The best caps to smarten up your summer wardrobe, from £35

Telegraph

7 days ago

The humble baseball cap is enjoying renewed relevance in menswear of late, thanks to something of a high-fashion makeover. No longer reserved solely for hiding a bad hair day, it has become a bona fide wardrobe essential – one that is not only chic, but smart too.
Caps topped off tailored ensembles and tonal smart-casual looks in Fendi's spring/summer 2025 show, and are now stocked at Gieves & Hawkes on Savile Row – in a wool-cashmere blend.
'Premium materials like cashmere, linen, suede or technical wool blends can instantly elevate a simple silhouette,' says Joshua Scacheri, design director at the tailor. 'They add texture and a sense of intention to your look.'
This can also be achieved with high-street pieces; see Cos's linen cap and Massimo Dutti's suede iteration in sumptuous chocolate brown. A beige version of the latter has sold out at the time of writing – a testament to current demand.
Under £100
As well as stealth styles in neutral tones, statement pieces have retained their cachet. Willy Chavarria's spring/summer show featured a tomato-red cap embroidered with the word 'América' – also the title of the collection, which refashioned workwear uniforms.
Another trendy example comes from actor and men's style muse Jacob Elordi, who frequently dons a lime-green cap that reads 'Saint Natalie Wood'. The piece, from James Franco 's streetwear label Paly Hollywood, has become something of a cult item.
Under £200
Clearly, bolder caps can be a worthwhile investment. While Elordi's has long sold out, there's also Lorna Murray's tweedy wool Lake Weekend cap at Wolf & Badger, or, for a blow-the-budget option, one in classic Burberry check. These can inject immediate life into otherwise neutral outfits.
Over £200
There are various ways to take your cues on colour, as Scacheri explains. 'If you're wearing darker tones, consider a similarly muted cap for a sleek, tonal look,' he says. 'If your outfit features patterns, pick up an accent colour and tie the cap into that palette. For those who prefer a bolder approach, choose a cap that contrasts your outfit to create a visual highlight.'
Whatever the hue, a cap will provide an invaluable shield against summer rays and prying eyes, while looking surprisingly dapper.