Why Irish Caps Are the Perfect Gift for Him (or Her!)
It’s that time of year again, and we’re searching for the perfect gifts for the special people in our lives. We all want to find stylish and practical presents that will show our loved ones how much we value them, and here at Weavers of Ireland, we have a beautiful selection of garments and accessories that includes something for everyone on your list.
An authentic Irish cap is a great gift idea, and many people will appreciate the thought that goes into your purchase. Irish caps combine quality, heritage, and style in an iconic design that is just as popular with women as with men. This makes them an ideal way to pass on a little piece of Irish history to your friends and family this year.
Irish Heritage in Every Stitch
Irish caps have been popular here for centuries, and have become an emblem of Irish integrity and steel all over the world. Originally worn by the working classes in Ireland to protect them against the unpredictable Irish weather, Irish caps, also known as flat caps, have evolved into statement pieces that are cherished by celebrities, fashion enthusiasts, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Irish cap was made mandatory for men and boys over the age of seven in Ireland in 1571, in an attempt to boost the Irish wool market. Although this law was short-lived, being repealed in 1597, the Irish cap endured and has been a staple item in Irish wardrobes ever since. In the 19th century, it was adopted by the upper classes as a practical choice for outdoor pursuits such as shooting and walking, and it remains standard attire for these activities today.
The Story of Irish Weavers
Irish caps are made from wool tweed, a naturally durable and sustainable material made from the finest woven wool. Artisan weavers have been at the core of Irish history since records began, and ancient artefacts have demonstrated the importance of weaving in very early civilisations here. It is even recorded in Ancient Breton laws that a woman who has been divorced by her husband may keep her wool and spindles, which is an unusual reference that would have enabled such women to support themselves and recognises the vital importance of their craft.
The tweed used to make our Irish caps is warm and naturally waterproof, making it a great choice for all seasons, especially when rain showers threaten. We also stock a gorgeous range of woollen hats and felt hats, but there is something special about the classic Irish cap. The Irish cap is also often referred to as the flat cap, the scally cap or the paddy cap. Occasionally, the term driving cap may be used, but traditionally, this is associated with the panel cap style, like the Newsboy cap, which is similar but distinctive from the flat cap.
The Gift of Sustainability
In our modern world, it can be hard to balance style and sustainability, especially when giving gifts. The fashion industry is renowned for being especially damaging to the environment, and it is refreshing to find alternatives that are as popular in the high street as they are on the catwalk, without compromising on eco credentials.
Slow fashion is a sustainable and stylish alternative to the fast fashion industry, in which billions of low-cost garments are produced, shipped, sold and discarded every year. Slow fashion refers to items that are made from sustainable and natural materials, often made using traditional methods and designed to last a lifetime. Our tweed caps, including our Irish caps and 8-panel caps, are made from the finest tweed and are durable enough to last for generations, and you can wear them with our sustainable, classic Aran sweaters or with a warm and cosy overcoat that will protect you from even the most dramatic weather.
The Colours of Ireland
Ireland is famous for its landscapes, and the rich greens and browns are echoed throughout our collections at Weavers of Ireland. We love the classic Donegal Tweed Herringbone Flat Cap, in earthy brown tones that reflect the pure, natural shades of the countryside. Our patchwork caps combine the stunning greens and blues that we see on the moors and the coastline of this stunning country, and all of our designs are made with the same attention to detail and high quality that our customers depend on.
The Ladies Wool Peaky Blinders Hat in Kildare Multi Mulberry is a wonderful example that combines tradition and contemporary style. This is a classic tweed cap handwoven by artisans at Branigan Weavers on looms that are more than two hundred years old, and the soft Alpaca wool blends colours that are reminiscent of the heathers and grasslands of Ireland. This is a particularly popular style with our female customers and can be worn all year round.
Irish Caps for Men
If you’re looking for an exceptional gift for a special man in your life, you can’t go wrong with an Irish cap for men. More memorable than the usual socks or alcohol, an Irish cap is a timeless piece that will never go out of fashion and is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity due to the advent of cult TV shows like Peaky Blinders. Worn by many celebrity icons, such as David Beckham and Justin Timberlake, the flat cap is an understated, masculine style that is flattering to wearers.
A practical gift is always a good choice, and an Irish cap is versatile enough to wear with any outfit. The classic flat cap design can be worn with a tailored suit for a formal event or with jeans and a sweater for casual days out, so this gift will be reached for again and again. The quality weave and hand-finished construction creates an Irish cap that can handle daily wear and still look fantastic for many years to come, and, of course, it also serves as a timeless connection to Irish roots, celebrating authentic Irish craftsmanship and the longevity of the Irish spirit.
