In the world of fashion, hats play a crucial role in defining style and making a statement. New Era and ’47 hats, both leading brands in the industry, have carved out their respective niches. Each offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and quality that distinguishes them from one another.
New Era hats are renowned for their structured fit and authentic sports appeal, while ’47 hats are known for their relaxed, vintage-inspired designs. Choosing the perfect hat depends on your personal style preferences and the look you want to achieve.
Dive into the following sections to explore the distinctions between New Era and ’47 hats, unveiling their history, design elements, and core features. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when selecting the hat that best suits you.
A Brief History of New Era and ’47 Brand Hats
The Origins of New Era
Founded in 1920 by Ehrhardt Koch, New Era is an American headwear manufacturer with deep roots in the baseball cap industry. Initially, the company focused on producing a range of headwear, including Gatsby-style caps.
However, their trajectory changed in 1934 when they introduced the first-ever baseball cap for the Cleveland Indians. Since then, New Era has become synonymous with baseball caps and now holds exclusive rights to produce on-field caps for Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Emergence of ’47 Brand
’47 Brand’s story began in 1947 when twin brothers Arthur and Henry D’Angelo started selling sports memorabilia on the streets of Boston. Over the years, their venture expanded into a headwear and apparel company that now offers a diverse range of products for sports enthusiasts.
While ’47 Brand may not have New Era’s exclusive MLB license, they have cultivated a reputation for producing high-quality, fashionable headwear with a vintage appeal.
Design and Style
New Era’s Design Philosophy
New Era is known for its bold and modern designs, often incorporating team logos and colors. Their flagship product, the 59FIFTY fitted cap, has become the gold standard for baseball caps worldwide.
New Era focuses on delivering innovative styles that cater to the tastes of sports enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, and even celebrities.
’47 Brand’s Style Approach
In contrast, ’47 Brand emphasizes a more classic, understated look. Their designs often feature vintage-inspired logos and distressed finishes, appealing to consumers who prefer a worn-in, timeless aesthetic.
’47 Brand offers a wide range of cap styles, including snapbacks, dad hats, and beanies, ensuring that their products cater to a diverse clientele with varying fashion preferences.
Construction and Quality
Materials and Durability
New Era hats are known for their high-quality construction, using premium materials such as wool and polyester blends for a sturdy yet comfortable feel.
The brand also offers performance-based options with moisture-wicking properties to keep wearers dry and comfortable during athletic activities.
On the other hand, ’47 Brand opts for softer materials like cotton and cotton blends, giving their hats a more relaxed and comfortable fit.
These materials contribute to the brand’s vintage-inspired aesthetic while still ensuring durability and longevity.
Fit and Comfort
New Era’s 59FIFTY fitted cap is famous for its structured design and precise fit. The brand offers various sizes to accommodate different head shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit for every wearer.
New Era also provides adjustable options, such as the 9FIFTY snapback, for those who prefer a customizable fit.
’47 Brand, in contrast, is known for its relaxed and unstructured caps, which provide a more laid-back and casual feel.
Their adjustable strap and buckle system ensure a comfortable fit for most head sizes, while the use of softer materials enhances overall comfort.
| Feature | New Era | ’47 Brand |
| History | Founded in 1920 | Founded in 1947 |
| Design Philosophy | Bold and modern designs | Classic, vintage-inspired look |
| Materials | Wool, polyester blends | Cotton, cotton blends |
| Fit & Comfort | Structured, precise fit | Relaxed, unstructured fit |
| Popular Models | 59FIFTY, 9FIFTY, 39THIRTY, 9TWENTY | Clean Up, Captain, Franchise, MVP |
| Licensing | MLB, NFL, NBA, college sports | MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS |
| Price Range | $25 – $45 | $20 – $35 |
| Target Demographics | Sports enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, fashion-conscious consumers | Sports fans, casual style enthusiasts, budget-conscious shoppers |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly practices, partnerships with environmental organizations | Philanthropic initiatives, ethical manufacturing practices |
| Customization | Available for specific models | Available for specific models |
Popular Models and Collections
New Era’s Iconic Offerings
New Era’s most famous product is the 59FIFTY fitted cap, but they also offer various other models and collections. Some of their popular alternatives include the 9FIFTY snapback, the 39THIRTY stretch fit, and the 9TWENTY adjustable dad hat.
