"It represents being British," says Team GB Olympic archer Patrick Huston of the flat cap.
Flat caps embody the essence of British clothing and culture. Originally designed to withstand the British weather, the flat cap has made a comeback and has become a staple in the leading gentlemen’s wardrobe. The now high fashion accessory can also be seen sported by the likes of David Beckham, Conor McGregor and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as the recent hit tv show Peaky Blinders. But is there any significance to the iconic cap and can it really be worn by anyone? Yes and yes!
Where it started for the Flat Cap
Flat caps are rounded hats with a small stiff brim in front and are considered a culturally historic item of clothing. The origins of the flat cap can be traced back to Britain in 1571, when Parliament ordered all non-noblemen and boys over the age of 6 to cover their heads with wool caps on Sundays and holidays. Those who didn’t would be at risk of a fine of three farthings (close to a penny)!
The purpose of decreeing a law like this was to boost England’s domestic wool sales, which made up most of the economy at the time. But centuries on, people began to grow to like the comfort and feel of their wool caps and carried it on, so much so that immigrants took them over to America where it was popular among young boys and began to take on other names such as driving caps, duffer caps, golf caps, scally caps, cabbie caps, and most commonly, newsboy caps.
Choosing between a Flat Cap and an Eight Quarter “Newsboy” Cap
This alternative to the traditional flat cap style has a much looser and a more volumized silhouette which is created by putting together 8 triangular panels of material from a centre point on the top of the hat, usually covered by a cloth button. The largest distinction from the standard flat cap is that this style is much puffier and baggier. The body is also brought forward over the brim of the cap, but still less than its flat alternate. Although this style is categorically still a flat cap, it is more commonly referred to as a “newsboy” cap.
The newsboy cap was first seen to be worn by newspaper sellers in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, although it was worn almost universally by the working class. It is still similar to the flat cap as both are classically made from tweed and have a low profile, a small visor/brim, and are rounded.
Style your Flat Cap right
Flat caps have always been on trend, suiting almost any face shape and are available in a variety of colours, fabrics and designs. Flat caps are traditionally made from wool and tweed, but can be made with cotton, linen, corduroy, or even leather. The classic flat cap can commonly be seen worn with either tweed or a casual jean and t-shirt, but it also works just as well with an evening suit.
Our style edit at the Scotland Shop consists of a casual, daytime look:
Shop the Look: Jumper Men's V Neck Lambswool Sweater, Scarf Woven Tartan Scarf in Thompson Grey, Hat Tartan Flat Cap in Thompson Grey.
Choosing a neutral-coloured cap (e.g. black, brown or grey) will allow you to expand your options when styling it with an appropriate outfit.
Before wearing a tweed or tartan cap, keep an eye out to make sure that the material of the hat has enough of a contrast with the colour and material of your coat/jacket. Patterns which are too alike can sometimes look odd next to each other, so consider a pattern for one and a solid colour for the other. Our Flat Caps are available in over 500 tartan combinations, so tartan is perfect!
Sizing is key
All of our caps come in 4 sizes, check out our Sizing Guide on measuring tips to help you find your perfect fit. We even do junior flat caps which make a lovely gift and little boys do love wearing the same tartan as their grandpa!
