What Does 47 Mean on Hats?
The Complete Guide to ’47 Brand
If you’ve ever noticed the small ’47 logo on the side of a baseball cap and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions in the headwear world — and the answer has roots in one of the most iconic stories in sports merchandising history.
In this guide, we break down exactly what the number 47 means on hats, the history behind the brand, their most popular hat styles, and how they compare to other major cap manufacturers like New Era.
What Does the Number 47 Mean on Hats?
The number ’47 on hats refers to ’47 Brand (officially just called ’47), an American sports lifestyle company. The name comes from the year 1947, when twin brothers Arthur and Henry D’Angelo started their business selling sports memorabilia outside Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
The ’47 logo — a small apostrophe followed by the numbers 4 and 7 — appears on the side of their hats as a brand identifier. It’s not a player’s number, a team reference, or a secret code. It’s simply the brand’s name, honoring the year the company was founded.
So when you see a hat with ’47 on the side, you’re looking at a product made by one of the oldest and most respected names in licensed sports headwear.
The History of ’47 Brand
The story of ’47 begins with two Italian immigrant brothers who arrived in the United States in 1938 at the age of 12. Arthur and Henry D’Angelo settled in Boston and quickly discovered the energy of American sports fandom.
By the mid-1940s, the brothers were selling pennants and sports memorabilia on the streets around Fenway Park — home of the Boston Red Sox. In 1947, they acquired a street cart to expand their sales, and that cart became the foundation of what would eventually grow into a global brand.
Here’s a quick timeline of the brand’s evolution:
- 1947 — Arthur and Henry D’Angelo start selling sports memorabilia from a cart near Fenway Park
- 1965 — The brothers purchase a retail space on Yawkey Way to sell Red Sox souvenirs
- 2010 — The company, originally called Twins Enterprises, rebrands to ’47 Brand
- 2015 — The brand drops “Brand” from its name, becoming simply ’47
- 2017 — ’47 expands its NBA licensing deal to cover headwear and apparel
- 2024 — New Era Cap Company acquires ’47
Today, ’47 is managed by Arthur’s four sons — Bobby, David, Mark, and Steven — and holds official licensing partnerships with the MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and over 900 collegiate programs worldwide.
Why Is ’47 on the Side of Hats?
Unlike some hat brands that place their logo on the front or back of the cap, ’47 positions its logo on the side of the hat. This is a deliberate design choice — the front of the hat is reserved for the team logo (MLB, NFL, NBA, etc.), while the ’47 mark on the side serves as a subtle brand identifier.
This side placement has become a signature feature of ’47 hats. It allows fans to show their team pride on the front while the brand mark stays understated but recognizable. If you’re a custom baseball cap enthusiast, you’ll recognize this as a common branding approach in licensed headwear.
’47 Hat Types and Styles
One of the reasons ’47 has become so popular is their range of hat silhouettes. Each style has a distinct fit, structure, and vibe:
Clean Up
The most popular ’47 style. It’s a relaxed, unstructured dad cap with a curved brim and adjustable strapback closure. Made from garment-washed cotton twill, it has a soft, broken-in feel from day one.
MVP
Similar to the Clean Up but with a structured front. The MVP has buckram in the front panels to keep its shape, with a curved brim and adjustable hook-and-loop closure. A good choice if you prefer a more traditional baseball cap look.
Captain
This is ’47’s take on the flat-brimmed snapback. It has a deep, structured crown with buckram-backed panels and an adjustable snapback closure. The Captain is a staple of streetwear and skate culture.
Franchise
The only fitted hat in ’47’s lineup. The Franchise is relaxed and curved, made from a blend of cotton and recycled materials. It comes in five different sizes for a precise fit.
Hitch
A retro-inspired silhouette inspired by caps from the 1970s and 1980s. The Hitch has a pinched 5-panel crown, a semi-curved visor, and a snapback closure. Some designs include a braided rope on the visor — a nod to classic golf cap design.
Trucker
A structured cap with a cotton twill front panel, breathable mesh back, semi-curved brim, and snapback closure. A classic trucker cap silhouette designed for an active, outdoor lifestyle.
’47 Brand vs New Era: What’s the Difference?
These are the two biggest names in licensed sports headwear. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | ’47 | New Era |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1947 (Boston) | 1920 (Buffalo, NY) |
| Best known for | Clean Up dad caps, relaxed fit | 59FIFTY fitted caps, on-field hats |
| Style vibe | Casual, relaxed, lifestyle | Structured, performance, streetwear |
| Logo placement | Side of the hat | Side or back (flag logo) |
| Price range | $25 – $35 | $30 – $45+ |
| Ownership | Acquired by New Era (2024) | Parent company |
An interesting development: in 2024, New Era Cap Company actually acquired ’47. Despite being under the same corporate umbrella, the two brands continue to operate independently with their own distinct identities and product lines.
If you’re building a hat brand, understanding these differences matters. Check out our full product range to explore different cap constructions.
How to Spot Authentic ’47 Brand Hats
With the popularity of ’47, counterfeits exist. Here’s how to verify authenticity:
- Side logo — authentic ’47 hats have a clean, embroidered ’47 logo on the left side
- Interior label — look for an official woven label inside with fabric composition and care instructions
- Quality of materials — genuine hats use premium cotton twill with consistent stitching
- Licensed holographic sticker — official team products include authentication stickers from the league
- Authorized retailers — buy from 47brand.com or authorized sellers