Inside Label: Starter NCAA Arkansas / UMass "Tip-Off" Cap

Each year, as the winter closes its fierce door, the NCAA Division 1 Basketball Tournament takes center stage. Brackets are filled throughout the country, predictions are made and seeds are awarded. Each chosen team carries the pride of their school onto the hardwood, hoping to leave the tournament with a National Title.
All eyes were on the 31-3 Arkansas Razorbacks, who were led by the powerful Corliss Williamson. The Razorbacks blew through the Midwest regional bracket, mightily handling each opponent. Former Arkansas governor and acting President, Bill Clinton paid close attention to the unfolding of the tournament. Clinton even made an appearance of support for the Razorbacks as they inched closed to the National Title.
The hype that surrounded the Midwest region was the inevitable matchup in which the country was vying to watch unfold. The #1 seeded Razorbacks taking on the #2 University of Massachusetts Minutemen. This would have been the game that would have placed either team in the Final Four. However, the Minutemen were sent home after a second round loss to the Maryland Terrapins.
This cap was constructed in preparation for a predicted meeting of the top two teams in the Midwest region. Its premature development makes it all the more sacred, due to the game never taking place. This cap was constructed by Starter whose logo sits above the snap closing on the back of the cap. The Starter word mark rest on the front panel with a distinct design of a basketball trailing to the net. The word, Tip-Off rests to the side of the logo. The left panel features the U Mass trademarked logo, as the Arkansas registered logo sits on the right. The brim, eyelets and button are a crimson color.
This cap is rare, both in time and accuracy. It is a piece which sums up the development of the game of basketball in the 1990’s. Corliss Williams was the machine that led the Razorbacks, being named Most Outstanding Player. His leader and coach, Nolan Richardson would carry home his first title while gaining the attention of the President.

Text: J.Wheeler

New ONLY NY Blank Snapbacks & 5-Panel Camper Caps

The crew at ONLY NY has just released a tight stash of new cap styles for March. This new release includes  2-Tone cotton, blank snapbacks and 5-panel camper caps made with brushed canvas fabric. Both snapbacks feature a 5-Panel construction with front pinch panels. For the 5-Panel Camper, ONLY also offers up an all black option. As always, each cap is Made in the USA & limited quantities! Get yours now through the ONLY NY Store.

Images: ONLY NY

Mitchell & Ness XL Logo Heather Grey/Black Fitted Caps

Mitchell & Ness comes through in a big way for the start of Spring 2011 with a nice refresher to their XL Logo, fitted cap series. The new XL Logo is made in a notable, heather grey wool and accented with black. The only hint of team color affiliation is the outer outline around the logos and the under brims. Another quick detail is the black metal eyelets around the crown. Available in both NBA & NFL teams through Mitchell & Ness.com and other select retailers this month.

Premier PS 59Fifty New Era Caps

Michigan based Premier Boutique brings it out simple with their new Premier PS 59Fifty caps.  The dark charcoal wool cap features Premier's PS logo on the front in raised embroidery and more back branding. Purchase one here.

Image: Premier

The Distinct Life 'Trademark Camo' 6-Panel Snapback Cap

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Brixton Spring 2011 Video

As usual, Brixton keeps stepping it up through their headwear and apparel. Brixton Spring 2011 now available.