Hats come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the more underappreciated options is the logoless hat. A gateway to Succession-era quiet luxury — or just an option for those who don’t have a sports team to root for — a logoless hat can make an outfit look slightly dressier than other ball caps.
Logoless hats are also great to pair with nicer clothing to ensure the whole ensemble is of a piece. (Again, look at how the Roys pair their blank caps with chunky knits and sturdy wool coats.) They can also be great companions for activewear, to complete an outfit that’s both functional and stylish.
No matter how one chooses to style a logoless hat, there are a lot of worthy options on the market. We researched the five best — and then tested them in real-world settings — to help SPY readers find the right one.
How Did We Test Logo-Free Hats?
When testing logo-free hats, I first selected options across a wide range of price points, materials, styles, and constructions. From there, it just came down to wearing them for extended periods and observing their comfort levels (were they easy to wear all day?), as well as looking at things like snugness, adjustability, and how easy they were to style with certain looks.
New Era Everyday Classics 9FORTY Adjustable Hat
Design: New Era is the preeminent name in headwear, especially when it comes to fitted and snapback hats. But an underappreciated gem is the brand’s Everday Classics line, which includes the 9FORTY logoless cap. Simple and clean is the name of the game, here, as the style of a New Era dad cap is among the most beloved styles of headwear out there (made all the nicer thanks to an adjustable leather strap at the back).
Fit: As timeless as it gets. New Era hats are the gold standard for sport hats, so opting for a logoless version is a no-brainer. The 9FORTY will fit pretty much every style head and looks incredible no matter what. Plus, the leather strap gives this a bit of character thanks to a subtle bit of refined polish.
Look: Clean as a whistle, frankly. It’s easy to see why New Era is the golden standard and our best overall pick. It feels like the brand has been making hats like this forever — and for good reason. If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it.
Todd Snyder Cotton Twill Cap
Design: Todd Snyder is renowned for his ability to take every day silhouettes and infuse them with a timeless charm. A prime example is the brand’s cotton twill cap. The substantial feel of the twill gives this dad cap style a unique edge over most similar versions, all without the discomfort of heaviness. (Plus, as time passes, the twill will age gracefully, enhancing its appeal.) The addition of a leather buckle at the back adds a touch of refinement, making the hat even more sophisticated.
Fit: The cap arrives with a great shape to the bill, and the adjustable leather strap on the back gives wearers plenty of holes to adjust the closure. However, that can be a little bit of a hassle if someone is in between sizes. Luckily, the hat has plenty of holes in it, so that shouldn’t be a major issue.
Look: While Todd Snyder calls this colorway “Glazed Pecan,” it’s more a coffee hue that’ll pair well with just about any outfit. Also, the aforementioned leather strap on the back makes it look much more elegant than a standard ball cap, the blend in the bill is great, and that cotton twill just looks and feels polished.
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat
Design: While Lululemon’s Fast and Free running hat is inherently designed for, well, running, it’s good enough for casual wear, too — especially for those who tend towards a more athleisure tone in their fits. Made from a lightweight, four-way stretch material that’s sweat-wicking and fast-drying, this cap doesn’t weigh its wearer down and will keep things cool even when it’s hot.
Fit: In addition to coming in two sizes (S/M and L/XL), the Fast and Free cap features an adjustable back closure to ensure a better, more dialed-in fit for when the occasion calls for it. The cap is made to sit low on the forehead to block the sun, which is deeply handy on a run or hanging out on a beach.
Look: The cap gives off a decidedly sporty vibe. The fast-drying material makes it a great addition to any existing rotation and is undoubtedly my hat of choice when it comes to any sort of movement. Plus, it comes in six different shades, so there’s a colorway to fit alongside pretty much everything.
Mack Weldon AIRFLEX Hat
Design: Somewhere between a structured cotton cap and a breathable running hat sits Mack Weldon’s AIRFLEX Hat. A flex (pun intended) unto itself, the hat has a bit more tacticity to it, even with its polyester and elastane construction. It’s easy to wash and includes subtle side vents to cool down the dome.
Fit: A one-size-fits-most situation. There’s an adjustable clasp on the back to ensure a snug fit for runs or a more casual, looser fit when just lounging around. The blended construction makes it soft and cozy to wear.
Look: The darker shade of the material makes it a little bit more difficult to quickly discern that the AIRFLEX is primarily meant for active use. The fact that it doesn’t immediately scream “I just ran a 10K” means it’s well-suited for Saturday errands or Sunday brunch.
TravisMathew Nassau Hat
Design: With its perforated construction, the Nassau hat from TravisMathew evokes the breezy tropics, making this cap perfect for long days on the golf course or at the beach. It’s also a worthy option to consider for outdoor chores in the summer, thanks to how breathable it is.
Fit: The cap comes in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and is technically a fitted hat, but the sizing is generous enough to provide ample space without feeling like it will fall off. It’s cozy, comfortable, and very wearable.
Look: Definitely more sport than dress. As I said, it feels like it lives up to its namesake by being more of a spring/summer cap than something suited to wear in the summer (it would make a good running hat, too). There’s a nice bend in the bill, as well, which will help keep the sun away.
