How does one properly break in a fitted baseball cap?

May 9, 2005 8:00 PM

I've always disliked the way that fitted baseball caps (especially the MLB-standard New Era 5950) fit, as they sit too high on the crown of my head. I've heard of various mojo that one can perform (including cutting out the mesh at the front of the cap, showering in it, etc.) to make them fit better, but was wondering if there might be someone with more practical experience out there. This link is the only one I've found that's even slightly relevant, and remains a bit vague on the whole mesh-butchering thing.
posted by fet to clothing, beauty, & fashion (14 comments total)

A buddy of mine is real serious about his ball hats. He cuts out the mesh and removes whatever was between the mesh and the front material of the cap. Just strip it all down and I don't think you can go wrong.
posted by trbrts at 9:18 PM on May 9, 2005

Check your link... es no bueno
posted by Benway at 9:23 PM on May 9, 2005

There's such a thing as "low-profile" baseball caps, which I'm partial to myself. Some of them are almost like a beanie with a bill in front. You probably won't find any modern sports teams hawking them, but you probably WILL find them if you like vintage baseball gear, which is where I think they originated. Also, a lot of promotional caps seem to come in this style... my two favorites are one from Bloodshot Records and one from Avid, the video editing equipment company.

I can't find pics of either online, but these should give you an idea of the shape of them.
posted by BoringPostcards at 10:03 PM on May 9, 2005

I second trbrts. If done correctly, the stiff mesh can be cut out from the front part of the cap with a sharp knife and a steady hand. After you cut that out, wear your cap in the shower and then let it try on your head so it molds to your head. Also, I found my caps which I sweat in fit the best to my head...the moisture helps to conform the cap to my skull (or so I keep telling myself).
posted by jmd82 at 11:39 PM on May 9, 2005

jmd82, I do the same thing as far as sweating in them. Wear them to the gym, pull them way low and tight over your dome, and after a couple good workouts they will fit your head much better.
posted by vito90 at 2:00 AM on May 10, 2005

I cut out te mesh with an Xacto knife-- all you need are two careful cuts (one on each side of the seam) and then you can pull it loose from the surface of the hat. Then you run the Xacto around the edges and it's done. Takes just a few minutes.

As vito90 points out, the next step is sweating in the hat or, failing that, wearing it for a morning while it's wet.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:30 AM on May 10, 2005

I was having the same problem, most fitted hats just weren't fitting as I'd like them to. I switched from the New Era 5950 fitteds to Franchise Fit Caps made by Twins Enterprises. They are much more comfortable. They're also cotton instead of wool, and therefore much cooler in the summer.
posted by LouMac at 6:02 AM on May 10, 2005

What is the hat brim made of? I was under the impression that it was some kind of cardboard, but I guess not if it can take being in the shower.
posted by event at 6:11 AM on May 10, 2005

I'll second the New Era "low-profile" versions, if you want to stay authentic and need a lower fit. They're a bit harder to find, though.
posted by jalexei at 6:55 AM on May 10, 2005

Don't wear your hat in the shower. As event hints, the bill is made of cardboard and will be ruined. However, I have found that water is very helpful in getting the New Era authentic caps to fit right. First, make sure that the cap is just a little bit loose on your head, as the process is also likely to shrink the circumference. Then, prepare to get wet. Put the hat part of the hat under the faucet and get it good and wet. Make sure you get water all over the inside of the hat. Then wear it (this is where you get wet) until it is pretty dry. The cap will shrink to a perfect fit. I did this with my New Era Cubs hat when I was having the exact problem you describe and it worked great.
posted by PhatLobley at 8:39 AM on May 10, 2005

You can rubber band the bill around a large empty can, like a big crushed tomatoes can, to retain the shape then put the whole shebang in the top rack of the dishwasher. That breaks them down a little, and is a good way to clean them in general. I guess you could put it right on your head when you take it out of the dishwasher, but it might be kind of hot.
posted by jennyb at 8:53 AM on May 10, 2005

I'll second the "Franchise" caps. They don't need ANY breaking in. all the hard work is done for you. Plus, they come in a ridiculous amount of styles per team.
posted by Yukon at 9:50 AM on May 10, 2005

I find that giving the cap a good soaking and then wearing it dry tends to lower the profile somewhat. Other than that, you just have to wear it wear it wear it. The visor is not cardboard, but a flexible plastic. Here is How To Care for Your New Era Cap.
posted by Bezuhin at 11:45 AM on May 10, 2005

Great tips folks! The link I mentioned is this one -- sorry for the bad link.

I prefer the feel of wool caps, and in general most minor league teams don't offer them. I'm particularly smitten with this (admittedly goofy) cap, so break-in of the 5950s is essential.

Low profile 5950s are also much harder to come by, and apparently New Era doesn't offer them in every style.

Thanks again for the tips!
posted by fet at 2:48 PM on May 10, 2005