Trucker Hats vs. Baseball Caps: What’s the Difference and How to Style Them

Trucker and baseball hats are tried-and-true accessories you need in your wardrobe. They don’t just protect your eyes from the sun; they also keep you looking fresh, whether you’re going to brunch, running errands, or hanging out with friends. Anyone can pull off a baseball or trucker hat, but how are they different, and which style is right for you?

WHAT IS A BASEBALL CAP?

Baseball caps come in many different styles, but they typically sit close to the head and feature a flat or curved brim. While a classic baseball hat is made of cotton, you might also find them in denim, corduroy, leather, or suede.

Baseball caps often come in one size, but they may have an adjustable strap in the back so you can fit it to your head. These adjustable straps may be velcro, plastic snap closures, or buckle sliders. Your baseball hat should feel snug on your head, but not too tight, and the brim should sit slightly above your eyebrows. If your baseball hat is leaving marks on your forehead when you take it off, it may be too tight. Luckily, baseball caps are easy to adjust.

Baseball caps are always in style. As you’ve probably guessed, they were originally exclusively worn by baseball players. They’ll give your fit sporty energy every time you put one on.

WHAT IS A TRUCKER HAT?

Trucker hats look slightly different from baseball caps and have a mesh back and a higher crown, meaning they sit higher off of your head. They often have foam inside the hat above the bill, giving them a structured look. Before they were a mainstream fashion accessory, they were frequently worn by farmers and truckers in the 70s and 80s. When you wear a trucker hat, you’re tapping into a hardworking and free-spirited piece of American history.

Like baseball hats, trucker hats can come in many different fabrics like cotton, corduroy, or suede. Most trucker hats have an adjustable plastic strap on the back, but they can also feature Velcro or elastic bands.

Since trucker hats have a slightly bulkier look than baseball caps, they add a bolder vibe to your outfit. You might prefer a trucker hat in the summertime as the mesh backing will keep you cool.

TRUCKER HATS VS. BASEBALL CAPS: KEY DIFFERENCES

Trucker hats sit higher off the head and have a mesh back, while baseball caps are more fitted to the head and are completely fabric.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Trucker Hat	Baseball Cap
Fit	Sits higher on the head (taller crown)	Sits closer to the head
Material	Foam front, mesh back	Fully fabric (cotton, corduroy, suede, denim)
Back Closure	Usually plastic snap, Velcro, or stretch band	Snap, buckle, Velcro, or fitted
Ventilation	Mesh allows for better airflow	Less breathable overall
Look & Style	Structured, bold, rugged	Sporty, casual, and classic
History	Originally worn by truckers and farmers in the ’70s – ’80s	Originally made for baseball players
Best for	Making a fashion statement; warm weather	Everyday wear, athletic-inspired look

HOW TO STYLE YOUR BASEBALL OR TRUCKER HAT

Styling trucker or baseball hats with your outfit is simple. Going for a polished look? Wear a hat that matches the color palette of your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing an outfit with cream colors, put on a cream-colored hat to match for an ultra-put-together look.

Don’t be afraid to let your hat make a statement. Hats with bold colors, embroidered designs, or lots of patches can serve as your standout piece when you wear a simple top and jeans. Or, for a relaxed look, wear a statement hat with sweatpants.

HOW TO STYLE A BASEBALL CAP

If you love the sporty look that baseball caps lend, pair one with a varsity jacket or track jacket. If you want to feel extra cozy, wear your cap with sweatpants or joggers. For a classic vibe, pair your baseball cap with a T-shirt and jeans.

HOW TO STYLE A TRUCKER HAT

To tap into the rugged and timeless style that trucker hats provide, pair them with a classic denim jacket. Finish off the look with jeans or cargo pants. You can match the wash of your jeans to your denim jacket, or wear jeans in a different wash for a more eclectic look.

Shop the full collection of trucker hats and baseball caps at True Religion and complete your fit.