This style of cap known by many names (golf cap, driver cap, ivy cap, Jeff cap, and flat cap, just to name a few) got it's unique beginning in England during the 16th Century. In order to stimulant wool consumption and general trade, the British Parliament passed an act in 1571 that required all males over the age of six that were not of nobility to wear a
wool flat cap on Sundays and holidays. Although the act was later repealed in 1597, by then the ivy cap was fully entrenched in English culture. By the 19th Century, almost all working class men wore ivy caps throughout Britain and Ireland. The upper-class also wore caps made from finer materials on the countryside. By the 1920's,
cloth caps became more fashionable for younger men.
Today men's caps come in many different shapes and materials. Some are modeled after the classic
Harris Tweed material and style, while others are made from different shapes known as
duckbill or pub caps. For a classic and casual everyday look, be sure to peruse our collection of Ivy caps.
Wikipedia: Flat Cap
