Me Hat

**xman** · 2nd July 10, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I have no idea,could be, we(I am pretty sure) in the UK never even think about it. I certainly don't and I know of no one that does. In truth I would regard a flat tweed cap as being universal that perhaps originated from "somewhere" in the British Isles.

From Wikipedia:

The style can be traced back to the 14th century in United Kingdom and parts of Italy, when it was more likely to be called a "bonnet", which term was replaced, except in Scotland, by "cap" before about 1700.[1] When Irish and English immigrants came to the United States, they brought the flat cap with them. This style of cap is also referred to in some parts of the UK as a cheesecutter cap because of its wedge shape.

A 1571 Act of Parliament to stimulate domestic wool consumption and general trade decreed that on Sundays and holidays, all males over 6 years of age, except for the nobility and persons of degree, were to wear caps of wool manufacture on force of a fine (3/4d (pence) per day). The Bill was not repealed until 1597, though by this time, the flat cap had become firmly entrenched in English psyche as a recognized mark of a non-noble subject; be it a burgher, a tradesman, or apprentice. The style survives as the Tudor bonnet in some styles of academic dress.

Flat caps were almost universally worn in the 19th century by working class men throughout Britain and Ireland, and versions in finer cloth were also considered to be suitable casual countryside wear for upper-class English men (hence the contemporary alternative name golf cap). Flat caps were worn by fashionable young men in the 1920s.

The stereotype of the flat cap as purely "working class" was never correct. They were frequently worn in the country, but not in town, by middle and upper-class males for their practicality. Mather says: "A cloth cap is assumed in folk mythology to represent working class, but it also denotes upper class affecting casualness. So it is undoubtedly classless, and there lies its strength. A toff can be a bit of a chap as well without, as it were, losing face."[2] The British workman no longer commonly wears a flat cap, so in the twenty-first century, it has gained an increasingly upper class image.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd July 10, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

I thought toffs all wore fully brimmed hats, like fedoras and trilbys. And I don't think not wanting to wear something considered English while in Scottish attire can be construed as 'bashing the English.' But actually I have no particularly strong feelings either way. I'm more of a John Deere guy myself and now I know why.

Man, this flat cap thing is fraught with unexpected PERIL! I bow out!

Fedoras and trilbies are worn by some(few) of the UK " Huntin,shootin,fishin country set", as those in the know will be aware that they have a habit of blowing away at the critical time. The trilby is classic steeple chasing(horse racing over jumps) attire.

"Classic UK shooting attire". Note, no flat cap with the kilt though.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd July 10, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

I don't own a flat cap, but I do like the wider, eight-panel "newsboy" style of cap. And, I confess to wearing it often with a kilt! With the button on top, and the floppier look, they almost seem more "bonnet like"...

Nice!

I have one Brian that I like to wear, kilted or not (in this case out bowling on my daughter's recent birthday)

**I should note that I am a hat guy, and rarely go outdoors without some form of head covering.

**Bugbear** · 2nd July 10, 02:35 PM

I have given up wearing both flat caps and kilts, so I'm safe.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd July 10, 02:38 PM

Terry, the hats shown in your last post would be regarded as a flat cap over here. Different style of cap, but flat nonetheless.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd July 10, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Terry, the hats shown in your last post would be regarded as a flat cap over here.

Yep, part of that "family" of hats
....and I like them (at least the "newsboy" style). I know it might not be "traditional", but it is amazing, when out & about (kilted or no) how many compliments I get on that hat!

**Jock Scot** · 2nd July 10, 02:43 PM

As you can see I like flat caps too, but not with the kilt!

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd July 10, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

As you can see I like flat caps too, but not with the kilt!

Oh, I know Jock, and that's okay

...and I got a wee bit distracted earlier, but I was going to comment that you wear yours with style!

**Jock Scot** · 2nd July 10, 02:59 PM

No worries Terry. Here is a spot of "old fashioned" tradition for you that goes with "estate tweeds" and headwear. Estate staff wearing "estate tweeds" will have matching tweed hats(deer stalker,fore and aft, flat cap, flat cap with ear flaps(bugatti style)). The Laird, or owner of the tweed and his family will NOT have matching tweed headwear.Why? Well it is so that on a day's shooting with acres of estate tweed wandering about, the Laird(boss) can be picked out.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd July 10, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

No worries Terry. Here is a spot of "old fashioned" tradition for you that goes with "estate tweeds" and headwear. Estate staff wearing "estate tweeds" will have matching tweed hats(deer stalker,fore and aft, flat cap, flat cap with ear flaps(bugatti style)). The Laird, or owner of the tweed and his family will NOT have matching tweed headwear.Why? Well it is so that on a day's shooting with acres of estate tweed wandering about, the Laird(boss) can be picked out.

Interesting...I love little tid-bits like that. Thanks for sharing that Jock!