustable plastic strap—the “snap”—didn’t become the standard until the 1950s. For decades, these were mostly worn by players or given away as cheap promotional items for trucking companies and feed stores.
The Golden Era (1990s)
In the early 90s, everything changed. Hip-hop icons like N.W.A. and Tupac began wearing snapbacks (specifically the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bulls). Suddenly, the hat wasn’t just for supporting a team; it was a symbol of rebellion and street identity. The “Starter” brand snapback became the must-have item of the decade.
The Resurgence (2010s – Today)
After fading away in the early 2000s in favor of fitted caps, the snapback returned with a vengeance around 2011, thanks to artists like Mac Miller and Chris Brown. Today, it remains the most versatile hat style in the world—worn by everyone from skaters to CEOs.