The flat cap is a traditional Irish style, and it has been worn by men all over the world for centuries. Today, it is considered a unisex style and there are many similar styles which have been developed from the original design. Our extensive range of Irish caps and hats includes flat caps, driving caps, panel caps, Newsboy caps and Pub caps, and all of these differ slightly in appearance. We have a wide variety of colours and materials available so that you can choose the perfect headwear for every occasion.
Flat caps were established as an Irish trend in 1571, when a law was introduced that made it mandatory for Irish men and boys to wear hats on Sundays and holidays. The law achieved its aim of boosting the local wool industry and was abolished only two decades later, but flat caps were firmly established in working class Irish fashion by this point. For centuries, the flat cap continued to be seen in this light, and then it was adopted by the gentry, who saw it as an excellent option for outdoor pursuits such as walking and shooting, and it became a style statement.
Flat caps were introduced across Europe and North Africa in the 1800s, by armed forces from the UK and Ireland, and the design was even worn as an alternative to the Fez style hat when it was banned in Turkey in 1925. The style also travelled across the Atlantic with Irish migrants and its popularity in the United States can be seen in designs such as the Newsboy hat, which brought a contemporary edge to the classic flat cap, creating a panel cap that was popularised by the newspaper sellers of 1920s and 1930s New York.
Our Irish flat caps are made from the finest wool and wool tweed, and we also have some designs made from waxed cotton for the ultimate protection from the elements. Wool and wool tweed are sustainable, natural materials with warm, water-resistant properties and they can be worn in every season, keeping you cosy and dry in unpredictable weather. The flat cap is a versatile style that works just as well with a formal suit as it does with jeans and a sweater, so you can style it up for a family wedding or wear it on a country walk.
Our Irish hats and caps are available in a selection of colours, many of which are inspired by the beautiful tones we see in the Irish countryside, and we only source products you can rely on. Our range includes designs by Hanna Hats, Jack Murphy Hats, Tom Deasy Flat Caps and Mucros Weavers, and we will be happy to help you find your new flat cap.
View our range of Irish Caps and Hats for men and women.