These Must-Have Dad Hats Aren’t Just for Dads

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It’s obvious to say that dad hats are not just for dads. Dad or not, the baseball cap-style hat is perfect for busy and laid back days — running errands, taking a stroll with your dog (or kids), fishing, coaching a team or just as part of your grail-worthy outfit.

The best dad hats (or dad caps) make a statement that says you’re not trying to look cool, and yet subtle confidence exudes from what you’re wearing – and how you’re wearing it. And while a good dad hat will offer protection from the sun and shield your face when you’re outdoors, the best dad hats are meant to be thrown on casually too, paired with things like sweats, khakis, or jeans and a T-shirt.

Dad Hats vs. Baseball Caps

Dad hats are baseball caps, but not all baseball caps are dad hats. Here’s why: a dad hat is a six-panel baseball cap with unstructured front panels and uncomplicated logos. It’s usually made of canvas or cotton and has a pre-curved brim. The fit is relaxed and often can be adjusted to fit the wearer. Some are a little faded, so they have a vintage look. The style of a dad hat is not meant to match perfectly with anything, but rather to complement in order to complete the effortless look.

Whereas baseball caps are stiffer in construction, dad hats are less rigid and are often known as “floppy hats” or “floppy caps” as well, thanks to their more relaxed fit and design.

And while baseball caps are often interchangeable design-wise with snapbacks, truckers, or fitted caps, dad hats can be similar to snapbacks, but they’re not made to be stiff or have a flat brim.

What Are the Best Dad Hats?

Below, we rounded up the best dad hats from some of our favorite brands online. Wear them year-round for effortless style – whether you’re a dad or not.

1. Maison Kitsune x Trevor Project Rainbow Fox Embroidered Cap

Maison Kitsune’s adjustable cap is done in collaboration with Trevor Project and 15 percent of net sales will be donated directly to the Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. The embroidered hat features a rainbow fox that boldly contrasts with the hat’s pale latte shade. It’s made out of canvas and cotton.

Buy Maison Kitsune Rainbow Fox Cap $125

2. Spooky Ghost Boo Novelty Retro Mario Hat

For Super Mario fans, this (unofficial) dad hat might be your pick. Rather than the usual six, it’s constructed with five panels and made out of 100 percent cotton twill. With X eyes, the ghost design seems to be inspired by the artist Kaws. The hat conjures childhood memories of playing Super Mario and trying to escape Boos. Now that’s something a dad would be into.

Buy Spooky Ghost Boo Retro Mario Hat $21.95

3. Balenciaga White Sony Playstation Edition Logo Cap

Balenciaga collaborated with Sony Playstation for a pricey logo hat suitable for all fashion-conscious gamer fans. The cap features the date of their collaboration as well, embroidered on the side of the hat. It’s made in Italy with 100 percent cotton and polyester trim. This is a “more is more”-type of collab, with flashy logos and statement font on a relaxed, dad hat style.

Buy White Sony Playstation Edition Logo Cap $495

4. Nike SB H86 Washed Cap

Nike’s SB H86 cap looks vintage, thanks to its washed grey color. The hat is made out of soft twill. It has easy maintenance, as it can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. The hat also includes breathable vents, so you won’t get too hot during the summer months. The Nike logo is small and subtle, letting the hat — and its easy, breezy colorway — speak for itself.

Buy Nike SB Washed Cap $34.34

5. ‘47 Clean Up Toronto Raptors Baseball Cap

Are you a Toronto Raptors fan? This baseball cap is for the basketball fans. Whether you’re from “The 6” or not, show off your support for your favorite NBA team (multiple team logos are available). Adjust the hat to your liking with its adjustable back strap.

Buy Clean Up Toronto Raptors Cap $25

6. Earth Embroidered Washed Baseball Hat

Urban Outfitters’ earthy green hat, featuring an embroidered planet Earth, is nice and simple. Show people you love our planet with this design, which works as well for heading to brunch as it does for heading into the woods for a hike or camping getaway. For care, the washed cotton can be spot cleaned.

Buy Earth Embroidered Washed Baseball Hat $29

7. FGSS Bear Print Adjustable Dad Hat

This extra affordable cap on Amazon features a design just like Kanye West’s Graduation bear. The bear is printed on the hat rather than embroidered, however. This cap is unisex, true-to-size, and made with soft polyester. It’s especially eye-catching in pink.

Buy FGSS Bear Print Adjustable Cap $5.88