The Best NBA Caps and Hats of 2024

If you want to show your support for your favorite NBA team in a subtle yet fashion-forward way, then caps may be your best bet. It’s not as loud as a team jersey, but it still gets the point across.

So, if you’re in the market for the best NBA caps and hats, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorites and tips for choosing the right one. 

Our Favorites for the Best NBA Caps and Hats

There are a lot of manufacturers and brands out there that make quality NBA caps and hats, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some of the best basketball hats we’ve seen so far:

Just Don 59Fifty New Era Collaborationst

When it comes to premium sports memorabilia and apparel, Just Don is a brand that even the most avid collectors are familiar with. They make some of the most exclusive, in-demand, and premium NBA caps and hats on the market, and their collaborations with brands like New Era are no exception.

It doesn’t even matter what design or team is on the crown. Every Just Don cap is in demand and highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. They’re impossible to find at retail stores, so you shouldn’t pass it up if you come across one of their hats. It’s a rare gem that’s sure to appreciate in value over time.

What Makes it Unique:

• Luxurious finishes such as snakeskin brims and strap backs
• In-demand collector’s items
• High-quality embroidery on the crown

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• Considered a luxury product
• Can appreciate in value over time

Mitchell & Ness Championship Caps

While Mitchell & Ness aren’t the only cap providers for the NBA, their iterations are always iconic – from the ’91 Bulls Championship to their most recent one that LeBron wore for the Cav’s 2016 title.

Mitchell & Ness’ distinct retro sensibility shines through with all their championship edition caps. Even New Era’s recent take on the Denver Nuggets’ championship cap looks like it’s taken some design pointers from them, with its large font covering almost half the cap crown. But it’s the athletes who wore them that really make Mitchell & Ness Championship caps worth mentioning. Michael Jordan and LeBron James have both worn the Chicago Bulls’ and Cleveland Cavaliers’ respective Championship caps.

Even if you’re not a fan of the Bulls or the Cavs, the iconic moments that you saw these caps worn can definitely make you want to get one for yourself. These championships, such as the Bulls’ two three-peats in the ’90s, are simply nostalgia-inducing pieces of headwear that’s hard not to love.

What Makes it Unique:

• Mitchell & Ness’ unique design language
• Iconic moments with Jordan’s three-peats in the 90s

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• Nostalgia-inducing classic retro designs
• Mitchell & Ness is a proven sports memorabilia manufacturer

The Runner-Ups for the Best NBA Caps and Hats

Of course, we can’t wear more than one cap at a time. So, here are the caps that we’d wear when our main ones are in the wash:

New Era Authentic On-Stage Draft 59Fifty Snapbacks

Of course, non-collab versions of the 59Fifty also make for great everyday headwear for NBA fans. It is, after all, the official provider of those caps rookies wear on draft night. These Authentic On-Stage Draft 59Fifties can make you feel like you’re part of the team.

Ever wanted to feel like you’ve just been drafted by your favorite team? Well, these New Era snapbacks are probably the closest thing you can get to that feeling without actually being drafted. These are exactly the same hats that you see on player’s heads when they’re drafted.

If you’re the type of fan who loves to go all-out on showing your support for your team, then these snapbacks are worth looking at. It’s loud and proud and can make you feel like you’re a part of the team.

What Makes it Unique:

• Makes you feel like you’ve just been drafted by your favorite team.
• Minimalist design with just the team logo prominently featured on the crown

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• It’s the official cap given to rookies on draft night
• New Era’s soaring reputation as a cap maker

Mitchell & Ness Denim Acid Wash Snapbacks

When it comes to NBA jerseys, Mitchell & Ness is one of the brands to watch. But let’s not forget that they also have some excellent headwear selections. One of the hottest-selling items on their product line these days are the Denim Acid Wash Snapback series.

Acid-wash denim has a distinctive look to it. But the way that Mitchell & Ness’s gentle bleach splatter design is highlighted on the fabric is what makes it stand out from other brands. The result is a hat with a great vintage vibe that can work with a simple t-shirt, just as well as a casual suit.

