What else? #1 Stall & Dean

Dec 19, 2010 by Pyrophilly    No Comments    Posted under: Fitteds

The New Era Cap Company plays a huge roll in the fitted cap market. Being the exclusive manufacturer of the official on-field cap worn by every Major League Baseball team is one of the main reasons for this. I do wonder if people are aware of the alternatives available when looking for a fitted cap. Nowadays there are plenty of brands producing top quality fitted caps. A great thing as competition is the best way to force companies to perform at their best. In a series of posts I will try to encourage fitted enthusiasts to look further than what they’re familiar with, by showing one alternative at a time.

The first brand in the “What else?” series is Stall & Dean. The athletic goods company founded in 1898 by C.H. Dean and W.T. Stall manufactures hats, jackets, vests and sweaters. Also for the “Ivy League“, an athletic conference comprising eight schools in the Northeastern US.

Lets have a closer look at the Peached Brown Fitted Cap. The interesting thing about this piece is that its consists of six panels. Thats one more than the more usual five panelled pieces which have two panels for the front instead of the three used here. The middle front panel has brown embroided chenille “B” with red stitches. The panelling gives the hat a ’rounder’ look and fit. The four side panels all come with two ventilation holes, totaling eight to keep your head cool. Other embroided details are the “SandD” in brown on the right-side and the red “Stall&Dean” at the back of the hat.

The hat is very well made, the front logo is embroided properly and throughout the hat I couldnt dectect a loose stitch or other flaw. The fit is great and to give some pointers in sizing; stick to your New Era size. With the quality in mind its amazing to see how the company is able to keep its mission statement: “reliable, high grade merchandise at consistently fair prices.” At $26.90 it won’t get any beter than this.

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