Trucker Hats: What Are They and Why Are They Trending Again?

A trucker hat, mesh cap or netback cap is a type of baseball cap. This kind of hat first appeared in the 1970s as a promotional give-away from U.S. feed or agricultural supply firms to farmers, truck drivers, and other rural labourers, thus the alternative names are "gimme [as in 'give me'] cap" and "feed cap."

Know In Detail

In the early 1970s, firms including Mountain Dew, Dekalb, Budweiser, Shell oil, and John Deere began handing out contemporary five-piece mesh trucker hats at truck stops to promote their goods.

Resemblance with baseball cap 

A trucker cap resembles a baseball cap in shape and style, with a curved bill in the front, six almost triangular gores, and a button at the crown. A trucker hat's foam bill and plastic mesh crown provide comfort and ventilation in place of the cotton fabric of a regular baseball cap. It towers above baseball hats thanks to its upright, rigid foam front. You may modify the fit with the plastic snaps or hook-and-loop fastener at the back. The goal of this style was to create a cap that kept its user far more comfortable in hot, sunny conditions. Whether printed or as a patch sewed on, the first feed caps had brand logos on the front foam area of the hat. Customers of these businesses were more likely to own tractors or shop at a local feed store.

Current times

You can now get trucker hats with all sorts of different designs and logos on the front, from flags and camouflage to photos and funny sayings. The promotional use of trucker hats continues.

How to wear trucker hat?

The trucker cap is universal in that it may be worn by people of many ages and backgrounds. It's easy to see why this piece of jewellery appeals to people of both sexes. But how can you make it seem good?

Put it on Front-Facing

Wear your support for your favourite sports team, hip-hop artist, or skateboarding crew on your sleeve. Wear your trucker hat with the front facing out for a no-fuss, laid-back look.

If you want to fit in with the trucker hat crowd, all you need is a good graphic T-shirt, some shorts and your favourite trainers. There are also adjustable mesh trucker hats that have a large brim in the front and mesh in the rear, making them a great accessory for any outfit.

Put it on Backwards

Wearing your trucker hat inside out is a certain way to draw attention to your inner rebel. The mesh is in the front and the brim is in the rear. It's a popular style among young people just starting out in the fashion world.Skateboarders, for practical reasons on the rink, occasionally sport the style popularised in 2000s Hollywood and Bollywood films. If you want to pull off this edgy style, make sure the rear of your hat is higher than your hairline and the brim is pointing down. Put on some loose-fitting trousers and a simple T-shirt for a laid-back vibe. 

Types of Trucker Hat

Trucker hats come in various colours, logos, graphics, and embroidered designs. Following are certain types- 

• A baseball cap
• A snapback
• Dad Trucker hat
• Curved brim snapback cap

Care tips 

Don't put the cap through the washer and dryer. It will deform the form. Hand washing in soapy water can help it keep its form.

Check for color fastness 

A love red trucker hat with coloured embroidery should be tested for colour bleed at regular intervals. To check the colorfastness, dampen the coloured area with a little amount of water. You may safely wash the cap after making sure it won't bleed.

Air dry 

Let the hat dry naturally in the air to prevent it from drooping.

Stuff a dry towel rolled into a ball inside the trucker hat. Hang it up to dry in the shade, preferably next to a window or in front of a fan.

Wash frequently 

Don't let your trucker hat gather perspiration and stains; wash it often. Washing your favourite trucker hat often can help keep it smelling fresh and free of unsightly sweat stains.

21st Century trend 

The trucker hat was popularised in the early 2000s, particularly among suburban American adolescents connected to the hip-hop, pop punk, and skater subcultures. This is ironic, as the hat's traditional wearers are likely to be elderly people with a rural or blue collar background. Many famous people are seen wearing it.

Many performers in the subgenres of outlaw country, punk, metal, blues, and rock have recently been seen performing and appearing in photos while wearing trucker hats. Many musicians, such as Hank Williams III, Gary Lindsey of Assjack and Black Eyed Vermillion, Scott H. Biram, Bob Wayne of the Outlaw Carnies, and Early Cuyler, are known to wear trucker hats.