My Switch from $20 Baseball Caps to the Premium '1987 Style': The Transformation

I wear a cap nearly every day, especially when working outdoors, so reliable sun protection is essential. For years, I assumed all baseball caps were created equal and simply grabbed the least expensive option available.

That turned out to be a costly error. Inexpensive caps deteriorate quickly, lose their appeal after just one wash, and provide inadequate sun protection. Eventually, I made the decision to upgrade my headwear. Here’s my journey from a $20 low-quality cap to a $49 premium one.

Stage 1: The Budget Phase ($15–25)

My initial cap cost around $20 and seemed like a bargain at first. Unfortunately, it only took three weeks for it to look worn out and shabby.

Here’s what I found problematic with the cheaper caps:

• The Fabric: It was thin, faded after a single day in the sun, and absorbed sweat too easily.
• The Fit: The crown was too shallow, making it feel like it was just perching on my head. Even a light breeze could blow it off.
• The Adjuster: It had a plastic snap-back closure with fragile teeth that broke easily, so it never stayed securely fastened.

Online reviews echoed my experience—many customers complained about the lack of guidance on sizing and the overall poor quality. It was a disappointing purchase from start to finish.

Verdict: Avoid caps priced under $25. They’re designed to wear out quickly and don’t provide effective sun protection.

Stage 2: The Mid-Range Phase ($30–40)

I decided to invest a bit more and upgraded to a $40 cap. These were... acceptable. They didn’t fall apart right away, representing a noticeable step up in quality.

What improved?

• Material Upgrade: It used a thicker cotton twill, which helped it hold its shape better.
• Metal Buckle: The adjuster strap was made of metal, a significant improvement over the flimsy plastic snaps.
• Minor Issues: The stitching was still somewhat uneven, and while the colors were accurate, the fit wasn’t ideal. It sat more securely but still felt generic.

The mid-range cap held up for about six months with regular use. Still, I felt like I was compromising. I wanted something that felt custom-made and stylish, not just adequate.

Verdict: Mid-range caps are suitable for occasional wear. If you’re a daily cap wearer, it’s worth seeking out better construction.

Stage 3: The Premium Phase ($45–50)

Then I tried the premium '1987 Couple Baseball Cap' style, priced at $49. WOW.

This cap stood out immediately. It had the quality of a wide-brim baseball cap I’d been searching for—dense fabric, a deep crown, and a fit that felt tailor-made for my head.

The customer service matched the product’s excellence. The staff understood what quality meant, highlighting the difference between a retailer that sells cheap hats and one that specializes in well-crafted gear.

Premium Review: "Capri and Lukas were amazing today!!! We will definitely be back. They knew exactly what they were doing, were fun to work with, and created the perfect hats for us!! An incredible experience."

The premium features were unmistakable:

• Embroidery: The '1987' stitching was bold and flawless, with no loose threads.
• Crown Depth: Essential for comfort, the deep crown kept the hat securely in place and offered full head coverage.
• Material Quality: Made from heavy-duty, structured cotton, this cap maintains its shape even when wet and feels incredibly durable.
• The Brim: The brim was firm and held its curve, providing excellent shade from the sun.

This investment paid off. Spending $49 once is far better than replacing four $20 hats each year. I also learned that excellent products are often available directly from the retailer’s homepage.

Premium Review: "Lucas was incredibly helpful and had a great eye for suggestions while designing my hat! Highly recommended!"

Action Step: Before purchasing, inspect the stitching and the adjuster buckle. If they appear cheap, the entire hat likely is.

Comparison Table: My Upgrade Journey

Feature	Stage 1: Cheap ($20)	Stage 2: Mid ($40)	Stage 3: Premium ($49)
Material	Thin, flimsy cotton. Fades quickly.	Standard cotton twill. Poor shape retention.	Dense, structured, heavy-duty cotton. Holds shape permanently.
Fit/Crown Depth	Very shallow. Sits on top of the head.	Average fit. Still feels shallow for some.	Deep crown. Perfect, secure fit. Ideal for a wide-brim baseball cap.
Adjuster/Buckle	Cheap plastic snap-back. Breaks easily.	Basic stamped metal slider.	Solid brass/high-grade metal buckle. Remains securely fastened.
Longevity	1 month.	6 months.	Years.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? Yes, Here’s Why

Some may balk at spending $49 on a cap, but consider the math: if a $20 cap lasts one month, you’d need 12 per year, totaling $240. The $49 cap lasts for years, saving you money in the long run.

Quality isn’t just about savings—it’s about appearance and comfort. A premium hat retains its structure, avoiding a wrinkled or dirty look after one use, and helps you maintain a sharp appearance.

Additionally, a premium wide-brim baseball cap offers superior protection. Thin materials allow UV rays to penetrate, while thick, high-quality fabric provides a reliable barrier against the sun.

How to Buy a High-Quality Cap

Follow these steps whenever you’re shopping for a new cap:

1. Step 1: Check the Material. Look for terms like 'heavy twill' or 'structured cotton.' Descriptions such as 'polyester blend' often indicate lower quality.
2. Step 2: Check the Adjuster. Avoid plastic buckles at all costs. Opt for solid metal construction.
3. Step 3: Look at Buyer Photos. Observe how the hat fits on actual customers. A deep crown ensures better comfort and security.
4. Step 4: Check the Stitching. Examine the embroidery and seams closely. Loose or messy stitching is a sign the cap won’t hold up.

Final Verdict: Stop settling for disposable hats. Invest in one high-quality wide-brim baseball cap. You’ll save money, enhance your appearance, and enjoy greater comfort. Quality always proves worthwhile.