How to Pick Your Perfect Flat Cap

Flat caps, Gatsby hats, newspaper caps, or driving hats — whatever you call them, they have cemented themselves as timeless pieces of stylish accessories for men.

The reason for its everlasting charm is its universal appeal and ease of styling for all types of wardrobes. Men of all ages can pull off this fit, as most celebrities and television characters have proven.

Furthermore, this headwear can be worn every season. Its thick wool makes it an ideal choice for the chilly winter days, while the thinner materials allow it to function on sunny, sweltering days.

Wearing one, however, can make or break your overall gentleman look. That’s why you have to choose one that suits you best.

In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about flat caps — what it is, where to use it, and how to pick the perfect one for you?

What Is a Flat Cap?

Let’s get started with the basics.

Flat caps can be recognized by their triangular-shaped side profile that can suit various face shapes. They are also known for the lengthy structure of their bodies, which are pulled forward over the brim and sewn to the top edge.

This structure is specially made to protect the face and ease of use; the visor is not too long but still enough to shade eyes; it is easily foldable so that you can stick it inside a pocket.

Flat caps are traditionally created from either wool or cotton to preserve their breathability. But with their rise in popularity, many hatmakers have been using a variety of materials such as linen, synthetic, and real leather.

Flat caps can keep your head warm in winter and cool in the summer, depending on the thickness of the material.

Flat caps can be conveniently styled to match your whole get-up. They provide just the right balance between the casualness of baseball caps and the formalness of a fedora hat.

History and Tradition

Flat caps are drawn from a long tradition of gentleman fashion, dating back to the 1570s, to be exact. The British government once mandated all men to wear a woolen cloth cap on Sundays as a way of supporting the sheep farming industry.

Fast forward some years later, the flat cap has been embedded in any fashionable man’s wardrobe. Their face-flattering profile enables all men to wear this in whichever way suits them.

How to Pick the Perfect Flat Cap

Ultimately, the most important thing you need to learn about flat caps is how to pick them. We’ll show you how to, so just read on.

Determine your hat size

For flat caps, their hat band and brim have a flexible structure that can easily fit your head comfortably. They are similar to a snapback and baseball cap, which wrap around your forehead with adjustable straps behind.

Still, you’re better off choosing the right size for you. Roll a measuring tape around your forehead and keep track of the inches. Inform the hat shop of your head size so they can pair you up with one that fits you. If the hat is too tight, you may get a swollen mark. If the hat is too loose, it may blow away in the wind.

Choose your hat style

There are various styles available for flat caps. You can pick based on material, structure, color, and pattern.

For patterns, you can opt for the Dobbs Bunker Wool Flat Cap, which is inspired by autumnal design. The Tekwave 504 Ivy Cap, meanwhile, features a four-color knit & blocked style that looks straight out of runway. If you’re seeking a subtle European flair, the Corktown Knit Hat boasts a classic three-stripe design that is a preppy essential.

The cap’s shapes are altered to spice up their overall look. For instance, this Squire Tweed Newsboy Cap has a unique 8-panel newsboy cap with a texture that just looks comfortable. Instead of being triangular-shaped, its profile is more round.

As mentioned earlier, flat caps can be made out of thick, warm tweed, wool, or cotton. For the cold weather, you can check out the Kangol Stiffened Wool 504 Ivy Cap made of melange lambswool. Its seamless, knitted, and blocked construction will retain heat around your head.

If it’s hot in your area, the Tropic 507 Ventair Ivy Chair may be right for you. It’s made of polyester cotton, which is made to ergonomically fit your head while providing breathability.

How to Take Care of Your Flat Cap

After everything’s said and done, you want to keep your flat cap wearable for a long time. That’s why you have to learn how to care for and clean your cap properly.

Wool, linen, and cotton flat caps are recommended to be washed by hand because of their sheer quality. Most of the time, you’ll only want to clean the sweatband by wiping it off.

But if you are in dire need of washing them, keep these in mind:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a teaspoon of mild laundry detergent.

2. Soak the stained part of the hat for about five minutes. In case the color bleeds, stop right away.

3. Once the stain is removed, rinse it with cold water. Lay it on a dry towel.

4. Air dry the cap. Move it away from direct sunlight and heat. Don’t twist or fold it to speed up the process.

Once the cap is freshly cleaned, store it in a dry and room temperature storage. Make sure that dust won’t accumulate in the space.

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