I still remember my first New Era hat.

It was a Yankees 59FIFTY, size 7¼—too tight, but I wore it anyway like it was a crown. Because that’s what a 59FIFTY felt like: legit, serious, pro. I bent the brim (rookie mistake), and my friend nearly passed out from the disrespect.

Since then, I’ve bought over 20 New Era caps—from MLB Authentic to City Connect collabs—and helped other collectors and even brands figure out their fit.

This is the guide I wish I had before dropping $45 on a hat that gave me a forehead dent.

TL;DR – Which New Era Hat Should You Buy?

If you only read this part, read this:

• 59FIFTY: Fitted, flat brim, structured. What MLB players wear
• 9FIFTY: Snapback version of the above. Great for streetwear
• 39THIRTY: Stretch-fit. Curved brim. Most comfortable
• 9FORTY: Strapback dad hat. Low crown. Easy daily cap

Insert image: Side-by-side visual of the 4 styles

Step 1: Find Your Fit Like a Pro

Here’s the no-BS method to get your size right:

1. Take a soft tape measure
2. Wrap it around your head—above your ears and eyebrows
3. Look up your size on New Era’s official size chart

Pro Tip:
If you’re between sizes, size down for 59FIFTY (they stretch a bit), and up for 39THIRTY or strapbacks

Insert image: Tape around head measuring guide

A great hat shouldn’t leave a mark on your forehead—just on your style

Step 2: Understand the Styles

Real Talk:
If you’re new to caps, go with the 39THIRTY. It fits like a dream and doesn’t need breaking in.

Hottest New Era Collections Worth Grabbing

These are the official collections worth paying for:

• MLB Authentic Collection – Exactly what the players wear
• City Connect – Creative redesigns repping hometown culture
• Clubhouse Series – Press-conference clean
• All-Star Edition – Metallic logos, limited drop
• Team Color Pack – Classic colors, high rotation

See What’s New on NewEraCap.com

Big Head? Small Head? No Problem

Don’t give up just because a hat felt wrong. Here’s what works best by head size:

• Big heads (7 5/8 and above): 59FIFTY exact size or 39THIRTY L/XL
• Small heads: 9FORTY Youth or Women’s strapbacks
• Low-profile fans: 9TWENTY and unstructured fits work well

Insert image: Head shape model suggestions

Where Are These Hats Actually Made?

Short answer: Not in the U.S. anymore.

New Era manufacturing is now done in:

• China – Soft finish, mass production
• Vietnam – Clean stitching, best structured crown
• Bangladesh – Ideal for casual and soft-curve styles

What matters most is not the country, but the factory. Some of the best 59FIFTYs I’ve owned came from Vietnam—tight stitching, perfect shape, great comfort.

Insert image: Side-by-side factory close-ups

Watch Out for Fakes

If you find a $15 “59FIFTY” on a random site, it’s likely fake. Check for:

• Crooked embroidery
• Off-center logos
• One-size-fits-all for a fitted cap
• Plastic feeling sweatband
• Unusual smell from materials

Want to Make Your Own Hats Like These?

If you’re a designer, private label, or merch brand, you don’t need to guess. JoinTop is a full-service manufacturer producing premium hats similar to New Era—structured, detailed, and retail-ready.

We operate our own factories in:

• Vietnam – Structured caps, detailed stitching
• Bangladesh – Cost-effective for dad hats and casual fits
• China – Ideal for large volume and fast production

Our product lines include:

• Fitted caps (like 59FIFTY)
• Snapbacks (like 9FIFTY)
• Flex-fit, 5-panel, dad caps, and golf hats
• Fully embroidered or sublimated designs
• Low MOQ options for new brands
• Full OEM/ODM support

JoinTop hats don’t just look good on shelves—they sell.

Final Word: Choose Smart, Wear Proud

A good cap isn’t just about the logo—it’s about the fit, the feel, the statement. And whether you’re a diehard fan or a future brand owner, now you’ve got the tools to choose smart.

If you’re ready to go a step further and bring your own hat line to life, JoinTop is here to help. Real factories. Real results. Real caps.