Wearing a baseball hat backwards is something of a fashion statement nowadays, but interestingly, it didn't start out that way.

If you've ever wondered, "why are baseball hats worn backwards?", we're going to discuss all the possible reasons—from the origins of these hats right up to how they're worn today—in this article.

The Origins of Wearing Baseball Hats Backwards

Originally, baseball caps were worn by baseball players (you'd never have guessed, would you?).

Players would turn their caps backwards so they could comfortably wear masks during their games. So, the backwards cap trend started out as something that was 100% practical, making it possible for players to see and move freely.

With the huge popularity of baseball, the backward cap started making its way off the baseball field and quickly became a thing of youth culture.

Practical Reasons for Wearing a Hat Backwards

There's no denying that wearing a baseball cap backward is a fashion statement—but for the everyday wearer, does it serve any practical purposes?

Well, if you're just heading out to hang with your friends, there's rarely a practical reason to twist your cap around. But you might adjust the brim to:

• Angle it towards the glare of the sun, preventing it from blinding you, especially if you're driving and the sun is coming through the window sideways.

• Prevent the wind from catching the brim and flicking the cap off your head, particularly if you're on a scooter or skateboard.

People might also flip their hats around to prevent them from getting in the way of other gear they might be wearing, like sunglasses. The notches in our Notch hats solve that problem!

Also, people using equipment that they need to hold in front of their eyes (like photographers) might twist their caps around to prevent the brim from blocking their view.

Backwards Hats in Pop Culture and Fashion

Practical reasons aside, why are baseball hats worn backwards as a fashion choice?

The backward cap really took off in the '80s and '90s, when it became a "thing" in hip-hop culture. Throughout these decades, it was common to see everyone from skateboarders and athletes to celebs (like Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) taking this fashion-forward approach, which gives an outfit a more relaxed vibe and laid-back attitude.

Fashion and personal style might have come a long way since then, but the cultural influence of backwards ball caps can still be seen today. Plus, fashion trends come and go, with trends from the '90s recently making a resurgence. It's unlikely that the backwards baseball cap will ever truly go out of style.

How to Wear a Baseball Hat Backwards Stylishly

If you want to wear a backward cap without feeling like a complete idiot, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Keep it Casual

Wearing a backward hat with a suit or something uber-formal is a bold move, and not something that most people can pull off. It's best to flip your cap when you're wearing informal clothes for casual outings, like a T-shirt or hoodie and shorts or jeans.

Avoid Color Clashing

Just like with a cap worn "correctly", you'll want to make sure your hat matches your clothes to avoid the dreaded color clash. That might mean sticking to neutral colors (you can't go wrong with black or grey in most cases), depending on personal preference.

Check the Fit

The last thing you want is for your backward cap to fly off your head because it doesn't fit properly. The brim should sit comfortably against your neck without sticking too far up.

Pros and Cons of the Backwards Hat Trend

By this point, the backward hat "trend" is arguably just one of those fashion choices that transcends trends entirely. But even so, there are still some advantages and disadvantages of the whole "cap worn backward" movement.

Advantages of Wearing Caps Backwards

• Great for completing an outfit with a relaxed, casual vibe

• Prevents you from the shielding effects of a stiff brim in front of your eyes during sports

• A fun way to show off a logo or design on the back of your cap

Setbacks of Wearing a Cap Backward

• Can be restrictive if you have long hair, especially if you're wearing it in a pigtail

• Doesn't offer sun protection for your face

• Can be associated with certain stereotypes (although we say "you do you" when it comes to your choice of self-expression)

So, there we have it: everything you might have wanted to know—and more!—about why ball caps are worn backward.

They might have been a trend made popular by hip-hop artists, but now most of us can say we've worn a baseball cap backward at least once. If you like the look, embrace it. There's nothing stopping you from wearing your cap however you want.