The Ultimate Showdown: '47 Hitch Vs. Hitch Relaxed Fit - Which Iconic Snapback Is Right For Your Style?

Choosing the right baseball cap is about more than just the logo; it’s about the silhouette, the crown height, and the structure. As of late 2025, the '47 Brand Hitch series continues to dominate the market for those seeking a vintage-inspired snapback, but a common point of confusion for new buyers is the subtle yet crucial difference between the standard '47 Hitch and the '47 Hitch Relaxed Fit, often abbreviated as the Hitch RF. This in-depth guide will break down the structural, material, and stylistic variations to ensure you pick the perfect cap for your personal look and comfort preference. The core distinction between the '47 Hitch and the Hitch Relaxed Fit boils down to one simple word: structure. The standard '47 Hitch is a structured hat, featuring a supportive internal panel, while the Hitch RF is completely unstructured, allowing it to mold to your head for a more casual, laid-back feel. Understanding this difference is key to avoiding buyer's remorse, especially since both styles share the same mid-fit crown height and adjustable snapback closure.

The Anatomy of Fit: Structured '47 Hitch Explained

The original '47 Hitch is designed to deliver a classic, bold, and uniform look that maintains its shape regardless of how often you wear it. This is the hat for those who prefer a crisp, defined silhouette that stands up tall on the head.

Key Features of the Standard '47 Hitch

• Structured Fit: This is the defining feature. The crown includes a stiff internal fabric, known as a buckram panel, sewn into the front two panels. This panel prevents the cap from collapsing and keeps the logo crisp and upright.
• Crown Profile: It features a mid-fit crown, which is slightly taller than the shallow crown of the '47 Clean Up but not as high as a traditional New Era 59FIFTY fitted cap.
• Visor Rope: The standard Hitch often includes the signature braided visor rope across the base of the crown and brim, a detail inspired by vintage golf fashion that gives the hat a distinct, retro aesthetic.
• Closure: It uses a durable plastic snapback closure, making it a one-size-fits-most adjustable cap.
• Best For: Individuals with rounder head shapes, those who prefer a "cleaner" look, or anyone seeking a hat that holds its shape consistently.

The structured nature of the standard Hitch means it provides a more professional, "put-together" appearance. It's a throwback to the classic snapbacks of the 80s and 90s, offering a rigid front that highlights the team or brand logo with maximum visibility.

The Comfort Revolution: '47 Hitch Relaxed Fit (Hitch RF)

The '47 Hitch Relaxed Fit (or Hitch RF) maintains the popular mid-fit crown height and curved brim of the original but completely ditches the internal structure. This style is '47 Brand's answer to the demand for a classic snapback that offers the ultimate in casual comfort.

Key Features of the '47 Hitch Relaxed Fit (Hitch RF)

• Unstructured/Relaxed Fit: The front crown panels have no buckram panel or stiff internal support. This allows the fabric to drape and conform to the shape of your head immediately, giving it a worn-in, vintage feel from day one.
• Crown Profile: While technically a mid-fit crown, the lack of structure causes it to sit slightly lower and more naturally on the head, often described as a pinched-crown look.
• The "Laid-Back" Look: The RF version is explicitly marketed as a casual, laid-back take on the classic snapback, perfect for everyday wear and a more effortless style.
• Material: Both Hitch styles are often constructed from premium materials like garment-washed cotton twill, but the RF version truly showcases the soft, comfortable drape of this fabric.
• Best For: People who prefer the feel of a "dad hat" but want a slightly taller crown, those with smaller head shapes, or anyone seeking maximum comfort and a casual, pre-broken-in look.

In essence, the Hitch RF is the same hat as the standard Hitch in terms of dimensions and closure, but the intentional removal of the front panel structure transforms its entire feel and aesthetic. If you've ever owned a beloved, perfectly worn-in cap, the Hitch RF aims to replicate that softness right off the shelf.

Detailed Comparison: Hitch vs. Hitch RF vs. Other '47 Styles

To truly understand where the two Hitch styles sit in the '47 Brand family, it is helpful to compare them to the brand’s other iconic silhouettes, such as the '47 Clean Up and the '47 Franchise. This provides a full topical authority overview of '47 Brand's headwear offerings.

Feature	'47 Hitch (Standard)	'47 Hitch Relaxed Fit (RF)	'47 Clean Up (Dad Hat)
Crown Structure	Structured (Buckram Panel)	Unstructured/Relaxed (No Buckram)	Unstructured/Relaxed
Crown Height	Mid-Fit Crown	Mid-Fit Crown (Sits Lower)	Shallow Crown
Brim Style	Curved Bill, sometimes with a visor rope	Curved Bill	Curved Bill
Closure Type	Plastic Snapback (Adjustable)	Plastic Snapback (Adjustable)	Fabric Strap/Buckle (Adjustable)
Aesthetic/Style	Bold, Vintage Snapback, Defined	Casual, Laid-Back, Worn-In	Classic "Dad Hat," Low-Profile

The primary takeaway here is that the Hitch styles bridge the gap between a high-profile, structured cap (like a New Era 9FORTY) and the super-low-profile, unstructured '47 Clean Up. If the Clean Up is too shallow for your liking, the Hitch series offers a comfortable mid-crown alternative. The choice between the standard Hitch and the Hitch RF simply dictates whether you want that mid-crown to stand up stiffly or relax and collapse naturally.

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Choosing Your Perfect Fit: Who Should Buy Which Hat?

The final decision comes down to your personal style, head shape, and comfort priorities. Both hats are excellent examples of premium headwear, often featuring the same high-quality flat embroidery or raised embroidery for the logos.

Go for the Standard '47 Hitch If...

• You prefer a hat with a bold, defined presence that makes a statement.
• You want the front logo to remain perfectly straight and visible at all times.
• You have a rounder or larger head and need the structure to prevent the fabric from bunching.
• You appreciate the subtle, vintage detail of the visor rope.
• Your style is generally more polished and less "slouchy."

Choose the '47 Hitch Relaxed Fit (Hitch RF) If...

• Your priority is out-of-the-box comfort and a pre-worn feel.
• You love the look of a perfectly broken-in cap that molds to your head.
• You want the mid-crown height but prefer the soft, conforming feel of an unstructured snapback.
• You want a cap that is easy to pack or fold without worrying about damaging the structure.
• Your everyday style is casual, effortless, and laid-back.

Ultimately, the '47 Hitch and the Hitch Relaxed Fit are two sides of the same coin, offering a modern take on the retro snapback. By understanding the critical role of the internal buckram panel, you can confidently select the cap that best complements your head shape and style preferences for years to come.