Standard New Era 59FIFTY caps rely on an internal buckram: a stiff, rubberized mesh fused to the inside of the front two panels. This material keeps the front upright, proud, and tall. When you cut the bill away, you alter the tension holding that buckram in place.
Without the rigid horizontal bill pulling the bottom seam taut, an unaltered 59FIFTY crown can stick straight up, giving the wearer an exaggerated, chimney-like profile. If you prefer a flatter, form-fitting look that wraps close to the skull, choose a low-profile 59FIFTY blank or an unstructured 9TWENTY cap instead. Unstructured models mold to the contours of your head like a traditional knit beanie, preventing the front panels from flaring outward.
