Embarking on a Journey to Find the Perfect Trucker Hat
As someone who grew up in the 90s, I’ve always had a soft spot for trucker hats. There’s something so nostalgic about their simple and straightforward design – the mesh back, the foam front, the plastic snap closure. Trucker hats just scream old school cool. So when I learned about the 9FORTY A-Frame Trucker hat, I knew I had to get my hands on one.
The 9FORTY is New Era’s signature trucker hat style. It’s an iconic cap that’s been worn by everyone from rock stars to professional athletes. As a long-time hat aficionado, I felt it was my duty to test drive this legendary headwear and see what all the hype was about.
In this post, I’ll chronicle my adventures searching for the perfect 9FORTY A-Frame Trucker hat. From tracking down the most popular colorways to getting the right fit, I’ll share my tips and tricks for newbie trucker hat enthusiasts. I’ll also dive into the key features that make the 9FORTY stand out from other trucker caps.
Whether you’re a seasoned hat collector or looking to buy your first trucker, stick around to learn why the 9FORTY is one of the most beloved caps of all time. Who knows, you might just find yourself falling in love with this vintage-inspired classic by the end!
The Hunt for the Ideal 9FORTY Trucker Hat
My first task was to find a reputable retailer that sold the 9FORTY. As one of New Era’s signature silhouettes, I had plenty of options to choose from. I decided to go directly to the source and browse the selection on New Era’s website.
I was immediately overwhelmed with the variety of colors, prints, and graphic designs. The 9FORTY comes in literally hundreds of different styles – far more than your standard trucker hat. The diverse color palette ranged from basic black to neon hues. I saw unique patterns like camo, animal prints, and plaids. There were also licensed designs showing off logos from major sports leagues and brands.
Sifting through the endless array of options felt like a fun scavenger hunt. It was cool to see how the classic trucker hat silhouette could be transformed into so many creative looks. Every cap seemed to have its own spunky personality.
After browsing for a while, I decided to narrow my search. I wanted to go for one of the original color schemes that has made the 9FORTY so iconic. That led me to the primary colorblocking in red, black, white or royal blue. Clean, timeless and sporty – you can’t go wrong with the classics.
I eventually selected the royal blue 9FORTY with a contrasting black brim and white New Era logo. It had that old school vibe I was going for. Now it was time to make sure I got the right fit.
Cracking the Sizing Code of the 9FORTY
One of the distinct features of the 9FORTY is its adjustable snapback closure. This allows you to customize the fit for the right amount of flexibility and snugness.
New Era sizes the 9FORTY from 6 7/8 to 8 1/4 inches. But thanks to the snapback adjustment, that size range is more of a guideline. The 9FORTY can fit most heads sizes, give or take an inch.
I have more of an oval head shape, so finding hats that fit well can be tricky. I ordered a size 7 1/4 since my head measures roughly 23 inches around.
When my royal blue 9FORTY arrived, I carefully tried it on and made micro adjustments using the plastic snap closure. Moving it just a quarter inch made a noticeable difference in fit. After a few test runs, I had it adjusted perfectly to my head size.
The 9FORTY lived up to its reputation for being one-size-fits-most. With some fiddling of the snapback, I got it to fit like a glove. The structured front gave it some stiffness while the mesh back flexed for comfort.
Now that I found my ideal size, it was time to put the 9FORTY to the test!
Testing My 9FORTY in the Wild
I was eager to break in my new 9FORTY trucker hat, so I created opportunities to wear it as much as possible. I quickly found that it pairs well with just about anything.
On weekends, I styled it casually with t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. During the week for work, I’d dress it up a bit by layering it over button-downs and sweater combos. The hat brought a sense of laidback attitude to both casual and professional outfits.
I also took my 9FORTY out on various adventures to test versatility. One sunny Saturday, I wore it to the driving range and it made me feel oddly official, like I was a golf pro or coach. The flat brim kept the glaring sun out of my eyes and allowed me to line up my shots.
On a hike through some mountain trails, the 9FORTY kept my head cool and sweat-free. The ventilated mesh backing wicked moisture as I powered uphill under the beating sun. At the end of the trail, my hat still looked crisp, barely worn at all.
