Irish Flat Caps

Irish flat caps have a fascinating history that has kept them at the forefront of fashion for many years, and they have transcended common barriers of gender and class to become an iconic, unisex emblem of Ireland. Our selection includes gorgeous flat caps made by Mucros Weavers, John Hanly and Aran Sweater Market, with a variety of styles and colours to choose from.

The flat cap became a popular choice for males in Ireland in 1571, when it became law for men and boys to wear woollen caps on Sundays and holidays. This was a law passed by the English Parliament which aimed to boost the domestic wool market, and it was only in place for 26 years, but it firmly established the flat cap as a staple item amongst the working classes in Ireland.

By the 20th century, the flat cap had been adopted by the upper classes, especially as a practical choice for outdoor pursuits, and it was also becoming popular in Spain and Italy, as well as the United States. Recently, the flat cap has seen a resurgence in popularity with iconic shows such as Peaky Blinders demonstrating the versatility and appeal of the style. Based on the real gangs who prowled the streets of Birmingham in the 1880s-1930s, the flat cap is believed to have been worn because its shape enabled gang members to hide razor blades in the peak.

Flat caps are often worn by women, as well as men, and they can be worn with casual or more formal outfits, working just as well to add flair to a wedding suit as for a country walk. Celebrities such as David Beckham and Madonna are frequently spotted in flat caps while they are out and about, and there are many ways to embrace this style for yourself. Flat caps remain a practical option for wearing outdoors, protecting against the elements, and have also become synonymous with sophistication and style.

Check out our stunning range of flat caps made from 100% wool tweed, and you will discover a range of beautiful colours inspired by the Irish landscape. From sea blues to forest greens, the natural colours selected by the highly skilled craftspeople who make our flat caps are subtle and flattering, so you can be sure you’ll find a great match for any outfit. Our tweed flat caps are handwoven by the finest Irish artisans, and we also have a selection of styles made from top-quality linen.