The flat cap is a truly amazing accessory. It has been around since the 16th century, but it is still a beloved headpiece by gentlemen of all ages. But did you know that there are more than 20 types of flat caps? Let’s take a look at 5 of the most popular ones.
Newsboy cap
First and foremost, the newsboy flat cap, the most famous of them all. Back in the day, this headpiece was a part of the uniform of the workers and as the name says, the newsboy flat cap was worn by the youngsters who were selling newspapers. What makes this type of hat stand out from other similar ones is that it is rounder, and baggier, it has a shorter brim and a button accent on the top. Another distinctive characteristic is that it is sewn together from the top and it has 8 equal panels. Today, these hats are worn by both women and men, and celebrities like Harry Styles and Idris Elba have been seen wearing them numerous times.
Baker Boy cap
Since flat caps were part of the workers’ uniforms, it is not surprising that many of these cap styles got their name from different professions. The baker boy hats were worn by those who were working at the bakeries, whether making the bread and other products or delivering them. It is very similar to the newsboy cap and it has the same soft small brim, the only difference being that it is not as baggy. It is still widely used today, and during last year’s fashion shows the brands Max Mara and Dolce&Gabbana presented on the runway outfits with this headpiece for the fall and winter collection.
Irish flat cap
Moving to a completely different style, the Irish flat cap is nowadays one of the most popular types of hats in the world. What makes the substantial difference between this cap and the ones that we’ve mentioned above is that the Irish flat cap has no panels and it has a longer and pointier brim. Since it is much slimmer, the Irish caps are preferred by gentlemen who want to create a sharp, elegant look for both casual wear and official attire. An Irish flat cap is made of rainproof fabrics such as wool and tweed and it is a practical everyday hat as shown by celebrities like Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake, and George Clooney.
Shelby cap
Believe it or not, some series have such a major impact on the fashion world that they even have flat cap styles named after them. In this case, Thomas Shelby, the protagonist of the British series Peaky Blinders wore a newsboy cap, which made the headpiece’s popularity skyrocket not only in the UK but in the whole world. The outfit that he wore is made of a three-piece suit combined with the newsboy hat and the overcoat and it quickly became so popular, that to this day people get their inspiration from Shelby’s style. By the way, the name Peaky Blinders comes from the razors that the members of the Shelby family put in their caps so that they could unexpectedly attack their rivals.
Ivy Cap
Sometimes also called a Scally flat cap, an Ivy cap is known for its lean and neat design, much different from the newsboy cap or baker boy cap styles. Thanks to being made of 3 cuts of fabrics, it has a sleek design, without any buttons or panels. This style is especially popular when made of cotton or linen, which makes them a fantastic complement to your spring and summer wardrobe. Even the American team’s uniform at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens included the Ivy cap.
