The Ultimate Guide to Irish Flat Caps: History, Style and How to Wear Them
The humble Irish cap is an iconic fashion statement that is popular all over the world, but did you know that it has a complex history? The weaving industry is at the core of Ireland’s heritage, and the flat cap is even enshrined in Irish law. The Irish cap tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship that has elevated it from humble beginnings to the heads of some of the most famous names on the planet.
At Weavers of Ireland, we believe that the clothing and hats in our collection are not just practical and stylish wardrobe solutions but are also at the core of Irish social and economic development. Weaving and knitting have sustained communities in Ireland for centuries, and the earliest evidence of woven cloth found in Ireland dates back to around 1600 BC. These skills have been vital to the development of the country we know and love, and the flat cap has become a symbol of hard work, integrity and charm.
Every Stitch Tells a Story
Weaving is an industry that has been vital throughout Ireland’s history, and its importance can be seen in the Brehon laws dating back to 600AD. In these laws, it was recognised that women should retain ownership of their yarns and the tools needed to spin and weave them if they were divorced by their husbands, which is an unusual recognition of the economic value of these skills - and of the need for women to be able to earn an independent living.
For many years, woven cloth was made from wool and flax and dyed using natural plant materials. The beautiful Irish tweeds and linens we see today are developed from these early versions, and the longevity of the Irish weaving industry can be epitomised by the Irish cap.
Irish Caps Made Mandatory in 1571
The Irish cap might not enjoy an international reputation today if it had not been legally imposed in a 1571 law. In an attempt to provide a vital boost for the local wool industry, it was decreed that men and boys over the age of seven must wear hats on Sundays and holidays. This law only lasted until 1597, but this was long enough to cement the Irish cap as a staple item in working-class wardrobes.
In Medieval times, hats such as the flat cap were worn by the lower classes, while the nobility wore more elaborate headdresses. However, by the late 1800s and early 1900s, upper-class gentlemen began to adopt the more practical style for outdoor activities such as shooting and walking. Some say that the associations of hard work and integrity appealed to the upper classes, while others explain this as a purely practical choice, but the flat cap remains a good choice for outdoor work and relaxation today.
Flat cap history is fascinating, and the design became popular all over the world as it travelled on the heads of sailors and soldiers. It was adopted in Southern Europe, becoming especially well-loved in Italy and Spain, and it was quickly established in America, with variations such as the Newsboy cap becoming synonymous with the young newspaper sellers on the streets of New York in the 1920s and 1930s. These are memorialised in the Disney musical Newsies, which demonstrates the importance of these iconic caps in our cultural history.
Tweed: Stylish and Sustainable
Irish caps are usually made from wool tweed, although we have some gorgeous styles in Irish linen that are a great choice for the summer months. Tweed is woven from the highest quality wools, and it has long been worn in Ireland thanks to its water-repellent properties and warmth. Flat caps and the styles that have derived from them, including the Newsboy cap and the panel cap, are traditionally made from this material, and it works well all year round, since it is breathable and comfortable and offers great protection from the elements.
Fabrics such as tweed are also a good choice for the environment, as clothing made from sustainable fibres is much more durable than modern alternatives. The damage the fast fashion industry does to the planet has been in the news in recent years, and taking a step towards a more eco-friendly wardrobe is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while elevating your style. Catwalks are full of heritage fabrics, including tweeds, linens and wool, and these offer an excellent way to do your bit for the world without compromising on the look you want.
Irish Caps We Love
Here at Weavers of Ireland, we’re spoiled for choice with so many stunning designs in our Irish flat caps selection. Whether you are drawn to a classic flat cap in an earthy green or a contemporary wool County hat to complement your matching scarf, you’ll find what you are looking for in our selection. Some of our favourites include:
1. Donegal Tweed Herringbone Flat Cap. The classic Donegal Tweed Herringbone Flat Cap is a particularly popular style, available in earthy brown tones as well as striking greens and greys. These colour combinations echo the subtle and eye-catching tones that embellish the Irish landscape and reflect the pure, natural shades of the countryside. This is a traditional peak-style flat cap, made from high-quality 100% wool tweed, available in a range of sizes and suitable for both men and women.
2. Trinity Tweed Flat Cap. The gorgeous Trinity Tweed Flat Cap combines style, function and craftsmanship, and we love the denim colour that brings a touch of contemporary flair. It’s a classic Herringbone tweed with a peak and sewn fastening, and it’s finished off with a luxurious quilted lining. Men and women alike love this design, and it’s perfect paired with a casual outfit such as jeans and an Aran sweater.
