Baseball caps look simple until you start shopping and run into a long list of model numbers. 59FIFTY, 9FIFTY, 9FORTY, 9TWENTY, 9SEVENTY: each one describes a different crown height, shape and closure, and the wrong choice can mean a cap that sits too high, slips around or never feels quite right. The good news is that once you understand the system, choosing baseball caps becomes quick and easy.
This guide explains each style, then matches one MLB team cap to each fit so you can see the differences side by side.
Reading the Model Numbers
| Style | Crown | Closure | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59FIFTY | High | Fitted (sized) | Structured, flat bill you can curve |
| 59FIFTY Low Profile | Mid | Fitted (sized) | Structured, with a curved bill |
| 9FIFTY | High | Snapback | Structured, flat bill, one size |
| 9FORTY A-Frame | Mid | Snap | Structured, front panels merged into one |
| 9SEVENTY | Mid | Stretch-snap | Structured, semi-curved visor |
| 9TWENTY | Low | Adjustable strap | Unstructured and relaxed |
As a rule, fitted caps give the cleanest shape, while snap and strap closures let one adjustable hat fit almost anyone.
One Cap for Every Fit
Each of these six picks is an officially licensed New Era MLB team cap, chosen to show a different shape. Read the short “best for” line first, then the details, and you will quickly see which crown and closure match the way you like to wear a cap.
New York Mets New Era White Logo 59FIFTY Fitted Hat
Best for: the classic, high-crown ballpark look. This red cap has six panels with eyelets, a contrast-color underbill and raised embroidered team graphics. The flat bill can be curved to taste, and the structured crown holds its shape all day. Choose your exact size, since a fitted cap has no adjustment.
Tampa Bay Rays New Era White Logo Low Profile 59FIFTY Fitted Hat
Best for: anyone who finds the standard 59FIFTY sits too tall. The royal cap keeps the fitted construction but uses a mid crown and a curved bill, with a gray undervisor and a white raised-embroidery logo that stands out against the bright fabric.
New York Yankees New Era x Ralph Lauren Plaid 9FORTY A-Frame Trucker Adjustable Hat
Best for: a fashion-forward trucker look. The A-Frame merges the two front panels into one for a high, pinched shape. Plaid front panels contrast with mesh mid and rear panels for ventilation, the team logo is embroidered with chainstitch detailing, and a snap closure makes it one size fits most.
Boston Red Sox New Era x Ralph Lauren 9TWENTY Adjustable Hat
Best for: a soft, worn-in everyday cap. The 9TWENTY is the relaxed, low-crown silhouette in the range. This cotton twill version has an unstructured crown, embroidered team logo, a fabric strap with slide buckle and a 23.25-inch inner circumference.
New York Yankees New Era Black on Black 9FIFTY Team Snapback Adjustable Hat
Best for: the flat-brim snapback style without worrying about size. An all-black design with raised embroidery, embroidered eyelets and a contrast underbill. The high, structured crown gives the same profile as a fitted cap, while the snapback lets you adjust the fit.
Athletics New Era Tonal Camo 9SEVENTY Stretch-Snap Hat
Best for: hot days in the stands. The 9SEVENTY pairs a structured crown with a performance stretch sweatband and a stretch-snap closure. Breathable perforated mid panels, sweat-wicking and anti-odor technologies, and a printed tonal camo front make it a practical summer choice.
Finding Your Fitted Size
- Measure around your head about an inch above the eyebrows, where the cap will sit.
- Compare the measurement with the size chart on the product page and round up if you land between two sizes.
- Remember that a mid or low crown will feel snugger at the same size than a high crown.
- If you are buying a gift and do not know the size, a snapback, stretch-snap or strap closure is the safer choice.
- Keep structured caps on a shelf or hook rather than in a bag, so the crown keeps its shape.
Wrapping Up
Start with the crown height that suits your face, then choose the closure that suits how you shop. A fitted 59FIFTY gives the sharpest shape, a 9TWENTY gives easy comfort and the styles in between cover almost every taste. With the model numbers decoded, picking your next fitted hat takes minutes.
Each cap in this guide is sold by Fanatics. Our other quick guides to hats, kit and weekend style live over at 2minuteread.