Irish Caps for Women
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll have seen celebrities such as Rihanna and Madonna making waves in their Irish caps for women for many years. Perhaps it’s the simplicity that adds an air of sophistication to any outfit, or the relaxed, jaunty style that these designs add to smart and casual looks alike. The Irish cap perfectly complements bohemian style, working well with a flowing, ethereal outfit, and it’s equally at home with more structured, tailored outfits and sharp, vintage looks.
An Irish cap is a practical choice for many women, providing warmth and protection from the sun and rain, and protecting the hair from the elements. Many women love to wear Irish caps as a fashion accessory, while others see them as an ideal option for outdoor pursuits such as walking. The unique designs and hand finished elegance of our Irish caps offer the perfect alternative to mass produced fashion, and this is a great gift to add a touch of personality to every occasion.
Choosing the Perfect Irish Cap
When you are looking for the right gift for someone you love, you’ll find a fantastic selection of Irish caps in our catalogue and narrowing it down can be a challenge. Here’s our guide to choosing an Irish cap, so you can get it right every time. We recommend:
• Considering the material. Irish caps are traditionally made from Irish tweed, woven from high quality wool that has been dyed to create a range of gorgeous colours. Irish tweed is warm and durable, and has an inimitable style that is popular all over the world. Natural fibres such as this can help to regulate the body temperature, so they can be worn all year round, but many people opt for a lightweight tweed for the warmer seasons. We also have gorgeous Irish caps in lighter cotton and linen fabrics, and our designs in waxed cotton are a great choice for outdoor wear in all weather.
• Looking at colour and pattern. Irish tweed is a versatile material that can be dyed to create a huge range of colours and patterns. Many of our Irish cap designs echo the natural colours of the Irish landscape, and we love the subtle greys, browns and greens that work with almost any outfit. Some of our tweeds, such as Donegal tweed, contain flecks of contrasting colours, while the checked designs are often bolder and more colourful. Herringbone tweed is an ancient design that is especially durable, and this features in many of our stylish Irish caps.
• Find the right fit. A hat or cap that does not fit properly will be uncomfortable and frustrating to wear, and a well-fitted style will feel just right. It can help to ask the person you are buying a gift for what their hat size or head circumference is - but if this is too obvious, our experienced team can help you. Some Irish caps feature adjustable sizing, which is always helpful when buying a garment as a gift, and personal preference will also have an impact on the way a cap or hat is worn by an individual.
• Exploring different styles. The term Irish cap usually refers to the flat cap style, which is made from a single piece of tweed with a brim, and this is a timeless style that appeals to many people. However, the term ‘Irish cap’ may also describe other styles that are similar, such as driving caps, 8-panel caps and Newsboy caps. Rounder faces are often better suited to flatter styles, while the designs with fuller crowns may be better suited to those with longer face shapes.
How to Gift an Irish Cap for Any Occasion
Giving a unique and stylish Irish cap to a loved one will be appreciated at any time, and our friendly team will be happy to help you put together the perfect gift. Pairing a classic flat cap with a soft woollen scarf in a complementary colour makes an extra special gift for Christmas or a birthday, and an Aran sweater is a great companion gift to show how much you care.
An Irish cap is a great Father’s Day gift, showing your dad that you love his style and want to give him something he will use for years to come. It’s also a great gift idea for a milestone birthday or retirement, with the subtle suggestion that your recipient deserves to enjoy some time relaxing in the great outdoors!
If you are putting together a look for a wedding party, you can’t beat the classic Irish cap with tweed suit or shirt and waistcoat. This brings an element of gangster chic to your proceedings and doubles as a memorable gift for your groomsmen and best man. And don’t forget that these are unisex garments now, and you can be sure that women will appreciate them just as much as men.
The Gift of Longevity
An Irish cap will last for decades if cared for properly, and your gift could even become a family heirloom. When you present your loved one with their new favourite cap, you might want to include some care tips to ensure it continues to look its best. For instance, if your tweed cap becomes very wet, you should ensure that it can air dry away from direct heat sources, and this will restore it to its former glory.
Irish tweed is naturally water-resistant and dirt repellent due to the lanolin in the wool, so it will not require cleaning often and should not be put in the washing machine. An Irish cap should be stored flat or placed on a hat stand to air between wears, and can be gently spot-cleaned with a damp cloth when needed. If the cap needs a more thorough clean, we recommend consulting an expert about specialist wool cleaning services to ensure that the shape and structure of the cap is maintained.
Heritage Gifts for Everyone at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, we are committed to preserving traditional Irish crafting skills such as weaving and knitting for future generations. Our range is inspired by heritage crafting and the history of Ireland, and our selection of clothing and homewares includes something for everyone on your gift list this year.