From sporting events to music festivals to running errands around town, my 9FORTY has become my go-to hat. After putting it through so many daily activities, I can see why it’s so popular. This hat is a workhorse!
Venturing into Limited Edition 9FORTY Collaborations
Once I was hooked on the 9FORTY, I started seeking out some of the limited edition collaborations New Era releases annually.
The brand partners with celebrities, musicians, and major events to put out special 9FORTY caps that are only available for a short time. These caps usually sell out fast and become collectors items.
On New Era’s website, I sorted through the Limited Edition caps and watched for new releases. I ultimately splurged on two collab 9FORTYs – one with hip hop group Wu Tang Clan and one commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japanese animation legends Studio Ghibli.
These unique designer caps have eye-catching graphics and details that set them apart. The construction and fit is the same classic trucker style, but the decorative elements make them conversation pieces.
Hunting down these rare collab hats and adding them to my collection has become an exciting new hobby. I can’t wait to see what limited edition 9FORTYs New Era cooks up next!
Why the 9FORTY Stands the Test of Time
After accumulating a full collection of 9FORTY A-Frame trucker hats, I’ve had the chance to really analyze what makes them so special. Here are a few key features that help this iconic cap stand the test of time:
Structured Front Panel: The trademark structured front panel gives the 9FORTY its boxy, vintage look. It holds its shape even after years of wear.
Mesh Back: The breathable mesh backing makes the 9FORTY light and airy. It wicks sweat to keep your head cool.
Adjustable Snapback: The plastic snap closure lets you customize the fit. The 9FORTY accommodates most head sizes.
Durable Pre-Curved Brim: The brim holds its slightly curved shape even when bent. It provides good sun protection and frames your face.
Bold Logos: The prominent front logo and side New Era flag are part of the signature style. They add that old-school sporty vibe.
After conducting my in-depth investigation, I can definitively say the 9FORTY deserves its storied reputation. It’s the OG trucker hat that continues influencing the industry today. So if you’re searching for the perfect vintage-style trucker, look no further than the 9FORTY A-Frame by New Era!
Spreading the 9FORTY Love
Now that I’ve fully fallen for the 9FORTY’s charm, I’ve taken it upon myself to convert new wearers. I’m on a mission to spread the trucker hat gospel far and wide!
I’ve already gotten several of my friends hooked. I convinced my buddy Ryan, who normally only wears baseball caps, to give the 9FORTY a shot. After customized the fit, he was surprised by how much he liked the look and feel. He’s now devoted to rocking his new black 9FORTY with distressed jeans and band tees.
I also introduced my girlfriend’s younger brother Zach to the trucker trend. At 17 years old, he wanted to break out of his athletic hat comfort zone. We found him a white 9FORTY with a neon green brim. Zach’s friends complimented him on the “sick lid” and asked where they could buy one too!
The 9FORTY obsession is spreading through my whole social circle. We’ve started coordinating and wearing matching colorways when we go to events and concerts. People have come to recognize our squad by our New Era trucker hats!
Converting new wearers and starting 9FORTY trends feels like my new life mission. Rest assured, I’ll continue preaching the vintage trucker gospel far and wide. No head will go uncovered from the glorious 9FORTY!
Final Thoughts on My 9FORTY Journey
As my rite of passage into the trucker hat hall of fame, taking a deep dive into New Era’s 9FORTY A-Frame was incredibly fulfilling. I tracked down rare finds, converted non-believers and uncovered what makes the 9FORTY so special.
This iconic cap has lived up to all my retro headwear dreams. With the structured front, breathable mesh back and customizable snapback, it’s the pinnacle for vintage-inspired style and comfort.
My 9FORTY collection has become my most prized hat possessions. Each one represents a memory from my trucker hat adventures. When I toss one on, I instantly feel that timeless coolness wash over me.
For anyone looking to unlock some old school swagger, I couldn’t recommend the 9FORTY enough. Grab one in your favorite colorway, break it in on some adventures, and watch your street cred skyrocket. Just be warned – it’s hard to stop at just one!
