Tweed Caps

What is a tweed flat cap?

A tweed flat cap, also known as a newsboy cap, is a flat cap that curves towards the front, with a short peak. Originally common as a workers' cap in Britain, it is now part of the standard repertoire of British menswear.

What makes tweed particularly suitable for caps: the weave is dense enough to keep out wind, yet breathable enough for milder temperatures. The typical texture of the tweed weave, whether herringbone, windowpane or Glen check, gives each cap its own character. No two tweeds are alike, because the yarns are dyed before weaving and blend into individual colour gradients in the finished cloth.

At John Crocket, the cloths for caps come from four British mills: Moon tweed from Leeds makes up the majority of the range, joined by Harris Tweed from the Outer Hebrides, Lovat tweed from the Scottish Borders and John Hanly from Ireland. Harris Tweed is the only cloth in the world protected by law and carries the Orb seal of the Harris Tweed Authority. The Peaky Blinders-style caps are 8-panel caps (also called baker boy caps) with sewn-on segments and a button on top, a more voluminous variant of the classic flat cap.

If you want to explore the differences between the mills in more depth, the tweed guide offers an overview of cloth types and patterns. Specifically on Harris Tweed, the page on the Harris Tweed mill provides background on production and history.

A flat cap should fit snugly enough not to slip in the wind, but loosely enough to stay comfortable. Tweed caps go with jackets and coats in the same material, but work just as well with a waxed jacket or a plain wool coat.

FAQ

What else is a flat cap called?

The flat cap has various names depending on region and cut. In English it is called a flat cap, and in the sportier variant with sewn-on segments and a button on top, a newsboy cap or baker boy cap. In the German-speaking world, the term Gatsby cap is also common, although this stems more from its popularity through film and fashion than from a distinct cap shape.

Are flat caps still in fashion?

Tweed flat caps have never depended on short-lived trends. They have been part of the British menswear wardrobe for over a hundred years. In recent years, flat caps have moved back into everyday wear thanks to series like Peaky Blinders. What matters is the material: a flat cap made of Harris Tweed or Moon tweed looks different from one made of polyester, because the fabric brings a structure and depth that synthetic materials cannot achieve.

Which men wear flat caps?

There is no age profile for the flat cap. In Britain it is worn by farmers and businessmen alike. In Germany it is often men who value material quality and are looking for headwear that stands out from the standard baseball cap. With a tweed jacket or a wool coat, a flat cap from the same fabric family looks coherent, without seeming like a costume.