My absolute favorite type of cap, the Flat Cap! This style traces back to the 1300s, where it was seen in England, Scotland and Italy. To stimulate the wool trade, a short-lived 1571 Act of Parliament decreed that on Sundays and holidays, all males over 6 years of age, except for those of nobility, were to wear woolen caps or pay a fine! Thereafter, this cap became more commonplace. In time, even higher classes adopted variants of the cap for excursions to the country.
Today the Flat Cap is still readily available in MANY different styles, as my photograph clearly shows. It's become even more popular lately, recognized for its chic, but timeless look. Love the look of this cap on a photographer, so needless to say, it's my go-to cap when I'm out and about taking photos. :)
@taffy - Thanks Taffy! I'm gonna have to go see that musical now, partly for the Flat Caps. Forgot it was a popular cap for newsboys too. In fact, there is a type of Flat Cap called the Newsboy cap, which is normally stitched toward the center of the cap with a button-like protrusion. As you can see, I can get pretty excited about these caps. :)
Love this! OK I am going to age myself now, I grew up in the countryside in England and was a member of Young Farmers (briefly before i turned into an all consumed punk rock fan the two things could not be more different) and back then a flat cap was worn by our parents generation not ours (and only by someone in the country). I love that now it is considered something of fashion statement and warn by people of all walks of life and all cultures.
@ukandie1 - Thanks and it's really interesting to hear about that Andrea. Even around here, just a few years back, it was seen more so as a hat that older people wear but now young people love it. It's something how trends come and go.
