NEW ERA, RALPH LAUREN, MLB LAUNCH TRIPLE-BRAND CAPS

Summary

• Three brands collaborate on premium baseball caps using retro Cooperstown logos
• Cotton and corduroy 9FIFTY models include leather strap adjustments and pony logo details
• Collection releases January 2, 2026, with prices from $130 to $150 USD

New Era has joined forces with Polo Ralph Lauren and Major League Baseball for a limited headwear collection. The collaboration produces three versions of the Retro Crown 9FIFTY cap, combining sports heritage with refined design elements.

The collection consists of three colorways. One model uses gray cotton fabric. Two additional versions come in navy and green corduroy. Each cap displays the Polo Ralph Lauren pony logo on the back panel. The interior includes branded taping throughout.

The front of each cap features the Cooperstown logo. This archival MLB emblem dates back to baseball's early decades. The design choice connects to the vintage-inspired direction Polo Ralph Lauren has maintained across its product lines.

Construction details include leather straps for size adjustment. The straps replace standard plastic closures found on typical 9FIFTY models. This upgrade aligns with the premium positioning of the collaboration.

The 9FIFTY silhouette serves as the base for all three models. New Era introduced this style as an adjustable alternative to fitted caps. The flat brim and structured crown have made the 9FIFTY a standard in both sports and streetwear contexts.

Polo Ralph Lauren has expanded its sports licensing work in recent years. The brand has produced collections with the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and various Olympic teams. This MLB partnership adds another professional sports property to that roster.

New Era holds the exclusive license for MLB on-field caps. The company has produced official game caps since 1993. Off-field collaborations like this one allow the brand to explore different materials and price points beyond standard team merchandise.

The Cooperstown Collection typically references teams and logos no longer in active use. However, this collaboration uses the Cooperstown mark itself rather than specific defunct team branding. The approach gives the caps a broader appeal beyond single-team fans.

Corduroy has seen increased use in headwear over the past several seasons. The fabric adds texture and weight compared to standard cotton twill. Fall and winter releases often incorporate corduroy for its visual depth and seasonal appropriateness.

Previous New Era collaborations with fashion brands have included partnerships with Supreme, Kith, and Fear of God. These projects typically command higher prices than standard MLB merchandise. The Ralph Lauren collaboration follows this pattern with pricing between $130 and $150 USD.

The collection will be available through New Era's website starting January 2, 2026. Japanese pricing translates to approximately ¥19,800 JPY for the cotton model and ¥23,100 JPY for the corduroy versions. Availability through Polo Ralph Lauren's own channels has not been confirmed.

All three caps maintain the fitted crown and flat brim construction associated with the 9FIFTY line. The adjustable leather strap allows wearers to customize fit without compromising the structured appearance of the crown.

This release follows other multi-brand headwear collaborations from New Era in recent years. The company has positioned collaborative products as a way to reach consumers outside traditional baseball fan demographics. Fashion-focused partnerships extend the brand's presence in lifestyle and streetwear markets.