Cricket caps have undergone significant evolution from their practical origins to becoming symbols of identity and achievement?
Our online exhibition features a fascinating selection of miscellaneous cricket caps. These pieces carry more than just colour. They carry stories.
In the 18th century, players typically wore wide-brimmed hats to shield themselves from the sun during extended matches (especially during long matches). As the game formalised in the 19th century, these were gradually replaced by more tailored cloth caps, which became part of the standard cricketing kit.
By the late 1800s, caps evolved into badged team wear, marking selection, seniority, or achievement. County, club, and school caps became objects of pride, often earned and worn with deep honour.
The “Baggy Green” famously worn by Australia’s Test team remains one of the most recognised and revered symbols, representing not just team membership but tradition, unity, and excellence.
Today, whether held in a museum, passed down in families, or tucked into a sports bag, cricket caps continue to tell stories of teams, players, eras, and the evolution of the sport itself.
Some of the caps in this collection are unidentified / unidentifiable – many more are in the Museum Storeroom – if anybody can assist to identify the caps we would love to hear from you.
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