The classic headgear of American long-distance trucker culture, the trucker hats are closely associated with the spirit of truck driving. However, most of us need to find out where the iconic trucker hat came from, its history, and how it became a fashion icon among today's teenagers.
Trucker hats, also known as mesh hats, have a long and fascinating history. They have evolved from promotional giveaway items to a fashion statement that both celebrities and subcultures have adopted.
Today, in this post, we'll explore the history and evolution of the trucker hat – from its origins in the 1960s and 70s to becoming the style icon it is today.
Where Did The Iconic Trucker Hat Come From?
The classic trucker hat has originated from two main sources:
- Baseball cap: The basic style is derived from the traditional baseball cap, which evolved from a variety of brimmed hats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Promotional Giveaways: In the 1970s, American feed and farming supply companies started offering unique styles of baseball caps as promotional giveaways to truck drivers, farmers, and other rural laborers. This unique cap featured a mesh back for breathability. Later on, this special design – with a logo on the front – became identified as the "trucker hat".
When Were Trucker Hats Invented?
Trucker hats first emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as promotional giveaways for truckers and farmers. At that time, trucker hats were not designed for fashion, they were utilized only for their primary function, to cover the head and hairs.
Promotional Powerhouse: The 1960s and 70s
Trucker hats first appeared in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. They were not considered stylish at the time. Instead, feed stores, farm equipment businesses, and, as you might guess, truck companies used them as promotional gifts. These hats, also known as "feed caps" or "gimme caps," were valued simply for their function. Because they had a breathable mesh back that kept wearers comfortable and protected during long days in the sun. For branding, businesses used rigid foam display logos on the front.
From Fields to Fashion: The Early 2000s
The trucker hat was associated with blue-collar jobs and rural life for many years. But things began to change in the early 2000s. With its charming look, the trucker hat began to appear on the heads of pop-punk fans, hip-hop artists, and celebrities. From there, trucker hats gained surprising popularity and became a fashion statement, especially among young people in the suburbs.
Trucker Hats Today: Symbol of Fashion and Sports
Nowadays, trucker hats are no longer just for a sports person or subcultures. Many people are attracted to hats because of their simple style, utility, and charm. Understanding this trend, Shop Friday Feelin' offers you a wide range of trucker hat styles including women's hats, salty hats, rad lifeguard hats, locals-only, and pickleball trucker hats. Trucker hats with funny phrases, personal messages, and sports team symbols are popular everywhere these days.
With this vast vogue, we can say that trucker caps will once again lead fashion trends on a global scale. So, the next time you choose trucker hats for women or men, keep in mind that it's more than just a style statement; It's a headgear with a long history that originates from baseball caps.