The Irish cap is an iconic fashion piece that has transcended its practical roots to become the perfect accessory for everyday wear and special occasions. Blending heritage craftsmanship and contemporary fashion, the flat cap and the Newsboy hat are firmly on trend right now.
The combination of traditional fabrics and styles worn with modern outfits creates contemporary streetwear looks we love, so let’s take a deep dive into styling that works. We’ll take a look at the history of the Irish cap and find out more about its place in the development of modern fashion. We’ll see how some of our favourite celebrities have adapted the look to create unique and stylish outfits.
Where Did Irish Caps Originate?
The term ‘Irish cap’ usually refers to the flat cap, although many people use it interchangeably for the Newsboy cap and styles such as the 8-panel cap, as well. The flat cap in its current form originated in Ireland, developing from earlier woven headwear and becoming recognisable as the classic flat cap in the 1500s. In 1571, a law was introduced to boost the local wool industry, making it mandatory for men and boys over the age of seven to wear caps or hats on Sundays and holidays. This law was only in place for twenty-six years, but this was long enough to establish the flat cap as an essential in the wardrobe of every working-class male in Ireland, and this was a trend that persisted for centuries.
The flat cap was a practical choice for working men, and has been worn by farmers, labourers and deliverymen over the years, and the variations of the original flat cap include the driving cap, the panel cap and the Newsboy hat. The Newsboy style is particularly popular, rising to fame when worn by the young newspaper sellers on the streets of New York in the 1920s and 1930s.
Finding Your Favourite Cap
The Irish cap is a versatile and adaptable style that can be worn for formal or casual occasions, and finding the style that suits you best will give you options for every outfit. Let’s explore some of the different types of Irish caps to help you choose your new favourite:
• The Flat cap. Flat caps are made in a minimal style, with a single panel on the top and a stiff brim. This is a great choice for anyone with a rounder face shape, and is well-suited to a variety of looks. We love the flat cap as an accessory for wedding parties, bringing a touch of gangster chic to your wedding photos, and this is popular for the groom and groomsmen. The Irish Linen Flat Cap is a great option for the more formal occasion, such as this, and we love this gorgeous design made from 100% Irish linen and handwoven in the Mucros Weavers Studio, located in the Killarney National Park.
• The Driving cap. The driving cap is a classic 8-panel cap that has been popular for many years, and the Donegal Men’s Driving Cap is handmade from 100% authentic Irish tweed wool with a beautiful flecked pattern throughout. This is a popular choice for men and for women, and is often styled for women with wide-legged trousers, a white shirt and a waistcoat for a contemporary, stylish look for work or a more formal occasion.
• The Panel Cap. The influence of the earlier flat cap design can be seen in the more modern panel cap style. We love the Blue Herringbone Tweed Duck Bill Panel Cap, made from wool mix tweed, which is a great choice for a country walk or a day out on the golf course. The two panels on the top come together neatly with an elasticated back for a comfortable, easy fit, and the black quilted lining ensures that this cap looks and feels great.
• The Newsboy cap. Popular since the beginning of the 20th century, the Newsboy cap has a fuller crown than the driving cap, although they are very similar in style. Made from six to eight panels and finished with a button on the top, these are a very popular choice with women for more casual looks. This style is a great choice for adding a bit of personality to your outfit, and it wears well with relaxed streetwear looks. The Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat is available in several stunning colours and features a leather rosette for an extra feminine touch.
• The Waxed Cap. Waxed cotton gives an excellent finish, ideally suited to the Irish climate, and we have a great selection of wax flat caps and waxed jackets made from 100% Waxed Cotton here in Ireland. This Kerry Wax Flat Cap is the perfect waterproof option to ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor activities, whatever the weather.
• The Pub Cap. The pub cap is derived from the flat cap and features a rounded back that slopes to the front peak, creating a tailored, close-fitting look. This is a distinctive style that has a key place in Irish fashion heritage, and we love the striking Killarney Pub Cap, which is made from 100% wool and handwoven in Killarney National Park by expert weavers, featuring a faux leather lining for the ultimate in style. The black, dark green and charcoal blue are subtle colour choices and look just as good with your work attire as with your comfortable casual outfits.
Fabric Choices: Traditional Tweed in Vogue?
There are so many variations of the original flat cap, and some of these developed in different regions across Ireland, while others were adapted after being taken overseas by soldiers and migrants. Some of these styles have a fuller cap or a more significant peak, and they are usually made from the traditional tweed fabric, although many modern designers have also experimented with lighter cottons and even leather.
Irish tweed is made from the finest quality wool, and there are many popular patterns that have developed over the years. Herringbone tweed is a historic weave that is designed to be especially durable, and the distinctive V-shaped pattern is a choice loved by many of our customers. The pattern is a good option for scarves and jackets, as well as the iconic Irish cap, providing texture and interest in every design.
