The Irish cap has become synonymous with style all over the world, and many timeless designs, such as the flat cap and the Newsboy cap, are rooted in Irish history. Let's take a look at the history of headwear in Ireland and explore why these traditional caps and hats remain so popular today.
Here at Weavers of Ireland, we are passionate about preserving traditional Irish crafts, and we work with expert weavers and artisans to bring you a stunning catalogue of products made from the finest quality wool and wool tweed. From Aran sweaters to tweed handbags, we have an extensive collection of beautiful products to share with you, and we believe that we are sharing a little bit of Irish heritage with every piece.
Traditional Irish Hats
In Ireland, head coverings have always been a practical choice for the changeable climate, and the working-class communities of Ireland have worn traditional Irish hats for many centuries. The earliest archaeological finds in Ireland include woven cloth, and this has long been used in the creation of woven caps and hats that are the precursors of the stylish flat caps and Newsboy hats that grace celebrity style magazines today.
The progression of Irish headwear from a practical, warm garment to high fashion must-have is astonishing and we can see this development in terms of cultural change. Today, we see cult TV shows like Peaky Blinders that celebrate the provenance of Irish caps and hats, and the biggest names in the film and music industries are often seen sporting designs that were developed on Irish looms many years ago. So where did the hats we know and love originate? And why are they so popular today?
Hats as Cultural Currency
Working-class people in Ireland wore woollen caps such as the flat cap for several centuries, and people of noble rank tended to wear more ornate headwear. Early caps were a practical choice for working and also had an important role in denoting status in society. These caps were made from coarse woollen cloth, which was often coloured with natural dyes made from local plant material.
Headwear in Ireland may well have been influenced by the many different cultures that traded with, invaded and colonised Ireland over the years, and Irish clothing trends throughout history can be seen to have been influenced by civilisations such as the Vikings and Normans, as well as British traditions that were adopted during times of occupation. All of these influences were interpreted by the Irish to suit their own purposes and climate conditions, and this created distinctive styles that have become famous all over the world.
The Classic Irish Cap
The flat cap is considered to be the earliest modern version of the Irish caps we know today, and it became standard headwear for all working class men and boys over the age of seven when a 1571 law introduced to support the local wool industry forced them to wear woollen caps on Sundays and holidays. This was deemed successful after 26 years, when the law was repealed. However, the cap was enshrined in Irish dress codes by this point, and it would become a wardrobe staple for boys and men in Ireland for centuries to come.
Because of its humble roots, the flat cap became a symbol of the working classes, worn by farmers, labourers and outdoor workers. It was a practical choice, made from locally made tweed, and the natural water resistance and warmth of the fabric made it an ideal option. Over the years, regional variations of the flat cap developed, and these demonstrated the local weaving traditions and preferences. Slight variations in climate and in the nature of the working day may have influenced the thickness of the fabric or the additional insulating properties, for example, resulting in small changes to designs in different areas.
Irish Identity and the Flat Cap
The flat cap in modern times has become an icon of Irish identity, and historical photographs show the extent of its popularity. Ireland’s history is rich and complex, and Irish nationalists often wore flat caps as a celebration of their own culture and a rejection of those who sought to colonise them. Throughout the years of rebellion, the Irish cap became aligned with the integrity and strength of character of those who maintained the resistance.
The working class heritage of the Irish cap was threatened when members of the upper classes adopted the style as a practical choice for outdoor pursuits such as shooting, fishing and walking. By the early 20th century, tweed caps and jackets had become a popular choice amongst the gentry, who were keen to share the symbol of integrity and tradition. At this time, women began to adopt the look, often wearing the flat cap or Newsboy cap style at a jaunty angle to enhance an outfit or set off a stylish, post-war haircut.
The Development of the Newsboy Hat
The traditional flat cap has remained a staple item in the wardrobes of Irish men for centuries, but the Newsboy cap has challenged it in recent years. The Newsboy cap is a similar style that is also known as the eight-panel cap or the baker boy cap, with a fuller crown and button fastening on top. This style emerged in the late 19th century, named for the young newspaper sellers who wore it every day, and was also worn by those working in factories and making deliveries. The musical Newsies celebrates the young Newsboy cap wearers on the streets of New York, where this style was popularised.
This design was a warmer option than the traditional flat cap, and since its appearance, it has proved popular with younger wearers. This has become a fashionable style that has graced catwalks in recent years, and today it is often worn by women all over the world. The Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat in light brown is a gorgeous example of the style, created by Mucros Weavers from their studio in Killarney National Park. Made from 100% wool tweed, this stylish design is embellished with a leather rosette to add an extra touch of charm.
