Models in the collection
Local Rules caps share the same basic idea: a cap that looks good on the golf course and works just as well for everyday wear, without intrusive logos. The range itself differs mainly in material and construction, and that is where your choice begins.
In cotton, there is the classic baseball cap in six colours, from muted navy and black to lighter beige and white. If you want a softer, more washed look, the LR Cotton Cap and the solid-coloured cotton cap are alternatives that sit lower on the head. The 6-panel Cotton Cap is sewn from six pieces of fabric instead of five, which gives a rounder crown that follows the shape of the head.
For cooler rounds there is the wool cap in wool with a vintage feel, and for hot or wet weather the nylon cap in a lighter, quick-drying synthetic. If you want a brim but prefer to leave the crown open, the visor in navy or military green is that option.
5-panel or 6-panel
The number refers to how many pieces of fabric the crown is sewn from, and it affects both fit and shape. A 5-panel cap has a seam straight across the crown and a single wide front panel without a centre seam, which gives a flat, structured front. A 6-panel cap has a centre seam at the front and a small fabric button at the top, which makes the crown rounder and more conforming to the head.
For golf it mostly matters for the feel. The 6-panel Cotton Cap sits softer and closer against the head, while the classic baseball model gives a higher, more upright front. Neither is more correct than the other; it comes down to how you want the cap to frame your face.
Cotton, wool or nylon
The material determines when in the season the cap works best. Cotton is the most versatile choice: it breathes well in the heat, feels soft against the skin and easily absorbs sweat during a warm round. The drawback is that cotton dries slowly, so a cotton cap that gets thoroughly wet in the rain stays damp for a while.
Nylon weighs less and dries faster, which makes the nylon cap a better choice for wet or unsettled days. Wool retains heat and suits spring and autumn rounds when the temperature drops, and the wool cap in burgundy, grey or navy also gives a more muted, autumnal tone than a summer cap in light cotton.
If you have already found your cap, you can easily complete the rest of your wardrobe, such as a matching polo or something from headwear for colder days.
Why golfers wear caps
A cap on the golf course is about more than style. The brim shades the eyes when you need to read a putt or follow the ball against a bright sky, which makes it easier to see and reduces squinting. It also protects the crown and face from the sun during rounds that often stretch over four hours in open terrain without shade.
The underside of the brim plays a part here. A dark underside reflects less light up into the eyes than a light one, which is worth keeping in mind if you play a lot in bright sunshine. If you want protection for your eyes but prefer to let air reach the crown, a visor is a cooler alternative that provides the function of the brim without covering the top of the head.
How to choose a colour for the rest of your golf wardrobe
Neutral colours are the easiest to combine. Black, navy, grey and beige go with just about any polo or shorts you put on, which makes the baseball cap in beige or the wool cap in grey safe everyday choices.
Bolder tones such as the lemon-yellow cotton cap, red LR Cotton Cap or green baseball cap work best as a deliberate accent against an otherwise muted set. A simple rule: let the cap either blend in completely or stand out clearly, but avoid having it clash slightly with the rest. If you want to read more about how colours interact in a golf outfit, there are golf outfit ideas for men and a review of the golf dress code.
How a golf cap should fit
The cap should sit firmly without pinching. A good rule of thumb is that it rests just above the eyebrows and stays in place when you bend down to pick up the ball, but does not leave a deep mark on your forehead when you take it off.
Most of Local Rules caps have an adjustable strap at the back, which means one size fits most heads. Tighten it until the cap stays secure in a gust of wind but still feels comfortable through an entire round. A cap that sits too loose will shift in your swing and the wind, while one that is too tight stays put but becomes uncomfortable by the fourth hour.
How to wash the cap without it losing its shape
A golf cap collects sweat, sunscreen and grass dust, but does not tolerate all treatment. The brim is the sensitive part: modern brims usually have a plastic core that can handle hand washing but may deform in hot water or in a tumble dryer.
Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, gently brush away stains and rinse out. Shape the cap while it is damp, ideally over a bowl or jar that keeps the crown round, and let it air dry. Avoid the tumble dryer entirely. A more detailed walkthrough can be found in the guide how to wash golf caps.
