How Spike Lee Revolutionized Custom New Era Fitted Hats

The New Era 59FIFTY fitted baseball cap first debuted in 1954. But it wouldn’t be until 42 years later, when a film director from Brooklyn decided he needed a color that had never been produced before, that the fitted cap truly became an essential piece of any stylish wardrobe.

Ahead of Game 3 of the 1996 World Series, Spike Lee needed a red Yankees hat to match his new black and red Starter coat. So, he called up New Era CEO Chris Koch to try and make it happen. With then-Yankees owner George Steinbrenner’s approval, New Era got it done. The rest is history.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, we look back at Spike Lee’s custom red Yankees hat, its lasting impact on streetwear culture, and how it revolutionized custom fitted hats.