Flat Caps - Good Options for a First Cap Buy?

[73mountaineer]

Having recently discovered that I can actually pull off a decent look with a flat cap, I now want one for Christmas. However, after doing a bit of research here and elsewhere, it seems that there are numerous options/styles for what are considered "flat caps", i.e. Ivy, Pub, etc

What I am looking for is something without much overhang on the sides, a more streamlined look, if you will, yet still with enough material to give it a traditional look. Charcoal or black, wool or a wool blend, perhaps? Unstructured rather than molded I think (not sure on the terminology there).

Any pros or cons to different bill styles? I have heard that some are designed to be worn flat/straight, while others are meant to be curved down (duckbills?). How about snap down vs. sewn down?

Any purchase recommendations for a first cap in the $25-40 range?

Thanks!

 

[Spivey]

This is a bit out of your price range, but they are the real deal. I have two (one black and one brown) and I wear them all winter long. They are GREAT.

 

[Hank]

I am with Spivey I have two of them one a green herring bone tweed and the other a multi color patch work wool one and they are fantastic !!!!!!

 

[AlanL]

Any purchase recommendations for a first cap in the $25-40 range?

Thanks!

Dockers makes a nice variety of caps. They list for about $24, but are often on sale for half price ($12) at Kohls, including right now.

 

[Crixus]

I mostly wear authentic Harris Tweed ivy caps that are made in the USA by Broner from Scottish material. They are a little out of your price range but mine are quality for sure. I get them from berkeleyhatcompany.com

You can get a very reputable Irish made Hanna from the vendor irecrafts on ebay. Last year they had both Shandon Donegals (I bought one from them) and Hanna, but may just have Hanna this year. Reputable vendor, you can get a good one, shipped, for low $32-35.

You can get a Shandon, which is a little more "pub" shaped, meaning LESS material on the sides, as you requested. These are available for $39 SHIPPED at this site hatsfromireland.com.

 

[JCee]

I picked up one of these last year and wear it to work most days when its raining/snowing or just cold.
http://www.villagehatshop.com/jaxon_ivy-cap_tweed.html

 

[73mountaineer]

As usual, B&Bers do not let me down! SWMBO and I are going to go check out the inexpensive offerings at Kohls (thanks, AlanL!) tonight. Here's to hoping that our local store has a decent selection of what is shown on their web site.

Keep the info coming, I definitely appreciate it!

Thanks!!

 

[scottish steve]

A flat cap HAS to be tweed, or 100% wool at least and NOT molded- you're likely to look like you're in a sad fusion band if you get a molded one. I keep a Marks and Spencer Yorshire tweed cap in my workbag at all times and its perfectly decent.

Note on washing:- lightly handwash in lukewarm water with Johnson's Baby Soap or similar, applying the minumum amount of soap and rinsing thoroughly, then dry as you would a felt hat. Expect it to shrink a little....a 17 degrees celcius room is best as the warmer the drying environment the more the shrinkage. After the first wash it should retain that size. Some people might recommend sizing on your head while wet, but I feel that puts un-necessary strain on the weave and it shouldn't shrink to much to be an issue. Buy it a tiny bit loose then wash when you get it home if you're feeling brave.
(One of my vtge Harris Tweeds from Dunn's.....and the late '50s...was in such pristine condition that it actually shrunk after the first thorough soaking it had with me as owner [ 1.5hrs in torrential rain], i.e. it was the first time in 50 years it had gotten wet! What a happy man I was)

 

[Jwolf24601]

Best in my opinion is the Kangol 504
http://www.kangolstore.com/product.aspx?id=216950

 

[73mountaineer]

After trying a few more on, I have found that I definitely prefer the shorter-billed offerings, and most definitely the ones with less material "overhang" on the sides.

I snagged one from Apt. 9 on the cheap ($12) last night to get used to wearing one while I continue my search. The Dockers caps seemed nice enough, but styles were limited and not in line with my preferences.

