THE IDEA
Things happen fast at the NP office, and we have already shared many thoughts over a cup of coffee. We are also in touch with a promising manufacturer, and have sent them designs of two different caps that we will receive prototypes of.

What we know for (pretty much) sure is that we will be using Ventile cotton. There are multiple reasons for this. Ventile is a natural material, breathes well and is water resistant. Not to mention, we are able to use up scraps from production of The Last, which reduces waste.

We have also researched cap designs from the last 100 years, and landed on a design that we think will be relevant the next 100 years. (Or at least a really long time!) It is a typical 5-panel design with a relatively soft front. In other words, it is not stiff or tall in front. Some might call this a classic "dad cap".

Even though the ball is already rolling, we are very curious to hear your thoughts. Nothing is set in stone, and your feedback will also be very useful in future productions.

THE BACKGROUND
Over the past 100 years, the cap has become a staple in most wardrobes. Not only is it a practical accessory, it is also a tool used to show identity, support and belonging.

We hopped aboard the cap train in 2018. After a few years we realised that the cap we had designed no longer was aligned with our design philosophy. Soon we will be relaunching the cap in our collection, and we want you to develop it with us. In line with our today's design philosophy, it must be versatile, functional and last as long as possible. Not to mention, you have to be just as proud to wear it today as in 50 years.

Share your feedback by commenting at the bottom of this page.

THE DURABILITY
Yep, even when it comes to accessories we strive to create items that can last as long as possible. One of the most important aspects of the cap is that it should be easy to recycle and repair. We have been very clear with the manufacturer about this. Here is a exerpt from the order we placed with them:

We believe our best approach to “sustainable” products is to only create products that people really need, make them look timeless, and choose solutions and materials that make the products last as long as possible. We also offer free repairs to our customers. Therefore good quality in material and all details is of utmost importance. For example, we study weak points of a garment (see image) and reinforce areas where seams or materials wear over time. For the cap, we found the front of the brim to be a weak point. Therefore we have added a piping at the edge of the brim on one of the design options.

Our goal is that this cap should last for as long as possible, but when it can no longer be used we would like the customer to return the product to us so that we can reuse some of the parts and recycle others in the best possible way. Could the hard part/inside of brim be used again for example?

THE STORY
You probably know that todays cap comes from the beloved American pasttime, baseball. The first "cap" can be traced back to 1846 in New Jersey, with its straw material and circular brim. In other words, it looked nothing like the cap we know and love today.

With time, functionality was put ahead of looks, and today's baseball cap was officially a part of history. Back then they were mainly made in merino wool with a leather brim.

In the mid 20th century, fans started buying baseball caps and the accessory went from being a athlete-only to one of the most common garments that exist. Because even more than the white t-shirt or blue jeans, the baseball cap is a statement and a synonym to relatability. It contributed to making Diana "the people's princess" and it bonded the orange man in The White House with his diciples.

Today the cap is worn by pretty much everybody for pretty much everything. To show support for a team, express your identity, spread a political message, hide from people or hide from the sun. The uses are endless.

Foto fra Boston Public Library