After fading into the fashion background in the later half of the 20th century, men’s caps as the quintessential accessories have been going through a revival of sorts in recent years, and we’re all here for it. With growing attention to the iconic newsboy and flat cap designs, one thing is certain: classic appeal has an enduring power. 

The collections we have at Heritage Traditions, like Arthur and Carlyle, are designed with the modern man in mind, giving you the perfect balance of British heritage timelessness and contemporary touch. 

When Did Men’s Caps Come into Fashion?

As a TV show attaining cult and mainstream status, the Peaky Blinders phenomenon spread from the screens to the streets influencing style so most people associate these hats with the 1910’s and 20’s. Their appearance is actually a few centuries earlier. 

They came into the realm of everyday lifestyle in the 1500’s thanks to an Act of Parliament that instituted a fine for any men over the age of 6 that did not wear a woollen cap on Sundays and holidays. While this was only enforced for about 25 years in order to boost the wool and sheep farming trade, it left a lasting mark on UK fashion. 

Despite the utilitarian role they had since the beginning, serving as the working class’ functional and durable headwear accessories, it was the adoption in the upper-class circles in the 19th and 20th centuries for leisurely activities that helped propel them in the world of fashion. 

Fast forward through the Roaring Twenties and the revolutionary changes in the Swinging Sixties, it was the classless and practical appeal of the caps along with the interest of designers, celebrities and everyday style lovers in using accessories full of personality that brought them back into the wardrobe as the iconic staples they are. 

A Cap of Many Names

Nowadays, ‘flat cap’ is used as a blanket description, though you may have already seen it used interchangeably with newsboy cap, baker boy hat, cabbie hat, gatsby hat, duckbill, cabbie hat, eight panel hat and so on. You might be surprised to hear that while some of these names are synonymous, others are not. There are actually several different styles hidden amongst those names and we’re going to explore the differences between them.

Flat Caps

Flat Caps, also known as golf caps, farmers caps and cheese cutters caps, among other names, are sewn together in the back, using fewer and larger strips of material than a newsboy cap. There will be minimal bagginess or ‘poof’ to flat caps, compared to their cap-cousins. They also have short and stiff brims in the front, and a triangular profile.

Newsboy Caps

Newsboy Caps, also going by the names of cabbie hats, jeff caps, pageboy caps, gatsby caps, are rounded with a low profile and made up of 8 pieces of fabric sewn together from the top. They connect at the crown of the head instead, often with a button. This results in a baggy look, with fabric pieces resembling pizza slices.

Duckbill Caps

Duckbill Cap, also famous as pub cap, scally cap, driving cap, is a headwear type with more of a rigid, domed shape than the flat tops of the alternatives - hence the name. The duckbill has a more compact and tight profile and often doesn’t have a button connecting the pieces of fabric at the top, a detail which may help to distinguish it.       

Baker Boy Caps

Baker Boy caps are often said to be synonymous with newsboy caps, however within the Heritage Tradition stock, the baker boy caps have a slightly shorter brim and lower back and will create a profile that is subtly different from that of the newsboy caps.

Which Face is Best for a Cap?

These caps are generally versatile and easy to fit with most face shapes, making them highly adaptable. Still, some profiles are better suited for certain face shapes than others. 

Round

Round, wide faces look good with flat caps as much as newsboy caps with more structure. Caps with more puffiness in the crowns are better suited for square faces, and taller people. 

Oval

If you’re blessed with an oval shaped face, you have more flexibility with the designs, as you can easily wear flat and newsboy caps as much as duckbill caps. Use this advantage to experiment with different options and enhance your wardrobe with more than one model. 

Square

When you have a face with prominent jaws, you need a hat to help you add a more softening effect to the angled appearance, which is where you can reach out for newsboy caps and baker boy caps. Have fun with the ways you can wear these two headwear pieces, slightly tilting them for your own signature look.

Long

When you have a long, thin face shape, you can’t add too much puffiness. To get the best result, consider duckbill caps which have a more narrow design. A narrow cap is also better for short people rather than one in a wider design.

How to Wear a Cap in Style?

At Heritage Traditions, we have caps in this style for every taste and wardrobe. Each can be used with a variety of looks for a range of occasions. Take inspiration from David Beckham, ‘Peaky Blinders’, or Samuel L. Jackson known for wearing a flat cap backwards, and try the following ensembles.

Refined Casual 

You’d be amazed at how much of a luxurious effect the simple addition of a Heritage Traditions cap can have on the casual jeans and a tee combination. Top off the outfit with a blazer or a jacket with a pair of classic sneakers or leather boots and you get a put-together look effortlessly. 

Smart-casual with Personality 

Button-down shirts, chinos and tailored coats worn with a flat cap or newsboy cap translates to smart casual outfits with plenty of interest; fun and easy to put together and wear. 

Seasonal Staple 

The beauty of these men caps for sale is you can wear them year-round, that’s how versatile they are. During the chilly days of autumn and winter, swear by thicker fabrics like wool and tweed with herringbone for an extra dose of warmth, combined with knitwear and other warm accessories such as shawls and gloves for optimal protection from the cold. In spring and summer, it’s breathable choices like linen and cotton that keep outfits fresh and stylish. 

Finding the Perfect Match for Your Wardrobe

With a dedication to quality down to the smallest of detail and intricate craftsmanship, every cap in our collections is made to last. Creating classic designs with a modern approach, these are highly adaptable accessories and fit for a range of face shapes and styles with their iconic aesthetic and everyday practicality. However, to find the ideal headwear piece for your wardrobe, consider our sizing guide, and choose the fabric and colour based on preference, purpose and needs.

Check out our wide range of men’s caps and make them your own.