A History of the Irish Flat Cap From the 16th Century to 2025

The Irish flat cap has become a symbol of heritage and tradition, but its journey through time is far more fascinating than many realise. From early beginnings in the 1500s to its status today as a stylish accessory worn around the world, the Irish flat cap tells a story rich in history and culture.

The Origins of the Irish Flat Cap in the 16th Century

The first known reference to the flat cap dates back to 1571. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an Act of Parliament in England required all men over the age of six (except nobles and persons of high rank) to wear woollen caps on Sundays and holidays. This law aimed to boost the wool trade and quickly spread into Ireland, where the cap was embraced by working men. Although the law was repealed in 1597, the cap remained popular, particularly among the Irish, due to its practicality and affordability.

Some argue that the 1571 law was so widely followed that it laid the groundwork for the flat cap to become a staple in Irish and British wardrobes for centuries.

The Irish Flat Cap in the 17th and 18th Centuries

By the 1600s and 1700s, the Irish flat cap had firmly established itself as the headwear of the working classes. Farmers, fishermen, and tradesmen wore it daily. The flat cap was usually made from tweed or wool, materials that were warm, durable, and well suited to Ireland’s cool and often damp climate.

Key points:

• Caps were mostly handmade by local weavers and tailors.
• Tweed patterns were often regional, with families and communities favouring certain colours and designs.
• The cap became a symbol of honest labour and Irish identity.

The 19th Century: The Cap of the People

During the 1800s, the Irish flat cap moved from being simply practical clothing to becoming part of the cultural image of Ireland. Large-scale emigration during the Great Famine of the 1840s meant many Irish men took their flat caps with them to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The cap soon became associated with Irish immigrants abroad.

In fact, by the late 19th century, photographs often showed Irish men in cities like New York wearing flat caps, linking the style directly to Irish communities overseas.

The Irish Flat Cap in the Early 20th Century

Credit: Media Storehouse

The early 1900s saw the Irish flat cap become fashionable beyond the working classes. Both in Ireland and abroad, men from a wide range of backgrounds adopted the cap. Its design evolved slightly, with wider peaks and variations in tweed and fabric styles.

Highlights of this period:

• The cap was especially popular from the 1910s to the 1930s.
• It was worn by Irish politicians, sportsmen, and labour leaders.
• In rural Ireland, it remained the everyday choice for farmers and older men well into the 20th century.

The 1950s to 1970s: Tradition Meets Modern Style

While younger generations in the mid-20th century often favoured more modern headwear, the Irish flat cap continued to hold strong cultural value. In the 1950s and 1960s, the cap was often associated with older Irish men, but in the 1970s, it began to make a comeback among younger people as part of a retro trend.

Key points:

• Irish musicians and folk singers often wore flat caps, reinforcing their link with tradition.
• Caps were increasingly produced in factories but still held on to handcrafted roots in many rural areas.

The 1980s and 1990s: A Growing Global Popularity

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Irish flat cap saw a resurgence, partly thanks to Irish cultural exports such as music, films, and television. The global Irish diaspora embraced the cap as a way of showing heritage and pride.

The rise of Irish-themed pubs around the world in the 1990s often featured bar staff wearing Irish flat caps as part of their uniform.

The Irish Flat Cap in the 21st Century

From the early 2000s onwards, the Irish flat cap became a fashion statement as well as a symbol of tradition. Celebrities and public figures began wearing flat caps, bringing them back into mainstream style. Designers updated the classic look with new fabrics, colours, and styles.

Modern highlights:

• The cap is worn by both men and women.
• It is often paired with modern suits or casual wear for a vintage-inspired look.
• Irish brands continue to produce high-quality tweed and wool flat caps.

The Irish Flat Cap in 2025

Credit: Irish Mirror

Thanks to shows like Peaky Blinders, in 2025, the Irish flat cap is more popular than ever. It is seen not only as a nod to heritage but also as a versatile accessory for everyday wear. With the fresh but authentic brands like Gaelsong, younger generations have embraced the Irish flat cap, giving it a fresh image while keeping its historic roots alive.

Key modern trends:

• Sustainable tweed and organic wool are increasingly used in production.
• The cap remains a popular gift item for tourists visiting Ireland.
• Social media influencers and fashion bloggers often feature the Irish flat cap in their styling posts.

For those interested in connecting with Irish culture and history, the Irish flat cap is more than just headwear. It is a living link to centuries of tradition.

Citations

• The Irish Flat Cap – The Rich History & Tracing the Roots
• The History of Scally Caps: From Irish Countryside to American Streets
• The History of the Irish Flat Cap
• The ancient and ubiquitous flat cap
• A history of THE FLAT CAP
• The Origins of the Tweed Flat Cap