If you are like me, and require actually sized baseball hats as opposed to “one sized fits all,” you probably have a pretty hard time finding anything. Most all baseball caps I have come across are only available in a “one size fits all”, with that adjustable strap/tab at the back. This doesn’t work at all for guys with bigger heads, like myself, as, even if I could get the rear of the hat to fit, the front would look seriously out of proportion. Instead, you gotta get a hat that os actually sized for your head. But we don’t just recommend this for guys with less commonly shaped heads, but actually for everyone. Getting a baseball hat that is actually sized is a revelation. You don’t have that annoying, and not-so-great-looking strap dangling out the back, plus the hat will actually looks worlds better on your head as it is perfectly proportioned for your size. It’s kind of like the difference between waist-sized underwear and S/M/L sizing. Do you need it? Well, some people do. But it’s a bit of a game changer for everyone.
The trouble is that finding baseball hats that actually come in sizes is a pretty difficult thing to do. Just go ahead and try it. You’ll see. That is where Ebbets Field Flannels comes in. They are a company that has been around for quite a while — 1988 to be exact — and they pride themselves on making vintage-inspired baseball caps (and other gear) through rigorous research. Their designs go back to a time lost to history, but they are bringing it back. Instead of the classic, modern sports hats, they offer vintage sports teams’ logos, or even logos of cities or states. Or even more random stuff, like this awesome polar bear cap. For this review, we went with the Ebbets Field Flannels Auburn Astros Vintage Ballcap ($49) — not because we’re Astros fans, but just because we think it looks cool. See what we mean? That’s the beauty of these great vintage designs. All of their hats follow this same, awesome design language, and make for something truly unique and good-looking to wear on your head. Can baseball caps be (somewhat) classy? Well, we think that these can. They’re that awesome. But, enough with this introduction. Let’s get into the nitty gritty of the review.
Packaging & Experience
Their website is clean and easy to use. Shipping was fast (only a couple days), but costs $5. Returns are not the simplest thing, either. While they have a 30 day return policy, you need to provide return shipping. You have to go online and request a return, and then you’re on your own. All they provide as an address. Especially with sized baseball caps, if you don’t yet know your size, this means that you’re spending at least about $10 just to try these things on — on top of the already pretty high asking price for a baseball hat. B-
Style & Design
Like we said above, we love everything going on here. They have tons of design to choose from, and there is something for everyone. The more wool look and texture of these hats make them appear truly classy and cool, and some of the more flannel looking ones are perfect for the more wintery months. While some guys like wearing baseball hats on the regular, other reserve them for things like BBQ’s or sports outings. Either way, when you do wear one, it should make you look cool, and look good on your head. These without question do that better than most. Plus, you won’t be like every other guy out there wearing a modern sports team’s logo on their head. And then, of course, there is the pragmatic use of baseball hats in the rain. Many trench coats or mac jackets do not have hoods, so throwing on a baseball hat like this — yes, even with a suit — is a great way to protect your head, and your hair, from the rain. We love the navy Astros hat we went with for this review. The color is deep and looks almost black, depending on the light. The stitching is all insanely clean and perfect. The underside of the visor is an awesome and unique green — an Ebbets signature — and once you break in the visor a bit, and curl it for that classic look, this hat is pretty much baseball hat perfection. Can’t ask for much more. Our only wish? That they restock some of their other designs! I want it in my size! A+
Quality, Construction & Fit
All Ebbets hats are made out of authentic wool-blends, the same fabric worn at the end of the flannel era of the 1960s. They feel and look fantastic, and are instantly and noticeably a cut above something you would get at a sports stadium. These are seriously premium hats. While the concept of paying close to $50 for a baseball hat was a bit foreign to me at first, once you consider that a typical sports team’s hat goes for not much less, a few bucks more will get you a substantially better hat, all around. These hats are sure to last a long time, plus they fit better than “one size fits all” caps which is what you can usually get even when you’re spending just a few dollars less. I ordered two sizes to test (I knew approximately what I was based on an old sized hat I have lying around, but never really wear), and one of the two came out as clearly being more comfortable and looked better. That was, of course, the one I kept, sending the other one back.
Now, if you need to, think of a baseball hat like this as something of an investment piece. You are only going to have one or two baseball caps, so make it a good one. And, if you are the sort of guy that has a whole bunch, well then you already understand the value in having good ones! The material, design, and fit all add up to a hat that is truly premium. They’re comfortable, will last a long time, unique, and look great. What’s not to love? A+
Value & Comparison
Ebbets Field Flannels Auburn Astros Vintage Ballcap — $49: You should know, I am really not a baseball hat kind of a guy. I don’t wear them all too often. But, this Ebbets hat has me excited to actually start wearing it more often. It’s that good. I wasn’t expecting to really like a baseball hat so much, but this sort of this is just great. Quality materials, craftsmanship, and research can make any product superior and lovable, and worth a price premium so much so that you’ll be happy you paid for it, and that is exactly what Ebbets does here. Around certain parts of the internet, these hats are really loved by certain menswear aficionados, and now we here at The Peak Lapel see why. If you’re going to buy a hat, buy one that looks good, unique, cool, an that fits your head well. Ebbets checks all those boxes, so, if you’re in the market for a new baseball hat, they have our fullest recommendation despite their higher than usual price. Final Grade: A