The MLB added ropes to hats for the Fourth—and you can too
Every Fourth of July, Major League Baseball teams step onto the field in specially designed caps that honor America’s pastime and the holiday’s patriotic spirit.
But this year, the 2025 Stars and Stripes collection from New Era came with a twist: a rope between the front panel and the bill—a design choice baseball hasn’t seen in decades.
The light blue crown. The American flag woven into each team’s logo. The red and royal blue visors. And, for the first time in an MLB-wide July 4th drop… the rope.
A Patriotic Twist on a Baseball Tradition
Rope hats aren’t new (and actually have an interesting history). They’ve been spotted on golf courses for generations and recently found their way into NFL sidelines, music festivals, and streetwear drops. But seeing them in the MLB? That’s a whole new ballgame.
The last time MLB July 4th caps saw such a bold style departure was back in 2008, when the first Stars and Stripes collection dropped. Those early hats kept things uniform—navy blue all around with flag logos front and center. Over the years, designs have evolved, adding splashes of color and experimenting with patterns.
Still, the rope addition is a statement. It’s not just a nod to vintage style—it’s a full embrace of one of today’s biggest hat trends.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking About the Rope
When the Yankees’ Fourth of July cap hit social media, reactions poured in. Some loved the modern twist. Others wanted the classic look left untouched. But either way, people noticed.
And that’s the thing about rope hats—they stand out. The rope adds texture, depth, and a little extra character to an otherwise standard cap.
For MLB, the rope was just for the Fourth. But for you? It could be every day.
Turning Any Hat in Your Closet Into a Rope Hat
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already noticed rope hats popping up everywhere. Maybe you’ve even bought one or two. But what about the other hats in your closet that you wish had a rope?
The good news: you don’t have to wait for MLB or your favorite brand to release one. You can add a rope to any hat you already own—in two simple ways.
Option 1: Sew a Rope Into the Hat (Permanent)
If you’re handy with a needle and thread—or have access to a sewing machine—you can integrate a rope right into your hat’s sweatband.
- Measure the rope around your hat’s brim from one inner edge of the sweatband to the other.
- Cut to size, leaving a little extra if you want slack or a knot.
- Tuck each end into the sweatband.
- Sew securely by hand or with a machine.
This gives a seamless, factory-level look. But once it’s in, it’s there for good—so choose your color wisely.
Option 2: Use an Attachable Rope (No Tools Required)
Want the rope hat look without the commitment—or the sewing? That’s where Lid Lace comes in—a rope you can attach to any hat.
Lid Lace makes removable, swappable hat ropes that clip onto the inside of your hat in seconds. No stitching, no glue, no permanent changes.
Here’s how it works:
- Clip one end to the inside of your hat’s sweatband.
- Drape the rope across the front.
- Clip the other end in place.
That’s it. You’ve got a clean, stylish rope hat that you can swap out anytime.
Works on Any Hat
- Trucker hat
- Flat brims
- Fitted caps
- Dad hats
- Snapbacks
- Golf hats
- Even visors
And with dozens of rope colors—including solid white, black, patterned styles, and patriotic red, white, and blue options—you can match or mix with any hat you own.
Fourth of July Style, Year-Round
The MLB may have saved their rope hats for Independence Day, but you don’t have to. Whether you want to rep the Stars and Stripes in July or add a pop of color to your everyday look, the rope hat trend is here to stay.
Lid Lace makes it easy to upgrade your collection without replacing a single hat. And for the holiday? We’ve got Stars and Stripes and Red, White & Blue Laces ready to clip in before the fireworks start.
Ready to make every hat in your closet rope-ready?
👉 Browse all Lid Lace colors here and start styling like the pros.
