Mens Flat Caps

The History of Mens Flat Caps

The history of mens flat caps begins as far back as the 14th in Britain and Ireland where it was better known as a bonnet and worn by the working class man. The flat cap has been called by many different names over the centuries such as a newsboy cap, a driving cap, a Cheese-cutter in New Zealand and a Dai cap in Wales. No matter what name you choose to call it by the basic shape is the same it is a round flat cap with a small brim at the front and a stiff peak in the back.

According to history an Act of Parliament was passed in 1571 to help improve the use of domestic wool, the Act stated that all males over the age of 6 , with the exception of those of degree or nobility, must wear a woolen hat on Sundays and holiday. Failure to do so would result in a fine of ¾ penny per day. This bill stayed in place until 1597 when it was repealed. However by this time both men and boys flat caps were a fixture in English society and were a considered the mark of a tradesman or any not of noble birth.

By the 19th century the flat cap was also being made from finer materials such as tweed and silk and were found by many upper class to be suitable as casual country wear, especially for out on the golf course. This is where the name golf flat caps came about and the hat remained the most common hat on the links for decades until the American baseball style cap began to rise in popularity.

History shows that mens flat caps came to the United States sometime in the 17th century brought there by Scottish and Irish immigrants as they sought out a new world and a new life for themselves. However it should be noted that the flat cap was never just for the working class as the nobles also were seen wearing them as they tried to purvey an air of country casual. Still today this style of cap can be seen on the upper class as Prince Charles is often seen wearing one.

Although the original mens flat caps were made in order to avoid that fines that accompanied the new law they were soon found to be quite useful and mens waterproof flat caps quickly gained popularity in the rainy English weather. In popular culture the flat cap has been associated with newsboys and cab drivers for many years prolonging the working class mystique that surrounds the flat cap.

While the flat cap may have had a very working class beginning in recent years they have enjoyed a renaissance amongst younger men and boys as they are being seen as fashionable and trendy. Sales are considered brisk and many of the top stars of today can be seen sporting one. In the 80s they became popular with the punk and skinhead cultures as well as heavy metal musicians, for example Brian Johnson of AC/DC has been sporting one for years. May of today's Hollywood A-list stars both male and female have been spotted in flat caps, including Kate Moss, Samuel L. Jackson and a plethora of Hip Hop stars.