In the 17th century, the flat cap appeared in the USA thanks to the British and Irish immigrants who came through Ellis Island. However, wearing a cap was already part of the working men’s culture by that time so a large amount of people continued to wear it. This extreme law whose goal was to boost the country that was struggling in the wool trade, was repealed in 1597. If it was breached, the punishment was 3 hefty farthings for every day the cap wasn’t worn! Unfairly, people of nobility were exempt, although it turned out they came around to this particular headwear by themselves. In 1571, a Bill was passed that any man or child over the age of six years old had to wear a woollen cap on Sundays and holidays. Many celebrities are regularly seen wearing this flat cap over generations, from the Beatles in the 60s, Robert Redford in the 70s to Madonna, Beyonce or Johnny Depp these days.Ĭreated in the 14th century and known as a bonnet, the flat cap was common amongst rural working men.

Nowadays, it has become a fashion accessory whose popularity hasn’t stopped growing in the last years. Originally worn by Irish and British farmers in the countryside, the flat cap has gradually spread through all social classes. The flat cap is a light and floppy cap, traditionally made in tweed or wool.

English flat cap