Hats off! These are the best caps for summer
Whether it’s a retro-flavoured Ralph Lauren hat or a lightweight linen option from Luca Faloni, these are the top caps for the summer months…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Every summer has its peaks and troughs. There are the high points; from well-earned holidays to long, lazy evenings spent with good friends and even better rosé. But there are also downsides; whether working in a warm office on an already-hot day, or getting so sunburnt that no amount of aloe could work its skin-soothing magic.
But sunburn shouldn’t be an issue — as that’s where another of summer’s peaks comes in (albeit a slightly less metaphorical one). The humble baseball cap first topped heads in Brooklyn in 1860, and has since transcended its sporting beginnings to become one of the most popular pieces of headwear the world has ever seen. No summer day — good or bad — is complete without one; here are the very best…
Drake’s Yellow 'D' Flag Cap
First up, a suitably summer cap from gentleman’s outfitters, Drake’s. Six panels of sunny yellow cotton create the classic look; its design inspired by vintage souvenir hats. Finished with a soft crown and gently curved peak, it’s a laid-back cap with a relaxed silhouette.
Rowing Blazers ‘Bath Club’ Cap
Next up, a ‘tap’ cap. Crafted from richly-ridged corduroy and whipped into being by the eccentric artisans at Rowing Blazers, this navy blue cap is detailed with a satin-stitched faucet motif. With an adjustable strap, it’s inspired by old-school American sportswear found in Japanese vintage shops.
New & Lingwood Melton Wool Baseball Cap
As soft as it is spooky, this sturdy baseball cap from the menswear moguls at New & Lingwood is finished with the British brand’s signature ‘skull and crossbones’ motif. It’s stitched onto the front of the fully-lined, wool shell in subtly toned embroidery, giving this summer accessory a pirate-y accent.
Aubin ‘Foxhill’ Cap
From Aubin, this washed-out, rouge-toned baseball cap is the ideal pastel shade for summer days. Made using 100% cotton canvas (and also available in a floral print if you’re feeling particularly seasonal), it features bound internal seams, embroidered eyelet details and a leather back adjuster with metal clasp.
Luca Faloni Linen Baseball Cap
From the effortlessly elegant Italian designer, this timeless six-panel summer cap combines a classic sporty design with a contemporary edge; crafted in Italy from breathable linen, and finished with a contrast lining and detailed elasticated strap. In natural khaki, it’s a versatile summer staple.
Ralph Lauren Cotton Chino Ball Cap
Drenched in retro charm, this classic cap from Ralph Lauren’s Polo is plastered with the sub-brand’s logo. With a six-panelled cotton construction in forest green, the cap has a contrasting peak in ‘Newport Navy’, and a leather adjustable back strap with brass buckle.
Lacoste x A.P.C. Organic Cotton Cap
A collaborative cap from the Lacoste x A.P.C. collection, this functional, fashionable hat is as sustainable a piece of headwear as you’re ever likely to pull on. With an exclusive logo skilfully combining the two brands, and an adjustable strap on the back, it’s cut from organic, planet-friendly cotton petit piqué.
Moncler Logo-Appliquéd Baseball Cap
Bright red and bolder than every other cap on this list, Moncler’s logo-appliquéd baseball hat has both an adjustable back tab and internal browband for comfort. It’s firmly fashioned from hardy cotton twill and finished with a vintage-tinged badge on its front.
Want more summer style? These are the best swim shorts for summer 2022…
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