When shopping for caps, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to choose a snapback or fitted style. Both have passionate advocates and distinct advantages. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right type for your needs, head shape, and personal preferences.

This guide provides an honest comparison of both styles, covering everything from fit and comfort to style considerations and practical factors like price and availability.

Quick Overview

Before diving into details, here's the fundamental difference:

  • Snapback caps have adjustable plastic snap closures at the back, allowing one cap to fit a range of head sizes.
  • Fitted caps have no closure mechanism—they're sized to fit specific head circumferences and provide a seamless look.

Fit and Sizing

Snapbacks

Snapback closures typically offer 5-7 adjustment positions, allowing the cap to fit heads ranging roughly from 54cm to 60cm circumference. This "one size fits most" approach means:

  • No need to know your exact head size before purchasing
  • Easy to share caps with others
  • Flexibility as your hair length or weight changes
  • Lower risk of ordering the wrong size online

However, the adjustment range is limited. Those with very small or very large heads may find snapbacks either too loose at the tightest setting or unable to expand enough for comfort.

Fitted Caps

Fitted caps are sold in specific sizes (commonly ranging from 6 7/8 to 8, with each eighth representing approximately 0.6cm in circumference). This means:

  • You need to know your exact head measurement before buying
  • The fit is precise and tailored to your head
  • No adjustable hardware that might feel uncomfortable
  • Higher risk of fit issues if you order the wrong size

📏 Getting Your Fitted Size Right

  • Measure your head with a flexible tape measure at the widest point
  • Try on sizes in-store if possible before buying online
  • Note that sizes can vary slightly between brands
  • If between sizes, choose larger for comfort or smaller for a snug fit
  • Check our sizing guide for detailed instructions

Comfort

Snapbacks

The plastic snap closure sits at the back of the head. Some people find this completely comfortable, while others notice the snaps pressing against their head, especially during prolonged wear or when resting their head against a chair or headrest.

The adjustability means you can fine-tune the fit, though you're limited to the discrete adjustment positions. If your ideal fit falls between two snap positions, you'll need to choose slightly tighter or looser.

Fitted Caps

When sized correctly, fitted caps offer exceptional comfort. There's no hardware pressing against your head, and the smooth construction creates an even pressure distribution. The sweatband is the only internal element you feel.

However, a poorly-sized fitted cap is notably uncomfortable. Too tight causes headaches and leaves pressure marks; too loose slides around annoyingly.

💡 The Break-In Period

New fitted caps, especially wool ones, often feel slightly snug initially. They typically break in and conform to your head shape after several wears. If a new fitted cap is just slightly tight (but not painful), give it a week of regular wear before deciding it's the wrong size.

Style and Aesthetics

Snapbacks

Snapbacks have strong streetwear associations, particularly with hip-hop culture and the 1990s revival aesthetic. Their adjustable nature means a visible closure at the back, which some see as part of the style and others prefer to avoid.

Most snapbacks come with flat brims, though curved-brim snapbacks exist. The flat brim look remains popular in streetwear and urban fashion contexts but may feel out of place in more traditional settings.

Fitted Caps

Fitted caps are often associated with authentic sports fandom and a more "serious" cap aesthetic. The clean, closure-free back creates a seamless look that some find more refined. Fitted caps are available with both flat and curved brims.

Premium fitted caps from brands like New Era have become collectible fashion items, with limited editions commanding significant resale values. This collector culture doesn't exist as strongly in the snapback world.

Price Considerations

Snapbacks

Snapbacks are generally more affordable than fitted caps of similar quality. The one-size-fits-most design means simpler inventory management for retailers, and the plastic snap mechanisms are inexpensive to produce. You can find quality snapbacks from $25-50 AUD.

Fitted Caps

Fitted caps typically cost more, starting around $40-50 AUD for basic models and reaching $70+ for premium options. The sized nature requires more SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) for retailers, and the construction is somewhat more complex. Limited edition fitted caps can cost significantly more.

⚠️ The Sizing Risk Factor

When buying fitted caps online, there's a real risk of getting the wrong size. Factor in potential return shipping costs when comparing prices. Snapbacks largely eliminate this risk, which has hidden value if you're uncertain about your size.

Practical Considerations

Sharing and Lending

Snapbacks are easy to share with friends and family. Fitted caps only work if the recipient happens to have the same head size.

Changing Head Size

Hair length, weight fluctuation, and even seasonal swelling can affect head size slightly. Snapbacks accommodate these changes easily. Fitted caps may become too tight or loose if your head size changes noticeably.

Durability

Snap closures can break, particularly on cheaper caps. Once broken, the cap becomes unwearable. Fitted caps have no closure to fail, though the elastic in stretch-fit styles can degrade over time.

Storage

Both styles store similarly, though snapbacks can sometimes be stacked more efficiently using their adjustable nature to create uniform sizes.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Snapbacks If:

  • You're unsure of your exact head size
  • You want to share caps or let others try them
  • You prefer streetwear and urban aesthetics
  • Budget is a primary concern
  • You're buying your first caps and exploring style preferences
  • Your head size fluctuates or you wear different hairstyles

Choose Fitted Caps If:

  • You know your exact head measurement
  • You prioritise a clean, hardware-free look
  • You value the collector aspect of limited editions
  • You find snap closures uncomfortable
  • You want the authentic sports team cap experience
  • Maximum comfort for extended wear is important

The Third Option: Strapbacks and Stretch-Fit

If neither snapbacks nor fitted caps seem perfect, consider alternatives:

  • Strapbacks offer adjustability like snapbacks but with fabric/leather straps instead of plastic snaps. More comfortable against the head and more adjustment precision.
  • Stretch-fit (Flexfit) caps have elastic bands that stretch to accommodate a range of sizes. They offer the clean back of fitted caps with some adjustability, though the range is limited.

Ultimately, the "right" choice depends on your priorities. Many cap enthusiasts own both snapbacks and fitted caps, choosing based on the occasion, outfit, and mood. There's no need to commit exclusively to one style—explore both and see what works for you.

👩

Sarah Mitchell

Style Editor

Sarah is a fashion writer and streetwear enthusiast who helps evaluate caps from a style perspective. She specialises in snapbacks, fitted caps, and understanding current headwear trends.