Image via Complex Original
Cap. Hat. Lid. Fitted. Whatever you want to refer to it as, the New Era 59FIFTY is as iconic an accessory as any—on the field and off. While baseball players are required to wear them, some people treasure them as if they must do the same, as if they would feel naked without that style symbol on top of their dome piece. And with the age of social media, the bond you can establish with total strangers on the topic is growing exponentially.
With this constant rise in New Era fanatics, there are a handful of collectors who stand out and lead the pack through their Instagram accounts alone. Some of which have even formed a tight-knit group called CrewEra13, dubbed by New Era themselves, featuring a new cap every day of the year or just dropping gems you’ve never seen. These individuals set the precedents for cap collecting and are leaders of the new era. Get ready to marvel as you check out the 10 Headwear Honchos You Need To Follow On Instagram.
Gary Leach
Instagram: @spikeleach
One of the leaders of CrewEra13, the New Era rep takes his fandom to a new level with one-of-a-kind Instagram pics, exclusive New Era content, and more.
Stéphane Vranckx
Instagram: @new_era_addict
The Belgian collector has been at it since 2002 and is constantly showcasing some incredibly unique fitteds you can probably only grab over in Europe.
Alex Mendoza
Instagram: @fittedheads
The DJ/fitted hat extraordinaire has so many New Era caps, he’s doing a tribute to a fitted cap every day for 2013, showcasing some dope colorways and obscure teams on the regular.
Maciek Krol
Instagram: @macall84
The format of Maciek's Instagram shots really gives you in-depth looks at some really incredible pieces in his collection, often bringing people back just to see which fitted he’s going to feature on his next four-cornered photo.
Ricky Ruby
Instagram: @rickyruby
The Atlanta Braves superfan is one of New Era’s golden boys, constantly showcasing his Braves collection with pieces most have never seen and will never see again.
Corey LeFebvre
Instagram: @bigc253
The Washington native has an enormous beard and an even larger arsenal of crazy fitteds. Exclusives from all corners of the world, colorways you didn’t even know existed, and a genuine appreciation for the New Era fitted cap that is showcased proudly.
John Beare
Instagram: @interstate19
The die-hard Colorado Rockies fan is constantly showcasing his love for his hometown team, and along with many Rockies-exclusives, his vast collection is oft documented on Instagram from his CrewEra13 cap-mates to gawk at.
Leif Johnson
Instagram: @permabox
A large concentration on custom caps for brands and funky logos, Leif’s Instagram is chock-full of caps you didn’t even know existed. And they probably wouldn’t without Leif and some other members pushing the movement for quirky caps forward.
Derick Chartrand
Instagram: @lekid26
The self-proclaimed “New Era freak” works in a Lids and often gets the New Era exclusives you probably can’t get your hands on. No worries though, these goodies are well-documented with creative landscapes so you can wish you had the cap and wish you were where ever he is taking the Instagram flicks.
Dan van der Klok
Instagram: @dionicdesign
The graphic designer not only collects caps, he creates them. With his funky “Octo” design, he’s constantly shelling out ideas with a few of them being created in limited quantities you only wish you could get your hands on.
