The first baseball uniform that was officially adopted dates back to 1849. It was introduced by the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City. Their uniform was simple and comprised a white-flannel shirt, blue wool pants and a straw hat. Today, the baseball uniform has become very stylish with the leaguer wearing bright colored double-knit uniforms made of a blend of synthetic fabrics. Traveling all the way through 150 years, the baseball uniform underwent many changes in style and pattern. The various features that comprise a baseball uniform are caps, numbers and names, lettering, jerseys, patches and armbands, pants, stockings and shoes. The cap essentially helps protect the eyes of the player from the harsh sun during the day and from the bright floodlights during the night. Caps used in baseball games are also used to identify and distinguish individual teams. The trend of numbering the uniform started sometime in the early 1900s. It is left to the leaguers to decide their numbers. Some numbers are dedicated solely to a particular player and the number retires along with the player, post which no other layer can choose the same number. Initials of the team name are interlocked and printed on the uniform. In the earlier days, jerseys carried the shield-front print on them. Later on, lace features ran through the entire length of the shirt; patterns underwent constant changes. Socks worn during a game of baseball are referred to as stockings. Baseball shoes are flat bottomed, and the soles have hundreds of small rubber bumps and plastic cleats. Patches and armbands are accessories that always complimented baseball uniforms. Leaguers need to wear pants that make them feel comfortable during each moment of playing. The latest pants have elastic bands that keep the trousers low over shoe tops.