You can’t deny the freshness of the old school snapbacks; nicely structured crown, team logos and colours, contrast brims and eyelets. One size fits all so no messing around with sizes. What’s not to love about snapback hats? The snapback hat was a phenomenon in the 80s and 90s, and now we can only reminisce on those days in which it reigned supreme. Recently though, the snapback hat has made a return to the streetwear scene with brands like Obey, The Hundreds, HUF & Diamond Supply Co inspiring a new generation to wear the classic snapback hat.
One distinguishing feature of a snapback is the composition; either wool blend or cotton twill. The cotton twill snapback hat is most common, but the wool snapback hat can be more closely compared to a typical fitted cap. Another remarkable characteristic of snapback hats is the green under-brim allowing the cap to be identified without even looking for the plastic adjustable snap. This green canvas represents the grassy fields on which baseball is played, as the style of cap we’ve grown to know and love has its roots in America’s sport.
One of the first and most popular streetwear brands to adopt the snapback cap was Obey clothing, founded on the art, design and ideals of Shepard Fairey. What started for Fairey with an absurd sticker he created in 1989 while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design has since evolved into a worldwide street art campaign, as well as an acclaimed body of fine art.
OBEY clothing was formed in 2001 as an extension of Shepard’s range of work. Aligned with his populist views, clothing became another canvas, another way to spread his art and message to the people. The clothing is heavily inspired by classic military design and work wear basics as well as the elements and cultural movements Shepard has based his art career on. Through designers Mike Ternosky and Erin Wignall, Shepard works to create designs that represent his influences, ideals and philosophy.
