A few decades ago, cycling caps, also known as casquettes, served as the mark of a champion. Any cyclist who finished on the podium sported a cycling cap and wore it as his crown.
Fast forward to the present, cycling caps no longer have the same aura about them as cycling gear and they have somewhat fallen into obscurity. You probably won’t see them anymore in cycling articles and recent posts.
However, there still exist a handful of cyclists who wear cycling caps for function and to showcase their unbounded love for the sport of cycling.
Contrary to popular belief, a casquette differs from a baseball cap.
One of the differences is the peak. Although both cycling and baseball caps have peaks, a cycling cap’s peak is more flexible.
Additionally, you’ll also find the rear end of a casquette elasticated with the insertion of tape or rubber thread, thereby facilitating a better fit.
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What is the reason for wearing a cap?
Although many cyclists nowadays wear cycling caps merely for aesthetic appeal, cycling caps have more purpose and functionality than people give them credit for.
Cycling caps can do a fantastic job of preventing your sweat from dripping into your eyes. Additionally, they will also do their part to keep the rain out and prevent water from hindering your vision.
Plus, the peak of the casquette, as you must have deduced already, provides sun protection and thus prevents sun burn.
Bicycling caps also tend to be rather useful in the spring and autumn seasons—at a time when it’s neither too hot nor too cold. During such seasons, a cycling cap offers a layer of insulation without being too overbearing or causing you to overheat.
On top of that, a casquette also protects your head from the inconvenience caused by venty helmets.
Should I wear a cycling cap?
Do you experience bad hair days on the regular?
Well, a long riding session in the open roads can be tough on your hair. The external elements would provide favorable conditions for your unruly hair to go completely crazy.
To bring a certain element of order from such chaos, you would need a cycling cap. A casquette would also prevent the MIP’s liner in your helmet from trapping your hair.
In a nutshell, put on a cycling cap if you want to manage your hair, keep the sun out, and prevent sweat from stinging your eyes. Know that a casquette can be worn under your helmet to keep your head warm during slightly colder riding sessions.
You can also don a road cycling cap to stand out, maintain a cool style, and mark yourself as a cyclist to be taken seriously.
At the end of the day though, it’s all up to you to don one or not.
When not to wear a biking cap?
Don’t ever make the one grave mistake of putting on your cycling cap when not riding, irrespective of how cool you think you look.
If you do that, expect riders to hurl insults your way. In worst cases, you may even get a deserved beating for being so schmuck about your douche ways.
Only don a casquette when you are fully immersed in a cycling activity and when you have your entire cycling kit on.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, don’t say that you weren’t warned.
How to wear a cycling cap the right way?
There are three ways you can wear a casquette. You can either put it on with the flip brim down, flip brim up, or the reverse method.
Thankfully, it is acceptable to don a casquette under helmets too.
With the flip brim down, you can expect to have protection from the harmful sun rays, rain, mud, and wind. Sporting a cap this way also keeps the bugs out.
Apart from making you look like a professional and keeping the sweat from dripping into your eyes, a casquette worn with the flip peak up doesn’t offer much functionality.
Although the reverse method isn’t accepted by all, there is a way you can make things work for you. If you intend to wear your cap the reverse way, ensure you put it on correctly with the right amount of luft.
Also, make sure the brim is flipped up at the rear and the cap is as straight as can be i.e. if you don the casquette without a helmet.
If you’re willing to risk it all to protect your neck from the effects of direct sun and rain, put on the cap with the brim down under your helmet.
Rules When Looking for the Perfect Casquette for Your Photo
To find that one look that suits your personality, you’ll have to go through as many cycling accessories and products as possible.
Thankfully, cycling caps come in a variety of options for you to choose from. There are also golden rules you need to follow to find the right casquette.
Rule 1: Go with the right size
Wearing a cycling cap that doesn’t fit your head is a major blunder as doing so will make you look like a pretender. Therefore, it is imperative that you don the correct-sized casquette whether under your helmet or alone.
Rule 2: Pair your cycling cap with the right attire
As far as I’m concerned, if you don a biking cap, you must pair it with arm warmers or a vest. A long-sleeve jersey will also do the job.
You can even pair it with the right style of cycling pants. By pairing your casquette with the aforementioned attire, you will achieve a Spring Classics look and have people talking about you in a positive light.
Again, there is no hard and fast rule to follow this procedure, but history suggests that a cyclist is valued more when he follows traditional methods.
Rule 3: Keep it high and straight
There are no two ways about it—your biking cap should sit straight at all times. It is also equally important for you to wear your cap up high with just the right amount of luft.
At the same time, ensure your cap isn’t angled far back on the head.
Conclusion
Cycling caps can be worn both alone and under the helmet. However, don’t wear it to make a fashion statement or accessory when you are out and about and far away from cycling activities.
Ensure you choose the right fit, keep your biking cap straight, wear it up high with the right amount of luft, and pair it with the appropriate attire. As long as you follow these rules, you are good to go.
Wearing a cycling cap will protect you from the elements, maintain warmth, prevent your sweat from stinging your eyes, and give you a quirky and cool style.
Now that you know how to wear a cycling cap, do your part and spread the word around as a responsible rider. Help other riders on the trails style themselves like pros on Tour De France.