Plus, Mitchell & Ness’s sports heritage and tradition are second to none with its century-old history of crafting high-quality sports apparel.

What Makes it Unique:

• Stylish acid-was design
• Versatile cap that goes well with both streetwear and casual wear

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• Can be a go-to hat for both a night out with friends or for a date night with your significant other
• Vintage look that will still go with other more modern articles of clothing

The Value Picks for the Best NBA Caps and Hats

Value picks are caps that aren’t typically limited editions that’ll cost you an arm and a leg in the secondary market. So, these come from fast fashion brands that produce high quantities and cost less than brands specializing solely in headwear.

'47 Brand Chamberlain Snap Hitch

If it’s a no-frills everyday beater cap you’re looking for, then the'47 Brand Chamberlain Snap is definitely worth considering. It’s a predominantly white design with a raised embroidery of the team name on the crown. 

While most caps are made of cotton, the ’47 Brand’s Chamberlain Snap Hitch tries to distinguish itself by using nylon ripstop fabric. This helps you stay cool while watching the game or even when you’re outdoors.

What Makes it Unique:

• Cooling nylon ripstop fabric
• Uniform design for all the teams in the NBA

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• It’s still a very stylish cap but it’s leaning more towards the functional cooling feature
• ‘47 Brand has a lot of other sports apparel that goes well with the Chamberlain Snap Hitch

Adidas Structured Flex Cap

With Adidas being known more for their shoes, their caps often fly under the radar for most NBA fans. However, they also made some of the best caps in the game and even provided some championship caps to the NBA in the 2000s.

Adidas has some of the best basketball hats officially licensed by the NBA, and they price them competitively. So, these caps are the go-to if you just want to show your team some love without worrying too much about how much you’re spending. They’re also quite easy to maintain as they’re machine washable.

What Makes it Unique:

• Adidas Flex Fit sizing
• Good quality materials
• Competitive pricing 

Why Choose this Best NBA Caps and Hats:

• One of the least expensive officially licensed caps you can find
• Machine washing it wouldn’t be as anxiety-inducing as washing other $300 caps

How to Choose the Best NBA Caps and Hats for You

With so many brands, price ranges, and features, finding the perfect NBA cap can be challenging. To help you out, here are some points to consider when shopping for one.

What Suits Your Personal Style?

When shopping for your next cap, consider it an extension of your personal style. It’s much more personal and significant than you initially think. Your cap says a lot about who you are and what you represent.

Are you a minimalist who appreciates clean, sleek designs? Or a bold trendsetter who goes for vibrant colors and retro designs? Your cap is your canvas. It shows your aesthetic influences and how you want people to perceive you.

Remember the ’91 Mitchell and Ness cap we mentioned earlier, the one sported by none other than Michael Jordan? While that cap became famous for being worn by a legend, when you wear it, it integrates your admiration for MJ and his greatness into your own personal style story.

What Materials Are Used for the Caps?

Caps made from quality materials also maintain their color and shape better over time. That means your team’s logo won’t fade quickly, and the cap will keep looking fresh and new for longer.

Secondly, the material directly influences the cap’s breathability and thus impacts comfort. Mesh is one such material that offers excellent breathability due to its unique weave. This makes the cap comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially during warm weather or intense games where the atmosphere can get heated.

Texture and appearance are other crucial factors influenced by the material. Materials like dazzle give caps a unique sheen, while others can provide texture, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the cap.

What’s Your Available Size?

Buying the right size cap is just like selecting the right fit for your favorite pair of sneakers. Too tight, and it might cause discomfort, leave marks on your forehead, or even cause a headache after prolonged wear. Too loose, and you might spend your whole day adjusting it, or worse, risk losing it with a strong gust of wind. Sounds like a handful, right?

But when you find the “Goldilocks” of caps, one that fits just right, it all becomes worth it. You won’t have to continually adjust it, and it won’t leave you feeling like your head is in a vice. In fact, you might even forget you’re wearing it after a while—that’s how comfy the right-sized cap can be!

