Mens Ivy Caps & Flat Caps

Have you ever wondered what exactly makes Thomas Shelby look so cool? His intrigue doesn’t come solely from his mysterious demeanor — his signature flat cap adds the perfect touch to his look. 

Don’t worry — these caps weren’t only made for the Peaky Blinders. If you’re searching for something to add some style to your wardrobe, a flat cap is just what you’re looking for. 

The Timeless Style of Flat Caps for Men

With a short stiff brim and a low crown, flat caps (and their rounder, harder cousins the ascot cap) have been around for over seven centuries. Flat caps were not just a symbol of the working man in Britain. The style was also donned for leisure by the upper class. They soon grew to be ubiquitously popular with both young men and old, rich and poor, academics and athletes because of their unique combo of functionality and style. 

Over the years, these hats have changed in appearance — and in name. Whether you call them ivy caps, duckbill caps, Gatsby caps, coppolas, bonnets or newsboys, this hat is a distinguished addition to any man’s wardrobe. It lends a polished style where baseball caps would be inappropriate and with great brands like Kangol, Henschel, Scala and Stetson, you can’t go wrong.

How to Choose the Right Flat Cap

To make your selection of a flat cap easier, keep the following details in mind:

Size: Before buying any hat, make sure it will fit your head. Flat and ivy caps should hug the back of your head comfortably, so measuring is important. To measure for your next flat cap, all you need is a soft tape measurer. Measure around your head just above your ear, and remember — it’s always better to size up!

Material: Flat and ivy caps come in all sorts of materials. Looking for thicker material to keep warm on a brisk fall day? Try out a wool cap. 

Style: Ivy caps are made for style. Whether you’re going for that mysterious Thomas Shelby look or looking for something more casual, be sure to match the cap to the occasion.

Caring for Ivy and Flat Caps

Like anything made to last, flat caps require care. From washing to storage, make sure you follow the right steps so your cap really can be “timeless.”

Not all caps are the same, so check yours for special instructions. Otherwise, follow these general cleaning guidelines:

1. Washing

Spot cleaning is best for small stains or spots. Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the area gently. If needed, add in a tiny splash of soap or light detergent.

If your cap needs more than a spot cleaning, you can hand wash it. To handwash it well, let it soak it in soapy water. Carefully massage the material with your hands, and rinse the cap when you're done. 

2. Drying

Use your hands to gently press out the water onto a clean towel and allow it to air dry. Be careful at the bill area however as you do not want to wring out this section while it is wet. Always remember to keep the cap's shape when hand-drying it. Don't apply heat or put your flat cap in a dryer.

3. Removing Wrinkles

If you want your hat to look sharp and wrinkle-free, you can steam it. To steam your cap, carefully hold the steamer a few inches away from your hat, and don't stay on one spot for longer than a few seconds. To iron, keep the heat on low and hold it slightly above the cap. If you press the iron into the cap, it will likely damage the material. 

4. Storage

Unless you want to wear your ivy cap every day (which is perfectly fine), you will need a safe place to store it. Keep your flat cap somewhere cool and dry. To prevent odor and damage, store your hat where it won't overheat and out of direct sunlight. Your hat's shape is also important, so lay it somewhere flat. Hanging your flat cap could shift its form and damage its natural structure. 

Make a Purchase With Hats Unlimited Today

At Hats Unlimited, we make finding the perfect flat and ivy cap easy — and fun. Our wide selection of caps ensures you will find one to match whatever style or occasion you’re going for. Purchase your men's flat cap today!