Flat Caps

The flat cap's origins trace to 14th-century England, where the wool cap was standard working-class headwear. By the 19th century it had become synonymous with British and Irish industrial and sporting culture — worn by miners in South Wales, jockeys at Ascot, and country gentlemen on grouse moors. Its structural logic is simple: a low rounded crown, a short stiffened brim projecting forward, and a flat silhouette that sits close to the head without demanding attention.

That structural restraint is what gives the flat cap its enduring relevance. It does not compete with the rest of a wardrobe. It completes it.

Hatloom flat caps are crafted in herringbone and check tweed, merino wool, genuine leather, linen and cotton — in classic and contemporary colourways for men and women. Also known as ivy caps, driving caps, Gatsby caps and paddy caps, each name points to a different cultural tradition converging on the same silhouette.

Why the Flat Cap Endures

• Material honesty — tweed, wool and leather age with the wearer rather than against them
• Structural versatility — equally suited to a wax jacket and a tailored overcoat, a denim jacket and a wool coat
• Cultural weight — a silhouette with six centuries of working and sporting heritage across Britain, Ireland and Europe
• Functional design — the short brim shields eyes without obstructing peripheral vision; the low crown stays put in wind

Flat Cap Materials: A Practical Guide

Flat Cap vs Newsboy Cap: The Practical Difference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flat cap?

A flat cap is a rounded cap with a small stiff brim projecting at the front. It originated in 14th-century Britain as working-class headwear and evolved into a symbol of British and Irish sporting and country culture. Today it is worn across casual, smart-casual and heritage wardrobe contexts by men and women worldwide.

What is the difference between a flat cap and an ivy cap?

Flat cap and ivy cap refer to the same silhouette. The name varies by region: flat cap is the British English term; ivy cap is more common in the United States, where the style became associated with Ivy League campus culture in the mid-20th century. Other names include driving cap, Gatsby cap, and paddy cap — all describing the same low-crown, short-brim construction.

How do you wear a flat cap?

Wear a flat cap with the brim forward, sitting level on the head approximately two finger-widths above the eyebrows. It pairs naturally with tweed jackets, wool overcoats, denim and heritage outerwear. For a more relaxed look, tilt it slightly to one side. Avoid pairing with overly formal suits unless the specific context calls for it.

What size flat cap do I need?

Measure around your head approximately 1 cm above your ears and eyebrows — this circumference in centimetres is your hat size. Most Hatloom flat caps are available in sizes S (55–56 cm) through XL (60–61 cm), with adjustable options for flexible fit. When between sizes, size up — a slightly loose flat cap is easier to adjust than a tight one.

What material is best for a flat cap?

For autumn and winter, herringbone tweed and wool offer the best combination of warmth, structure and heritage character. Leather flat caps are the most durable option and develop a patina over years of wear. For spring and summer, linen and cotton provide breathability without sacrificing the silhouette. Corduroy sits between seasons and adds tactile texture to a casual wardrobe.

Are flat caps still in style?

The flat cap has not been in or out of style since the early 20th century — it sits above trend cycles. Its continued presence in British, Irish and European menswear is grounded in functional design and cultural heritage rather than seasonal fashion. Peaky Blinders renewed mainstream interest after 2013, but the silhouette's relevance predates and will outlast any television programme.

Can women wear flat caps?

Yes. The flat cap has been worn by women since at least the early 20th century, when it became associated with women's equestrian and sporting wear. Today it sits naturally in women's wardrobe contexts — with trench coats, heritage outerwear and tailored casualwear. Hatloom's flat cap range includes styles suited to both men's and women's head shapes and proportions.

Browse Flat Caps by Type

• Leather Flat Caps — genuine cowhide and suede flat caps that develop a personal patina over years of wear
• Summer Flat Caps — cotton, linen and lightweight blends for warm-weather wearing
• Winter Flat Caps — wool, Harris tweed and herringbone for genuine cold-weather warmth
• Kids Flat Caps — properly sized children's flat caps in adjustable and fitted constructions