Plus, let’s not forget about the aesthetics. A cap that’s too large can look oversized and sloppy, while a cap that’s too small might sit high on your head and make for a laughable sight. However, a cap that fits just right complements your face shape and adds to your overall style quotient.

Do You Have a Preferred Brand?

When you buy from a reputable brand such as New Era or Mitchell & Ness, champions in their respective fields, you’re investing in a promise of quality. These brands have been game-changers in the business for years. So, when buying their product, you’re buying into a legacy.

Quality also means longevity. Brands that have gained a good reputation over time tend to use premium materials and invest in solid manufacturing processes. This ensures that your cap will last for seasons to come without the colors fading or the shape going awry.

Plus, every brand has its unique style that often extends to the design, color palette, branding placement, and overall aesthetics of the caps. Therefore, choosing the ideal cap is largely about aligning with a particular brand’s style because it resonates with you.

Lastly, brands often have exclusive deals or collaborations with sports leagues, like the NBA. That makes these caps even more special – they’re not just caps; they’re part of an exclusive club, a symbol of a dedicated fan. 

What NBA Team Do You Want to Represent?

The team prominently featured on your cap’s crown holds a lot of power and significance – it makes you part of a passionate fan community. It tells a story. Are you a legacy fan, connected with a team because of family tradition, cherishing the glory days of the Chicago Bulls, like the era of Air Jordan? Or are you part of the new generation, honoring teams who’ve crafted a recent success story, such as the Golden State Warriors or Miami Heat? Your cap adds a chapter to your NBA journey, making you a part of that great big narrative.

In essence, when buying an NBA cap, the team you choose is not just a logo stitched on fabric. It’s a symbol of your love for the game, camaraderie with fellow fans, your proclamation of loyalty, and the history you hold dear.

Does it Fit Within Your Budget?

The best NBA caps and hats can cost as little as $9 to as much as $300 at retail prices. And with such a wide gap, it’s pretty difficult to choose which one to buy.

Premium caps such as Just Don’s are associated with luxury, exclusivity, and high-quality materials. While Mitchell & Ness and New Era are more known for their sports heritage and quality. Both segments have fans who appreciate what they have to offer.

Many fans appreciate the premium materials, the craftsmanship, and the overall design of Just Don snakeskin caps. For others, it’s that rare sense of exclusivity that makes them worth buying. And yet, for some, it’s the chance of reselling these pieces at a higher price point later down the line that really makes them appealing.

But if you’re just looking for a stylish cap that will help you represent your favorite team and have a good time watching the game, then a $30 – $40 cap from Mitchell & Ness or New Era is already more than enough. After all, it’s not really about the cap, it’s about that sense of belonging to the fan community with a shared love for the team. Unless, of course, you’re a collector who’s in it for what it may cost in the future or if you have a deep appreciation for luxury fashion goods. 

Or if you’re really not that into the looks and you’re all for the function, then some cheap NBA hats that go for $9 – $12 from sports retailers like Adidas or Nike can be a good purchase, too. In the end, it’s all about what you want and what you can afford. So don’t worry too much about it, just pick the right cap that matches your style and wear it proudly!

Wrapping Things Up: The Best NBA Caps and Hats

The popularity of sports memorabilia and apparel is at an all-time high, and basketball caps and hats have become the latest pieces that have captured this fan interest. And just like sneakers, caps have also become a segmented market where premium brands and manufacturers can charge quite a large sum more than their cheaper counterparts.

So, whether you’re looking for the premium high-value snakeskin brimmed Just Dons or a simple Adidas Structured Flex Cap with your team’s logo on it, there’s something for everyone. 

However, with so many different price ranges, styles, and brands, you should get one that resonates with you. The main thing to remember is that caps are meant to be worn, so don’t just get one for the sake of having one.

If you found this post helpful, check out our other basketball gear reviews here: