American Needle began over 100 years ago. Today American Needle defines quality headwear. In 1918 American Needle was as an importer of sewing needles. As a family-owned business, the company progressed into manufacturing headwear, hats, and beanies. They got their big break in 1946, when American Needle approached the Chicago Cubs with an idea of selling fans baseball caps like the ones the players wore on the field. The Cubs agreed to the proposal, with the team’s ownership at the time noting, “Who would want to buy the hats that the players are wearing?” The first run of Cubs hats sold out in one day and a second batch sold even faster. On this success, American Needle would soon begin supplying caps to all major sports teams nationwide for years to come.