Mister Freedom® FEED CAP, Snapback.
Five-panel model, Malibu denim edition
&
Six-Panel model, NOS Cone denim edition.
Union made in USA.

We are adding another goodie to our all made-in-USA Sportsman Catalog for FW2020, a Mister Freedom® spin on an American classic, the ubiquitous “Trucker Hat”.

This five or six panel style became popular in the early 1970s, having replaced the peaked cap predecessors sported by Union teamsters. See this excellent photographic record of 1930s-40s truck drivers documented by the FSA (Farm Security Administration) at the time. The flick “They Drive By Night” (1940) is worth a viewing, if only for Bogey and his peers’ wildcatter fashion.

Forwarding some 30 years later, the updated 1970s trucker hats were one-size-fits-all and bordered on marketing genius. They were much cheaper to manufacture than the more substantial military-style “mechanic’s cap”, and could easily be mass-produced. Branded with a printed logo or patch, they proved to be excellent advertising media for corporate brands. Most were initially distributed as free promotional merchandise in truck stops and rural feed stores. Trucker hats, initially a marker of “working class anti-fashion”, soon permeated American pop culture and became a staple of hipster fashion.

Early models of 1970s trucker hats are the inspiration for our MF® FEED CAP.

First we sourced a reliable USA manufacturer for the project, a Union-operated company willing to deal with our antics and demanding specifics. We started developing two distinct models. The tricky part was to suggest that we would supply our own fabrics, and they came in narrow 32″ looms… We are grateful for the patience these guys showed!

The first option of our MF® FEED CAP is a five panel pattern, in classic 1970s “trucker hat” fashion, an obvious choice to match our FW2020 mfsc TRUCK STOP story. It features the typical trucker high crown, partial mesh sides, and adjustable plastic snapback. We are releasing it in “Malibu” denim, a 13 Oz. medium indigo selvedge twill, an old mfsc favorite, same fabric as the FW2020 Malibu Maverick Jacket. Some of the photos featuring a well-worn on 2016 Malibu Cowboy Jacket show the denim fading potential, with low contrast but beautiful hues of indigoes.
We played with thread, eyelets, and mesh colors for a 1970s denim brand promo cap vibe.

The second model of MF® FEED CAP is a six panel pattern, with a lower profile, closer to a baseball cap, classic US Navy ship hat or “dad’s hat” vibe. It is full denim, and will compliment your Texas tuxedo nicely. That fabric is quite special for us, as it is from a leftover roll of the NOS Cone Mills 12 Oz. selvedge denim twill we cut our original 2010 Californian Lot.54 from.
This beautiful non-sanforized indigo denim twill had been exclusively developed by Cone for Levi’s® for their vintage line years ago, and we were lucky to score some NOS overstock yardage around 2009. The denim proved to fade beautifully over the years, as well-worn pairs of old Californian Lot.54 attest.
We also opted for contrast stitching for this model, with an orange color thread reminiscent of 1960s-70s vintage promo denim products.

Both models feature our classic mfsc “Sportsman” woven label on the rear panel, and the crown is left blank. You can add your personal touch with a patch, buttons or pins.

The Mister Freedom® FEED CAPS five & six panel edition are designed in California and manufactured in USA in a Union-operated facility.

SPECS:

FABRIC OPTIONS:
1) Five Panel Model: Combination denim & orange mesh.
Medium indigo 13 Oz. “MALIBU” denim twill, solid white selvedge ID, milled in Japan.
2) Six Panel Model: Full denim.
NOS Cone Mills 12 Oz. denim twill, white/pink line selvedge ID, milled in USA.

SPECS:
Five-Panel “Malibu” Model:
* An original Mister Freedom® design inspired by vintage 1970s “trucker” hats and other classic promotional headwear.
* Classic five-panel pattern.
* Structured high crown, “Feed Cap” style classic tall profile.
* Partial mesh side panels.
* Adjustable snapback, one size fits all.
* Contrast stitching.
* Mfsc woven label on rear panel.
* Union-made in USA.

Six-Panel “NOS Cone” Model:
* An original Mister Freedom® design inspired by vintage 1970s “trucker” hats, baseball caps, US Navy ship caps and other classic promotional headwear.
* Classic six-panel pattern.
* Structured mid crown, “Baseball cap” style classic lower profile.
* Adjustable snapback, one size fits all.
* Contrast stitching.
* Mfsc woven label on rear panel.
* Union-made in USA.

SIZING/FIT:

The MF® FEED CAPS are cut from rigid denim, but are ready to wear as-is, no pre-soak needed. The stiffness of loomstate denim is normal, and is due to the starch in the fibers. The stiffness will subside overtime with normal wear.
Both models have their own profile and fit, but are one-size-fits-all. The adjustable snapback rear plastic tab will allow most user to set the headband circumference to a comfortable fit.

CARE:
Spot cleaning only, using a damp cloth to wipe the inner headband when necessary. Minimal detergent, thoroughly rinsing the cloth during final cleaning stages.
Immersing the FEED CAP in cold water and carefully hand-rubbing as a final rinse is OK, but do not throw in the washing machine in either regular or delicate wash cycle, as this will most-likely ruin the cap. Do not wring the cap either.
Look-up “baseball cap hat form” or “cap washer” if you can’t resist the urge of using a washing machine. Again, if the goal is to hasten patina, this is not a good idea. Just like with all denim garments and gear, extended wear is the only way to generate natural patina.

Available RAW (unwashed)
One -Size-Fits-ALL.

Available from www.misterfreedom.com, our Los Angeles brick & mortar store, and fine retailers around the World.
Email sales@misterfreedom.com or call 323-653-2014 with any questions unanswered above.
Thank you for your support.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2020