It Girls Are Experiencing a JFK Jr. Summer—This Styling Tip Will Refresh Your Look Instantly in 2026.

      Every now and then, I come across a fashion trend that seems fleeting—a moment you could easily overlook. In this instance, the backwards hat trend nearly became one of those moments. For years, I, much like many Gen Z users on my TikTok For You Page, thought caps were primarily for attractive men. Picture Justin Bieber sauntering through LA, shirt open, pizza box in hand, using his hat to tame his golden curls. Or Tom Holland opening a car door for Zendaya, presenting less like your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and more like the ultimate gentleman of the internet. On men, the backwards cap exudes an undeniable "sex" appeal (and judging by the countless edits of Usher's Daddy's Home, this is a look many women find irresistible). However, this summer, after seeing numerous celebrity style icons adopt this styling technique, I realized it was only a matter of time before the backwards hat became a legitimate trend for both men and women.

      To appreciate the lasting charm of the backwards cap, we need to look back to its origins. Initially worn by American baseball catchers (similar to cricket wicketkeepers), they would turn their caps backwards to prevent the brim from obstructing their protective masks. Yet, it wasn't until the ‘80s and ‘90s when internet heartthrobs helped these hats evolve beyond mere functionality.

      Brad Pitt and Tom Welling, Tupac Shakur and prime-time David Beckham; these celebrities each gave the backwards cap their unique flair, transforming its image from pure athleticism to one marked by bad-boy appeal (much more so than simply wearing it the conventional way). Wearing a cap backwards leaves no room to hide—your face must do all the talking.

      Of course, many of the most stunning women of that era embraced the backwards hat trend too. But I’d argue that the cast of Friends solidified its cult fashion status. It’s hard to think of American football without envisioning Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green rugby tackling Matt LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani, complete with two pigtails and a stylish black backwards cap. However, this year, the trend has experienced a resurgence thanks to FX's hit TV series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette on Disney+, which provided a younger audience not just a glimpse into their dramatized romance but also their fashion. While we've extensively discussed Carolyn Bessette's fashion influence, her partner, who was fond of backwards Kangol flat caps and baseball hats, also deserves recognition. With cosplay of the couple reaching new heights earlier this year and fashion evolving to be more gender-neutral than ever, it’s understandable that women are “borrowing from the boys” this summer, making the trend more fashionable than ever.

      Whether it’s Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, or Iris Law, each of these style icons has incorporated the backwards hat into their looks to give even the most basic summer outfit an edgier, more fashion-forward vibe. So whether you're taking a cue from Kendall by using it to manage wet hair post-swim or channeling Dua with a pair of denim cut-off shorts, a long-sleeved tee, and the iconic Chanel Maxi Flap bag, it’s clear that the backwards hat has secured its spot in the wardrobes of fashion enthusiasts this summer. Scroll down to shop the best hats available.

      Shop Caps You Can Wear Backwards and Forwards:

      New Era

      9forty League Camo Cap

      Ralph Lauren

      The Iconic Chino Ball Cap

      Saint Laurent

      New Era Cassandre Cap

      Ralph Lauren

      The Ralph Logo Ball Cap

      Jacquemus

      The Casco baseball cap

      Kith Women

      Crest Lost at Sea Cap

      REJINAPYO

      Golborne Road Cap

      Glossier

      You Look Good Cap

      SPORTY & RICH

      Logo-Embroidered Cotton Baseball Cap

      New Era

      Matcha Club Script 9forty Cap

      Aimé Leon Dore

      Unisphere Hat