Caps 101

When I say caps, you probably think of the typical baseball kind. But there's actually a rather large array of caps out there -- from knit tuques to berets. Oh sure, some are dressier than others, but each is comfortable and has its own perks. Read on for the rundown on the most common types of casual headwear.

headwear vocabulary

Brim/bill/visor/rim: The edge of the cap that shades the face
Crown: The part of the cap that covers the head
Sweatband: The fabric inside the cap's crown to soak up sweat
Hatband: The band of fabric on the outside of crown, just above the rim. Mostly found on formal hats, but occasionally seen on cowboy hats

caps vs. hats

Hats are more formal than caps. Hats should fit snugly and rest just above the ears; caps should be worn close to the head, and are ideally made from a fabric that breathes (wool or cotton are your best bet).

Caps can be worn with all types of casual clothing (jeans, T-shirts, shorts), whereas hats require a more discriminating eye and should be matched to one's overcoat or suit jacket.

1- Baseball
Baseball cap - Credit: CarolinaTraders.com This is an American original and is the most common type of cap you're likely to find. The baseball cap is marked by its large front bill and its tight-fitting beanie crown. The best ones are made from wool or cotton, and are sized instead of having the more inexpensive snapper back.

Wear baseball caps with jeans, T-shirts or shorts -- anything goes. They work particularly well if worn on vacations or during any physical labor, and should be avoided when going on dates, nights on the town or business.

2- Trucker
Trucker hat - Credit: TheClothingLab.com The trucker hat is the lowest-quality cap, consisting of nothing more than a large foam brim and a part plastic mesh, part foam crown with a snapper back. Of course, just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it's unfashionable.

The "trucker" has proven popular with a range of 20-something movie and screen stars over the last few years. Next to the fabled "wife-beater" and ratty jeans, the "trucker" is a cornerstone of white-trash chic. Just don't go wearing it anywhere fancy.

3- Beret
Beret - Credit: Souvenirs-Paris.fr This is technically a soft hat, but its relative informality demands it be placed in the cap category. Berets are usually made from felt and comprised of a wide flattened, floppy crown.

They're historically a military hat, but in casual settings, they're somewhat more common among women than men. Nevertheless, you can get away with a beret in some business-casual environs, and it matches well with basic button-down shirts and slacks.