3. Peaky Blinders Cap. The Peaky Blinders are largely responsible for the explosion of the flat cap and its variations in recent years. The Ladies Wool Peaky Blinders Hat in Kildare Multi Mulberry is a great twist on the original Newsboy cap and was derived from the flat cap many years ago. This gorgeous design includes the softest Alpaca wool and brings together traditional style and modern character, with nature-inspired colours handwoven by expert weavers at Branigan Weavers in Ireland.
4. Kerry Cap. The Kerry Tweed Flat Cap is based on the classic flat cap and the traditional Irish pub cap, and it’s a comfortable, stylish choice for any occasion. Made with 100% wool with a luxurious quilted lining, this has a slightly more prominent peak than other flat caps in our range, and looks great with a tweed or waxed jacket for all of your outdoor activities. You can choose from several different colour blends, including charcoal with red, brown mix and green and brown plaid, so you’re sure to find an option you love.
5. Waxed Cotton Flat Cap. The flat cap is designed to be practical, first and foremost, and our designs made from waxed cotton offer the ultimate protection from the weather. The Kerry Waxed Flat Cap is made from 100% Waxed Cotton, which is waterproof and will keep you dry in any weather conditions. It’s made in Ireland and retains the jaunty style of the classic flat cap, and we particularly love the deep brown colour. Perfect for wearing with your waterproofs when you’re working in wet weather or paired with jeans and a jumper for a day out in town, you’ll find yourself reaching for this great cap again and again.
6. Vintage Tweed Flat Cap. The flat cap is a heritage piece, and the Vintage Tweed Flat Cap is one of our bestselling designs. It’s made from luxurious tweeds which are inspired by the colours seen in the Donegal countryside, and handmade from 100% wool with a viscose taffeta lining. The wide, low brim is traditional in style, and we love the earthy shades of brown and the gorgeous flecked green salt and pepper option. The peak has a stud fastening, and this high-quality tweed will retain its shape and structure for many years to come.
Wearing Your Irish Cap with Confidence
It can take a minute to find the best Irish cap for your face shape, and you can explore our guide to finding the right shape for your face to help you decide what works for you. In short, we recommend a traditional flat cap for those with rounder faces, particularly a tweed design in a neutral colour, while fuller, taller styles suit those with squarer faces, to balance the cheekbones and jawline.
Layering up your tweed cap is a great way to show it off to its best, and pairing it with an Aran sweater, a heavy knit cardigan or a wool jacket is a great stylistic choice. Many of our designs also have matching scarves, and this is an excellent addition to your outfit to maximise warmth and Irish charm.
Getting your colours right can make a world of difference, and the colours we see in the Irish landscape are popular choices for the classic Irish cap. The subtle greens, browns and blues that reflect the land and sea-scapes in Ireland look fantastic, while the brighter yellows and purples echo the colours we see in the flora and fauna on our moorland. Don’t forget that patchwork designs add a little extra interest, and there are patchwork versions available in all of our best-loved designs.
How to Wear Flat Caps
An Irish cap is a flexible accessory, and you can make it work, whatever you are wearing. Flat caps are a great addition to a formal outfit, and these often feature in weddings, to add a hint of gangster chic to a party of groomsmen. However, the flat cap is equally at home as part of a casual outfit, worn to protect against the elements and add personality to your look.
Newsboy caps and the fuller styles are often worn to enhance a casual outfit and add some style to an everyday look, while linen caps make a great choice for relaxed summer events, such as garden parties and festivals. Our advice is to keep it simple if your look is already busy, but if you’re wearing an understated outfit, you can make the most of the opportunity to add some colour or style with a patterned tweed or colourful wool blend. There’s something for everyone in our catalogue, and we can help you find the perfect option for any occasion.
Irish Caps and Heritage Fashion at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, we believe that slow fashion is the answer to the environmental damage caused by the fast fashion industry, and we are committed to providing durable, practical clothing that looks and feels fabulous. We know that traditional Irish crafting skills, such as weaving and knitting, are an essential part of our heritage, and we work hard to preserve these for future generations to enjoy.
Our collection includes a gorgeous range of sweaters, cardigans, scarves and wraps, and we can help you to find the perfect gift for every family member and friend. Our Irish caps, tweed handbags and Celtic jewellery allow you to celebrate the essence of Ireland every day, and you can visit us in-store or explore our range online.