The Irish caps in our collection are available in a gorgeous range of colours that are largely inspired by the beautiful landscapes and seascapes in Ireland. The soft browns, greens and blues echo the typically muted tones we see in nature, and even the brighter purples and golds are seen in our stunning seasonal flora and fauna.
Irish Caps on the High Street
Styling your Irish cap means making the traditional style work for you, and it often works well with contemporary clothing. Just like the iconic Aran sweater, the Irish cap pairs well with jeans and you can start here to make the look your own. Whether you are into wide-legged, baggy jeans or dark denim skinny jeans, a good pair of boots and an Irish cap can complete the effect perfectly.
And since we’ve already mentioned the Aran sweater… did you know that these cable knit designs originated in the Aran islands and were a practical choice for the fishermen and farmers working here? From practical roots, just like the Irish cap, they’ve risen to worldwide popularity and graced catwalk shows by major designers. Your favourite Aran sweater is a great choice to wear with an Irish cap, not only embracing Irish heritage, but also creating a practical, comfortable outfit that looks fantastic. A cropped, contemporary style sweater is a good option to accentuate your outfit, and fitted styles are well-suited to the streetwear look.
If you’re going for an everyday, practical look that combines effortless style and comfort, the key is to embrace classic Irish fashion. A grandfather shirt or checked shirt is another popular choice with jeans, and you can add a Newsboy cap, giving you the combination of heritage chic and functionality to create the modern comfort you are looking for. This is a style that wears well with leggings, and an outsized wax jacket or gilet can also complement the look.
Casual Streetwear Style
Our favourite celebrities tend to opt for a more urban style, and the city look calls for a more utilitarian wardrobe. Cargo trousers are on trend, and simple statement pieces in black, grey or olive green make great companions to the Irish cap. We love asymmetric detailing, and this is a very hot look right now.
A structured jacket or long sweater is a stylish way to embrace the energy of streetwear, and the Irish cap adds a touch of personality and sophistication. You can add stylish trainers or combat-style boots here, and tailored outerwear completes the stylish silhouette. And when it comes to practicality, adding a backpack or crossbody bag means you can carry everything you need for your day and accessorise your outfit at the same time.
Many people choose this look for daily work and casual wear in the city, and the blend of old and new styling is very effective. Contemporary meets heritage is a definite look, and connecting with slow fashion, with traditionally crafted garments that will last a lifetime, is a popular choice right now.
The Celebrity Look
The Newsboy cap stole the show in a 2024 Chanel runway show, and the tweed suit was the perfect pairing for it. This look has been adopted by celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, who was spotted in this striking combo in Madrid, and this is a natural progression from the way the Irish cap is styled in iconic TV shows such as Peaky Blinders.
The flat cap is an accessory much loved by some of the biggest names in showbiz, and stars such as Idris Elba, David Beckham and Harry Styles wear it to complete their casual, offhand style. For men and for women, the flat cap speaks to heritage style and adds a little personality to your look. It might also come in handy to confound the paparazzi, which may be why so many stars choose it for their downtime style.
The rules are simple here - anything goes! You can embrace your inner celeb with an eclectic outfit or simply add your Irish cap to your favourite sleek style. Whether you are attending a meeting, hitting the shops or relaxing in loungewear, your Irish cap brings your look to life and provides the individuality you need.
Minimalist Chic
If you love the minimalist style, you’ll find that the Irish cap finishes it to perfection and beginning with a neutral colour palette is the key. We love the basics in white or cream, black, navy or grey, and you’ll need to get the fit right to make the impact you want. Well-fitted tailored trousers or jeans are the staple here, and then a simply styled sweater or t-shirt with a focus on quality is key. It’s important to pay attention to fabrics, and wool and heavyweight cotton make excellent choices.
Layering up your look creates depth, and a classic woollen overcoat in a neutral colour is a great way to accentuate your silhouette. We have an impressive selection of long coats for men and for women and these pair perfectly with a well made Irish cap or Newsboy hat. This is a great look for work or a day out on the town and you can choose the perfect accessories to compliment your outfit with a simple piece of jewellery such as a statement watch.
Making the Look Your Own
Of course, as with any style, making it your own means adapting the styles you’ve seen on others or in magazines and working out the best combinations for your own wardrobe. We love the versatility of the Irish cap, and whichever is your favourite style, you can make it work in a variety of ways.
Find a Tweed Cap You’ll Love at Weavers of Ireland
We have a wide range of tweed hats and caps for you to explore, and we work with local craftspeople to preserve the authenticity of Irish heritage. We also have an extensive collection of Aran sweaters, cardigans, scarves and wraps for men and women, as well as stylish homewares and Celtic jewellery, so that you can create unique looks you love.
