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The hats even non-hat men can wear

You want the best. And heck, you deserve the best. But there's a lot of choice out there, and sometimes the best is hard to find. Fortunately, we know where to find it. Every week, the Esquire editors reveal their favourite brands, from under-the-radar steals to luxury loves, so you can invest in the best clothes, watches and accessories that money can buy.

This week, the hat that even guys who can't wear hats can wear: the baseball cap

Olivia Ovenden, Senior Digital Writer

"I am of the belief that unless you’re a batter for the San Francisco Giants, wearing a baseball cap while strolling to the supermarket is something of a statement in itself. As such, simplicity is king when it comes to the cap, and nobody makes more stylish basics than New York brand Noah.

"Launched by Supreme's former creative director Brendon Babenzien in 2015, Noah fuses the punk and preppy styles of NYC to make eminently wearable clothes that'll have people enquiring as to where you got that T-shirts or tote from. Their caps do come in pretty much any colour you can think of: beige, royal blue, black, white and this fun shade of purple! Sure, there are more intricate caps to throw on at a jazz festival or tropical beach retreat, but for a summer of hometown staycation, there's no accessory more cool about being casual than Noah's."

Murray Clark, Digital Style Editor

"I am a confessed baseball cap man, and friend: I am not afraid. For the ultimate casual headwear is a good disguise in-between head shaves (the optimal amount being three a week, which, you're right, is insane), and also sits nicely about the casual gear I live my life in. I unearthed a great one at the souvenir shop at LA's Griffiths Observatory. There's another white cap with the Président cheese logo. And I don't even eat cheese!

"But all of these lack polish; that little oomph that propels casual into concrete without going too smart. Prada has it. It has it in surplus, in the lovely clothes, the lovely leathers and now, in a lovely baseball cap that says 'I'm casual, but I'm the finest sort of casual you ever did see.' All that requires is some fine Italian craftsmanship, the iconic Prada logo, and my freshly-shaved head."

Nick Pope, Deputy Digital Editor

"A decade and a half ago, in my hometown branch of River Island, a former girlfriend grew so hysterical and uproarious at the sight of me in a Chicago Bulls snapback that I swore to never wear a hat again. That haunting laughter has died down, and I’ve been dabbling in some ever-shrinking beanies over the past few years, but I know they’re not the hat for me. I look a bit naff; less Shipster, more South Park background character.

"I was about to give up on my dream, until I discovered Norse Projects’ six panel sports caps in corduroy. Like everything else the skatewear-infused Copenhagen boutique puts out, they’re understated, well-crafted and, most importantly, fit perfectly. I’ve finally found the one."

Finlay Renwick, Deputy Style Editor

"I’m of the opinion that a cap should be a simple thing. No stupid colours or myriad logos. But I also believe it needs something. Just plain makes it look like you’re an undercover policeman, too much and you're at Glastonbury on a Sunday at 5am."

"This, by Giorgio Armani, is perfect, and gets the formula just right. It’s navy, which is absolutely the best cap colour, with an embroidered GA script logo. Less undercover policeman, more undercover billionaire."

Tom Nicholson, Senior Digital Writer

"Amsterdam artist Parra does bold, chunkily curvy illustrations which recall Matisse, giving a vibrant spin with oversaturated colours and mix-and-match typeface combinations. It all comes together in this understatedly popping six-panel piece. The whole vibe is very heat-struck Mitteleuropean summer skater, though obviously you’re under no obligation to wobble uncertainly around the South Bank on your ‘board’. No, it’s not the same as getting slowly cava-silly on some sultry Catalan town square, but it’s a very safe alternative."

Don't like any of those? Here are some more of the best baseball caps of 2021.

Made in Japan out of a lightweight shell material with reflective detailing, this sporty cap by Gorpcore brand du jour And Wander is is a discreet bit of tech style for your head!

Embroidered with a depiction of a fantasy clay court nestled into a tropical valley, Casablanca brings back it's tennis club merch motif for a glamorous summer.

Ralph's classic cap comes in all sorts of colours, but only this washed out red (pink?) one will make you feel like a man who owns a boat and maybe even a boathouse in Nantucket.

The baseball cap gets the gingham tablecloth treatment thanks to Acne Studios. Thanks Acne Studios.

A very literal take on spring joy, Gucci has borrowed an iconic floral print from Liberty and splashed it all over this very cool cap.

Alexandre Matiussi's 'Ami de Coeur' logo is swiftly becoming one of the most beloved marks in menswear. Wear it where everyone will see it.

If you're going to wear a cap by one of the most hyped names in fashion, it's a flex to relegate the logo to a cursive scrawl above one ear. A subtle nod to those in the know.

Homme Plissé Issey Miyake

Trust Issey Miyake to craft a cap that looks more like something Elon Musk might one day live in on Mars than something to wear on your head.

A decade ago, a Burberry check baseball cap would have got you banned from most football stadiums. Today, you'll find it on the heads of the most fashion-savvy players. Or the ones with the best stylists, at least.

Corduroy, but make it summer, courtesy of Satta's forest green baseball cap. Because texture's not just for winter.

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