Flat Caps

About 15 to 20 years ago, I picked up a Wigens flat cap with earflaps during a store closing sale. Originally priced at $150, it was marked down to around $30 or $40...a deal too good to pass up. I had never worn a flat cap before, but I figured it would be nice for chilly nights. Over the years, it became my go-to for fall and winter, though I never thought much about it. Even after watching Peaky Blinders, I didn’t give the cap any extra attention.

Then, a couple of months ago, I came across another store advertising deep discounts, including flat caps. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to check them out...maybe I’d find a lighter one for warmer weather or something with a bit more color than my all-black cap. Fast forward to now, and after picking up seven new caps (including 4 more Wigens that were 50% or more off), I’ve unintentionally stumbled into a new hobby.

What started as a casual interest has quickly turned into a bit of an obsession. I had no idea there were so many styles, materials, and patterns to choose from—tweed, linen, cotton, cashmere, herringbone, plaid, patchwork, you name it. Each one has its own personality, and I found myself trying my best to match each hat with a coat/shirt or occasion. Now I see why people get into collecting them. There’s something satisfying about finding the perfect cap for the day.  

I’d love to one day visit Ireland to buy an authentic Irish-made cap straight from the source.  But for now, I'm giving the wallet a rest.

Any other flat cap fans here? What are your favorites, and how did you get into them?


Here's a screenshot of the one that arrived today:

Hollywood influenced me and then some web series from UK piqued my interest. Ended up buying two of them. Good for weekends during fall.

Sent from my V2040 using Tapatalk

Good old Andy Capp!   

Fan here as well. Not a cap for this harsh New England weather but great for Fall and Spring on the east coast and when back home in Ireland always throw a couple on throughout a week.

I love the traditional handwoven tweed caps preferably with County Donegal tweed but also wear a flat cap when it gets colder.

Top in my book is Kennedy & McSharry on William Street in Dublin as well as Kevin & Howlin near Trinity College. Great owners at both shops with a lot of history.


Michael Collins was a customer of Kennedy & McSharry and as I am a Collins myself feels great wearing some of the same tweed.