👕 2. A Finishing Touch That Stuck
Over time, the button became a standard feature. Even when manufacturing improved and hats could technically be made without it, the button stayed because people had grown used to seeing it. Without it, a hat would look “unfinished” to most wearers.
It’s similar to how jeans still have tiny rivets and little pockets — traditions that started for function but became permanent because of style and recognition.
🛡️ 3. Protective Function
There’s also a minor protective benefit. The button reinforced the very top of the cap where stitching converges. For laborers and baseball players alike, the button kept the hat durable, preventing wear and tear where the fabric was most vulnerable.