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A flat cap is a rounded, soft-crowned hat with a short, stiff brim at the front. First appearing in Northern England in the 14th century, flat caps became embedded in British and Irish life after a 1571 law encouraged their wear among men of the working classes. By the late 19th and early 20th century, they were worn by everyone from labourers and farmers to gentlemen at leisure. Today, the flat cap retains its heritage charm while being embraced as a versatile style in both town and country.
A flat cap is one of the most versatile hats you can own. Whether you are dressing for a weekend walk, a day in the city, or a smart country wedding, the flat cap adds effortless polish while remaining comfortable and practical. Here is everything you need to know about wearing one with confidence.
A flat cap should sit snugly on your head, following its natural curve.
Wear it level, not tipped too far forward or to the side. It should sit just above the eyebrows.
A well-fitting cap should hug your head gently without pinching. If you feel it slipping, consider sizing down slightly.
Modern style favours a central, straight-on look, rather than cocked to one side.
We recommend using a flexible dressmaker’s tape for most accurate result.
Not sure how it should feel? Read our guide: How Should a Flat Cap Fit?
The beauty of the flat cap lies in its versatility. It bridges smart and casual dress codes effortlessly.
Tweed cap + wax jacket + dark denim
Linen cap + linen shirt + espadrilles
Wool cap + pea coat + leather gloves
Cashmere cap + tailored overcoat + brogues
Flat caps suit a wide range of occasions:
Flat caps sit in the smart casual space. They can dress down tailoring or dress up casual outfits. The material often dictates the formality:
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
Here's our guide to the best hats for every holiday this summer 2026.
If you're comparing a Panama hat vs a sun hat, you're not alone. While both are popular choices for warm weather, they differ in craftsmanship, materials, style and purpose.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of summer hats, how to choose the right one and how to care for it so it lasts for many summers to come.
From classic Panamas to lightweight fedoras, these are the styles worth investing in for Summer 2026.
Whether you're travelling abroad, attending a garden party or simply enjoying the sunshine, these are the styles to consider for Summer 2026.
This year, Lock & Co. becomes an official licensee of Royal Ascot for the first time, a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and British ceremonial style.
At Lock & Co. Hatters, we see racing season as an opportunity to embrace timeless elegance, where the right hat doesn’t just complete a look, it defines it.
As part of our 350th anniversary collection, we are proud to celebrate two of our most loved and iconic cap styles: The Gill Flat Cap and The Whitebridge Bakerboy Cap.
Join us on March 27th for wear a hat day and help make a difference. It's simple, fun and helps give hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