Women in Ireland: Headwear Through History
While the flat cap was traditionally worn by men, women also wore head coverings that included shawls or wraps to cover the head and hair. Historically, these would have provided essential warmth and also protected the modesty of women within their communities, particularly when going to church. Women from wealthy homes would have worn bonnets and elegant hats that followed fashion trends and exhibited their wealth to their neighbours, but these were for decorative rather than practical purposes.
During the 20th century, as women increasingly entered workplaces and embraced modernity, Irish women began to wear styles that had been traditionally worn by men. Flat caps and Newsboy hats became very popular amongst women and girls, and a worldwide trend towards more androgynous fashion emerged in line with the recognition of these styles as a practical choice for women.
Today, we see celebrities embracing the classic styles, with Madonna often spotted in a flat cap and Rihanna regularly seen wearing a Newsboy style cap to set off her outfit to perfection. Designers such as Coco Chanel have often featured caps such as these in their collections, and they transfer well to high street fashion since they are a versatile accessory that can be worn for casual occasions and also styled up for formal events. Many people incorporate these classic styles into their wedding attire and this is a striking look that will make your wedding photos stand out for all the right reasons.
Inspired by the Irish Landscape
Many of the gorgeous hats and items of clothing we have sourced from artisan makers in Ireland have a deep connection with the landscape around us, and this is especially important to the history of Irish tweed caps. Traditionally, Irish tweed would have been made from the wool of sheep that spent their lives grazing on the grass and moorland of Ireland, thriving in the unpredictable weather, so it remains closely linked with the land.
Today, our wool blends often contain the finest quality wool from all over the world, and this gives us the versatility to create modern designs that are exquisitely soft and durable. However, these are still inspired by the Irish landscape, and the gentle colour palettes and traditional weaving methods build on thousands of years of history. Our tweed caps are often subtle in colour, featuring the natural greens, browns and blues that appear on the Irish coastline and countryside, and many of our designs include flecked or Herringbone elements that show off the skills of our Irish weavers.
Peaky Blinders: Rediscovering the Flat Cap
The flat cap and its variations were experiencing a lull in popularity, especially amongst young people, when the 1980s and 1990s brought a renewed interest in heritage crafting and iconic styles. As celebrities showed off their favourite caps, cult TV shows such as Peaky Blinders elevated these styles and gangster chic brought the look to new generations for the twenty-first century. Tommy Shelby and his crew sport classic flat caps and panel caps as they rule the streets of Birmingham, and the styling of this show has cemented the place of these designs at the forefront of popular culture.
Also in the last few decades, the damaging effects of fast fashion have become more widely known and classic garments such as clothing and hats made from tweed are viable alternatives. Slow fashion solutions, which use natural and sustainable fabrics to produce garments that will last a lifetime, are a great way to combat throwaway fashion, and tweed caps are part of the movement that promotes environmentally conscious clothing that doesn’t compromise on style.
Irish Caps on Screen
As well as Peaky Blinders, Irish caps have featured in popular films throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and are often seen in famous scenes such as the iconic ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ photograph, which shows ironworkers at the Rockefeller Center in 1932 taking their lunch break on a steel beam. This photo was staged to promote the new skyscraper during the Great Depression, and the essence of hardworking ‘salt of the earth’ labourers has made the picture, and the caps worn in it, infamous. Many companies have built on the legend of this photo in their own marketing, and the Irish cap has featured in many similarly styled adverts throughout the years.
Many period dramas and historical sagas demonstrate the evolution of headwear through the ages, and we see the prevalence of the flat cap or the Irish cap in working class communities throughout Europe. The distinctive Irish cap often appears in publicity photos for famous poets and writers, including key Irish figures such as James Joyce, building on their Irish heritage and identity with the iconic style.
The Irish cap is a style that has evolved over the years and been adapted to many practical and stylish looks, and it persists today because it exudes an inimitable charm. With centuries of history and a diverse fan base, the timeless Irish cap is certainly here to stay.
Heritage Fashion at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, we are proud to play our part in preserving traditional Irish knitting and weaving skills for future generations to cherish. We source the finest quality garments, hats and accessories from skilled Irish craftspeople, and we have a beautiful range of Aran sweaters, cardigans and wraps, as well as timeless tweed hats, caps and handbags.
Our range includes waxed cotton hats and jackets for the ultimate in all-weather protection, and we also have a stunning collection of Celtic jewellery for you to explore. You’ll find gorgeous gifts for every member of your family and we can help you to discover your new favourite outfits and accessories for all seasons in store or online.