Additionally, New Era frequently collaborates with popular brands and designers, resulting in limited-edition collections that showcase unique designs and materials.
’47 Brand’s Fan Favorites
’47 Brand’s most popular hat style is the Clean Up, an adjustable dad hat with a relaxed fit and a curved brim.
The brand also offers other cap styles, such as the snapback Captain, the fitted Franchise, and the adjustable MVP. ’47 Brand continually updates its product line with new designs, incorporating vintage logos, unique colorways, and collaborations with various artists and brands.
Licensing and Partnerships
New Era’s Collaboration Strategy
New Era’s exclusive MLB license has solidified its position as a leader in the headwear industry. The brand also holds licenses with the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and various college sports teams.
These licenses allow New Era to create authentic, team-specific merchandise for sports fans worldwide. Furthermore, the brand has a history of collaborating with prominent fashion brands, designers, and artists to produce unique and limited-edition collections.
’47 Brand’s Partnerships
While ’47 Brand does not have an exclusive license with any major sports league, they maintain partnerships with the MLB, NFL, NBA, National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS).
These partnerships enable the brand to produce a diverse range of team-specific headwear and apparel, catering to sports fans of all types. ’47 Brand also partners with various artists and designers to create unique, limited-edition collections that showcase their vintage-inspired style.
Price Points and Affordability
New Era’s Pricing Structure
New Era’s premium materials and exclusive licenses often result in higher price points for their products. While the prices can vary depending on the model and collection, New Era hats typically range from $25 to $45, with limited-edition releases and collaborations fetching higher prices.
’47 Brand’s Value Proposition
In comparison, ’47 Brand’s pricing is generally more affordable, with most hats ranging from $20 to $35. The use of softer materials and a more relaxed construction contribute to the lower price points. However, limited-edition collaborations and special collections may have higher prices, depending on the design and materials used.
Target Markets and Demographics
New Era’s Core Customer Base
New Era primarily targets sports enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, and fashion-conscious consumers who value bold designs and high-quality construction.
The brand’s exclusive licenses and partnerships with major sports leagues enable them to cater to a wide range of sports fans, while their collaborations with prominent fashion brands and designers appeal to those seeking unique and stylish headwear options.
’47 Brand’s Target Audience
’47 Brand’s target market encompasses sports fans who prefer a more classic and vintage-inspired aesthetic. The brand’s focus on timeless designs and comfortable materials appeals to consumers who value a more relaxed and casual style.
Additionally, ’47 Brand’s more affordable price points make their products accessible to a broader demographic, including budget-conscious shoppers.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
New Era’s Environmental Efforts
New Era has shown commitment to sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes.
The brand has implemented various initiatives, such as using recycled materials in some of their products and reducing waste in their production facilities.
New Era also partners with organizations like the Ocean Conservancy to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability within the fashion industry.
’47 Brand’s Social Responsibility
’47 Brand has demonstrated its dedication to social responsibility by supporting local communities and charitable organizations.
They have established various philanthropic initiatives, including the ’47 Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations that focus on education, healthcare, and social services.
The brand is also committed to ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that their products are produced in safe and fair working conditions.
FAQs
Are New Era and ’47 Brand hats suitable for all types of weather?
Both brands offer hats made from various materials, providing options suitable for different weather conditions. New Era’s performance-based hats with moisture-wicking properties are ideal for hot and humid climates, while ’47 Brand’s beanies and knit caps cater to colder temperatures.
Can I customize a New Era or ’47 Brand hat?
Both brands offer customization options for their hats, allowing customers to create personalized designs with team logos, colors, and embroidery. Customization options may vary depending on the specific hat model and availability.
How do I care for my New Era or ’47 Brand hat?
To prolong the life of your hat, it is recommended to hand-wash it using mild detergent and cold water. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, and air-dry the hat to prevent shrinkage or damage to the materials.
Final Verdict
Both New Era and ’47 Brand provide high-quality headwear options, catering to different tastes and preferences.
New Era’s bold designs and exclusive licenses appeal to sports enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers, while ’47 Brand’s vintage-inspired aesthetic and comfortable materials attract those seeking a more relaxed and casual style.
Ultimately, the choice between New Era and ’47 Brand hats comes down to personal preference, desired fit, and budget.