One of the most practical headwear popular in Britain in the early 20th century was the tweed cap. Some men still wear such accessories today, so they are not hopelessly outdated or forever out of fashion. Yes, today the tweed cap does not belong to the category of super fashionable accessories, but it can be easily classified as an eternal classic that will remain relevant and stylish for a long time – and the recent increase in demand for this headwear, which occurred after the release of the TV series Peaky Blinders  , can serve as evidence of this .

When did tweed caps appear?

The predecessors of modern tweed caps were in use as early as the 14th century. The first period of growth in the popularity of these headdresses occurred at the end of the 16th century and was stimulated by the decree of the British Parliament, according to which all men of common origin were obliged to wear their heads covered on Sundays and holidays (the ultimate goal of such a policy was the development of wool production and products made from it). The decree was soon repealed, but the custom of wearing caps managed to take root among the British.

Over time, even aristocrats began to wear tweed caps; in the 1920s, a tweed headdress could be seen on the Prince of Wales, who then briefly became King Edward VIII. Photographs from the first third of the 20th century often show men wearing tweed caps – both regular flat caps and eight-piece caps. The latter model was very popular with newspaper carriers, which is why it was often called the Newsboy cap. Other fans of tweed hats include drivers, farmers, workers, and even writers. After the peak of popularity in the 1910s-1930s, tweed caps became less common, but they did not disappear and remain one of the practical and stylish elements of a classic men’s wardrobe.

The Peaky Blinders series began airing on the BBC in 2013. It is set in the 1920s and stars Tom Shelby, the gang’s leader, who naturally wears tweed caps. The models seen in the series are blue, grey, green and brown, mostly eight-piece caps, although there are exceptions. The rest of the gang’s wardrobe is also quite elegant: tweed and flannel three-piece suits, city coats, smart shirts (sometimes with contrasting collars), classic ties and bow ties, and pocket watches.

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In general, as can be seen in the photographs and in the series itself, the clothes worn by the Peaky Blinders participants are discreet and sometimes even plain; their tones are mostly muted and reserved. However, they manage to look interesting thanks to the original texture, as well as important details – for example, the cut of the coat or the design of the shirt collars. In addition, sometimes the pattern on the tie adds a spectacular accent. The caps are always very simple and classic in design, discreet, reserved – and at the same time they are an integral part of the images of both Tom Shelby himself and his subordinates. If you remove the caps, the images of the heroes will become completely different, and their faces will also look different.

It’s worth noting that many of the looks you might see on Peaky Blinders still look good today. Flannel and tweed , muted shades, small classic patterns and a moderately fitted cut – all of this is still relevant. However, keep in mind that a pocket watch will add a distinct theatricality to your ensemble, so it’s safer to do without one unless you’re planning on reproducing a particular look exactly. In addition, it’s better to choose shirts with slightly more modern collars. But tweed caps can be exactly the same – their classic models have hardly changed since the 1920s and 1930s.

How to recognize a good tweed cap

First of all, find out what material the product is made of. The best tweed caps are made of good quality tweed of Irish or British origin. It should contain only wool – and it is best when it is sheared from living and healthy animals (100% virgin wool). A very good option is tweed from the Irish county Donegal (Donegal), which is used by the Irish brand Hanna Hats, but you can also find excellent caps made of Harris or Shetland tweed ( Harris Tweed , Shetland Tweed).

The lining of a good cap is usually made of viscose – it boasts breathability, which is what distinguishes it from the cheap polyester used for budget products. The construction of the cap also plays a role: the visor should be sewn to the main part of the cap or fastened with a button; in the cheapest caps it is sometimes glued. Pay attention to the silhouette, the general appearance of the product: classic caps look simple and elegant at the same time; they do not have strange things, designer decorations, contrasting seams and similar dubious trifles.