Interesting facts about Caps
The different names for caps are quite fascinating - the most well-known are Newsboy Cap, Cabbie Cap, Flat Cap, and Ivy Cap - but also Gatsby Cap or Eight Pieces Cap are very popular - as well as Schiebermütze, Longshoreman's Cap, Cloth Cap, Wigens Cap, Duckbill Cap, Driving Cap, Jeff Cap, Irish Cap, Paddy Cap, and many more names.
This variety alone indicates how popular headwear has become in recent years. Not only as sun, UV, or cold protection, but especially as a fashionable accessory.
By the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was very popular among young to adult men in Europe and North America. Especially from 1910 to 1930, this type was considered a working class cap. These caps became well known, especially through newsboys, but also among dock and steelworkers, shipbuilders, farmers, as well as craftsmen and merchants, as seen in many old photos - but also beggars and criminals liked to wear them.
In affluent circles, this cap was later often worn for leisure activities. Only in the mid-20th century did the newsboy cap lose its reputation as a worker's cap and then became a fashionable accessory. Today, it is an expression of style and personality and is worn as a fashionable accessory. The retro or vintage style is incomplete without a Newsboy Classic Cap. Brown and gray tones are particularly popular, preferably in herringbone or check patterns.
Through the series "Peaky Blinders" (set in Birmingham in the 1920s), this particular cap style was heavily hyped and remains the most popular among various forms.
The Newsboy Slim Cap
The Newsboy Slim Cap is designed like the Newsboy Classic Cap, but it has only six fabric panels and no fabric-covered button in the center – it features a curved visor. It is the slimmest style of cap that we have made by Wigéns. In terms of fit, the Newsboy Slim Cap most closely resembles a sport or baseball cap.
So, if you've only worn baseball caps up until now and want to switch to a “real” cap, this is the most familiar starting point. The thicker the fabric used, the more voluminous the Newsboy Slim Cap appears.
The Ivy Classic Cap
The Ivy Classic Cap, on the other hand, is the cap that does without seam divisions and consists of a flat, smooth surface. A characteristic feature is the curved side seam, and it also has a curved brim. It is also known as a Flat Cap or driver’s cap. Due to its flat shape, it has less volume and width and is positioned between the Newsboy Slim and the Newsboy Classic version.
The term driver’s cap originates from the old Berlin term “Schieber,” which was used to refer to foremen at the time. It was particularly widespread in the 1930s and was part of workwear with a protective function. For example, it helped protect hair from wood shavings and moving machine parts. Additionally, protection from sun and cold were also important aspects—fold-out ear flaps were sometimes used in winter for extra warmth.
Here too, the thicker the material used, the more voluminous the Ivy Classic Cap appears. In terms of shape, it is the slightly more understated sibling of the Newsboy Classic Cap.
The Newsboy Classic Cap
The Newsboy Classic Cap is made from eight fabric panels. It features a button covered in the main fabric in the center and a curved brim. It is also known as a balloon cap due to its balloon-like, rounded shape.
This model has a large volume and more width. Again, the rule applies: the thicker the material used, the more voluminous the Newsboy Classic Cap appears. Due to its larger volume and width, it is already a striking model – currently experiencing the strongest revival.
The name Newsboy Cap comes from history – it was the newspaper boys who used to deliver papers by bicycle – they always wore these caps and became known for them.
The Newsboy Retro Cap
The Newsboy Retro Cap is also made from eight fabric panels, just like the Newsboy Classic Cap. It also features a button covered with the outer fabric in the center and has a curved visor. However, the design is even wider and more voluminous. It is the model with the largest volume and the most width. The thicker the material used, the more voluminous the Newsboy Retro Cap appears – making it even more eye-catching. Wigéns often manufactures the Retro Cap using historical fabrics and materials to emphasize the retro character even further.
These four basic styles are custom-made for us by the Swedish company Wigens – purveyor to the Swedish royal family – using our own fabrics. These caps are therefore available exclusively from us.
As a fifth variant, we have the Newsboy Classic UNLINED Cap made. This is the Newsboy Classic Cap in an unlined version – typically as a summer version without lining to keep the cap very airy. Alternatively, in winter, also available in double-face fabrics (fabrics with a differently colored underside).
We also purchase additional styles directly from Wigens' extensive collection:
The Ivy Slim with less volume than the Ivy Classic Cap and a straight brim.
The Newsboy Contemporary Cap with slightly less volume than the Newsboy Classic Cap, but noticeably more than the Newsboy Slim Cap – characterized by visible double seams on the different sections.
The Bakerboy Cap is by far the roomiest style and features a straight brim
As well as other seasonal styles in varying shapes
How to Wear a Flat Cap or Newsboy Cap?
With all caps, it's important that the hat is neither too tight nor too loose. If worn too tightly, it can leave a red mark on the head and potentially cause headaches; if worn too loosely, it's likely to be gone with the first real gust of wind. That's why these caps don't come in "one-size" fits, but rather in various sizes. The sizing is done in centimeter increments, which is more precise than the less accurate international sizes (e.g., M = 56/57 cm). To determine your size, measure the circumference of your head (see sketch), and make sure to include a pinky finger between your head and the measuring tape as an allowance. When putting on the cap, the back of your head should sit snugly into it, fully filling out the round shape.
How do we have our caps made?
Designed by "die form" – crafted by Wigéns.
We exclusively use high-quality outer fabrics from renowned weavers – such as Scabal, Magee, Standeven, Marling & Evans, Ulster Weavers, etc. – the kind of quality usually reserved for blazers or suits.
Our caps are produced in sizes ranging from 54 to 67 cm and in the following four styles:
- Newsboy Slim Cap
- Ivy Classic Cap
- Newsboy Classic Cap
- Newsboy Classic Cap UNLINED
- Newsboy Retro Cap.
Wigéns manufactures our caps in Estonia.
A wide selection of caps in stock is available and can be shipped within one day. Custom-made caps are usually produced for you within 20 to 50 working days.
You can have the models we offer in our store (both on-site and online) reproduced in your size, or you can design your own cap using our "Cap Generator" and create your very own style. Would you like us to make a cap using your own fabric? No problem – just get in touch with us directly.
Summer or Winter Cap?
Some materials are particularly suitable for specific seasons – depending on the design, some can also be worn all year round.
Here's a rough overview:
