The London Lounge

I'm looking for a good internet source for a flat cap. I know what I want, but am not certain how to ask for it. I'm looking for something deep but not full. The cap that sits atop the head with cloth billowing out on either side like a pancake (or beret) is not flattering on me. Linen for summer, wool for winter. It need not be bespoke.

Also, does the flat cap have class associations? I have this vague feeling that it might not be quite as gentlemanly as a "proper" hat, but can't really think why.

Thanks,

C

Unemployed Jarrow men in their march on London, 1930:




P G Wodehouse, around the same time:


The conclusion might be that the flat cap is about the least labelling item of clothing.
NJS

NJS:

Thanks for the amusing reply!
A very democratic item, it seems.

Makes me think. Every item of clothing has meaning and like language, sometimes the meaning depends on the context.

C

carl browne wrote:Every item of clothing has meaning and like language, sometimes the meaning depends on the context.

C

That is quite suggestive for the distinction between clothes and dress.

It is interesting that when caps went out of common usage, in the 70's, use of a cap became risible in popular culture. The Goodies sending up Lancastrian working class culture in the "Ecky Thump" episode is a case in point
I think it great that Michael and others are rejuvenating this very practical and attractive item of headgear in its traditional form, and nowt a whippet in eyeshot, by gum.

Carl, like you, I also favor a slightly more trim cap.

Take a look at Lawrence and Foster, their Garforth is fairly trim and they have a couple of fuller versions (http://www.lawrenceandfoster.co.uk/acat ... -hats.html). They are very easy to work with and you can send them cloth.

Also, Lock in London has a range of caps, my favorite being the Gill which is just a touch more full than the Glen (http://www.lockhatters.co.uk/Tweed_Caps-c42.aspx). You can also custom order a cap in whatever cloth you like.

I had understood that L&H made the Gills for Locks but there seems to be some debate on the subject.

Costi, good one with the Goodies picture, that's certainly a bridge too far in my book.

DDM

DD MacDonald wrote: Costi, good one with the Goodies picture, that's certainly a bridge too far in my book.

DDM

That's Simon's goody

I ordered my first tweed cap from Hanna Hats (www.hannahats.com). Service was quick and friendly, and I love my hat!

I also like Hanna Hats, when you visit the web-site steel yourself to ignore the baseball caps, patchwork caps and especially the one with the shamrock on it! I have some of the eight piece caps which are exactly to my taste, full but not over full and the vintage cap is ideal for a country walk. I have one in linen which is a heavier linen than other ready made caps I have seen and has been getting a lot of use this summer. They are excellent value for money.

I have bought what I think are just about the perfect caps from Bates' formerly of Jermyn st but their website seems to be operating from their new address. Their caps are just as you describe ; not too much cloth but deeper in the back that Locks Gill which I also have. I much prefer my Bates and several years ago it was about half the price of the Gill, which may be a consideration.

www.bates-hats.co.uk

I like Bates as well! I bought my first cap from there many years ago and it is still going strong. I have not visited the new location yet, has anyone checked it out? I see on their web-site they have published their 1918 catalogue, mostly military caps but interesting to see the 1918 version of the Sandown, they still do a Sandown but it appears to have shrunk! I will visit Bates in their new location soon, hope it has some of the atmosphere of the old shop.

AndyM wrote:I like Bates as well! I bought my first cap from there many years ago and it is still going strong. I have not visited the new location yet, has anyone checked it out? I see on their web-site they have published their 1918 catalogue, mostly military caps but interesting to see the 1918 version of the Sandown, they still do a Sandown but it appears to have shrunk! I will visit Bates in their new location soon, hope it has some of the atmosphere of the old shop.

Bates has moved to Hilditch & Key further down Jermyn St. The cat in the glas box is still there but the experience is not the same.

Wigens (of Sweden) makes some very nice cashmere ivy/driving caps. I have been very happy with mine.