New Era

Back in Time

In fact, it’s those partnerships that set New Era apart from the pack. It all began in 1920, when Ehrhardt Koch, a German craftsman conceived of a new line of hats that was more fashionable and quality-focused. The New Era Cap Co. was a quick success, spurring the production of some 60,000 Gatsby-style hats in its inaugural year. Everything was manufactured in a humble plant situated in a room rental in Buffalo.

They've Got Game

In the early ’30s, the company shifted direction slightly. Due to the growing popularity of professional baseball, there was an even greater demand for a sportier hat similar to what players wore. It wasn’t long before the company had designed its first-ever baseball cap for the Cleveland Indians.

What followed was a fascinating relationship with the professional league, and by 1950, the brand was the only independent manufacturer to create caps for the teams. Before long, they were producing the wildly familiar baseball caps associated with the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers, among many others.

As New Era’s popularity in the field grew, its aesthetic changed ever so slightly when Ehrhardt’s son, Harold, designed the now-iconic 59FIFTY cap. With its fitted silhouette, it offered a more contemporary look and promoted a better overall fit.

By the ’80s, the brand began to market its sports caps to fans. Eventually, the company became the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of Major League Baseball on-field headwear. They even created a custom hat for Spike Lee in the late ’90s. By then, it was clear that New Era was more than just a sports name — it was a lifestyle brand.

Number Game

It’s not just the 59FIFTY that sets New Era apart. The brand manufacturers many caps that are identifiable by their numbers. There’s the 9Fifty with its snapback design, the 940 adjustable style, and the 39Thirty flexible fit, among many others. It’s indicative of the brand’s ability to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the masses.

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