MAGA hats transform American fashion and political identity

Vanity Fair’s 2026 Style Issue explores how the ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) hat has evolved from an ironic accessory into a potent symbol of political allegiance and cultural identity.

Reflecting on the eleven years since Donald Trump first wore the cap in Laredo, Texas, the publication notes that the hat has become a signpost for tribalism. While initially worn as a joke by some in 2015, the red cap now serves as a tool for evangelizing a specific vision of America. The coverage includes insights from editorial director Mark Guiducci and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Robin Givhan, who examines the concept of ‘radical chic’ in relation to the movement’s influence on American style.