Of the Kangol offerings, the 507 looks like something I might like, and the 504 has possibilities also. Those are available locally as well, so I am going to have to take a look.

I would really love to get my hands on a decent tweed cap, but I need to explore those options a bit further for sizing, style, etc, as I haven't found a local store where I can get my hands on one. Do any of you know if Saks, Macys, etc carry any good brands and styles?

 

[justinp]

Another vote for the Kangol 504. One in black, one in chocolate, and you never need another winter flat cap. Heavy, sturdy wool, and does a keen job of keeping the head warm and the man stylish. I've had my two-- one black, one chocolate-- for four years now and the only indicator of their age is the fact that the printed labels inside them have worn off. I strongly suspect that these will last forever.

EDIT: Should have said one in black, one in tobacco. I double checked and mine is definitely the darker of the browns they offer. In any case, one brown, one black and you're set.

EDIT 2: I'd be wary of the 507; it's very very 'trendy' and won't look normal in five years' time.

 

[73mountaineer]

You can get a very reputable Irish made Hanna from the vendor irecrafts on ebay. Last year they had both Shandon Donegals (I bought one from them) and Hanna, but may just have Hanna this year. Reputable vendor, you can get a good one, shipped, for low $32-35.

[/B].

Took your recommendation and picked this one up from irecrafts on ebay tonight for $34.99, shipped. I'm in Chicago on business this week & I found them in my favorite Irish shop this afternoon so I could try one on first. They were $55 + tax there so I passed on a purchase, but did get a chance to get the sizing right & check out the style.

How did I do?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230559275297&si=%252FeuiL%252Fr9YyqXo88HQGnhgwwM8kI%253D&viewitem=&autorefresh=true

 

[thunderball]

Took your recommendation and picked this one up from irecrafts on ebay tonight for $34.99, shipped. I'm in Chicago on business this week & I found them in my favorite Irish shop this afternoon so I could try one on first. They were $55 + tax there so I passed on a purchase, but did get a chance to get the sizing right & check out the style.

How did I do?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230559275297&si=%252FeuiL%252Fr9YyqXo88HQGnhgwwM8kI%253D&viewitem=&autorefresh=true

I have that exact hat from Hanna Hats and it is awesome! You did good sir.

 

[Spivey]

I have that exact hat from Hanna Hats and it is awesome! You did good sir.

I have it as well: in black tweed and brown tweed. They are GREAT hats.

 

[roughneck]

Thats a good looking cap. I almost went with one of those myself but instead went for the brown Bonner form berkeleyhat. I like the browns a little more. If I enjoy wearing this one I can see one of those Hanna Hats on my melon soon.

View attachment 135557

 

[Hank]

You did really well you can't go wrong with a hanna hat and a good price as well

 

[73mountaineer]

Thanks for confirming what I already thought to be a good purchase, guys. I haven't found another style of hat/cap that really suits me, but I am enjoying wearing something other than a baseball cap This will now be my 3rd flat cap since I started this thread; the 1st being the aforementioned Apt. 9 from Kohls, the 2nd a (surprisingly?) nice 100% wool brown Weatherproof brand cap that I found at TJ Maxx for around $12, and now the Hanna Hat, which appears that it will last me many, many years. I'm still hunting for a black one that will work well with my wool coat for the Winter.

It seems I have discovered another AD to support

 

[Spivey]

I was looking at the Hanna website yesterday and now I "need" another in green herringbone.

 

[RockyNomad]

I also have a Broner hat, in Harris tweed, from berkleyhats.com. I like the wool but the hat does not come down very far in the back. That is something else to consider when looking. I wish mine had more coverage in back since I'm bald and it would keep me warmer.

Can any of you Hanna Hat owners comment on how far they come down in back?

 

[Spivey]

The only answer I can give is that it covers the back of my head well.

The two seams that are on either side of the back center seam are ~4" long. I hope that helps.