Whether you’re going for that quintessential country aesthetic or the ultimate cool guy look (think David Beckham, not Del Boy), a flat cap makes a brilliant addition to your ensemble.
While it might seem like a rather simple, easy-to-wear accessory, getting the styling just right is pretty important. Read on for expert tips on how to wear a flat cap.
Casual Flat Cap Outfit Ideas
Weekend Wander
Layer a Huggate premium fleece waistcoat over a thermal tee, then pair with dark-wash jeans and ladies Wellington boots. Top with a neutral tweed cap for a perfect countryside ramble.
Market Run
Slip on a flat cap with a comfy, lightweight tee and slim-fit jeans. White trainers and a practical canvas tote keep things spritely.
Coffee Catch-Up
Combine mid-wash denim with a quilted fleece waistcoat and a Derby tweed flat cap in forest green—effortless style without the faff.
Formal Ways to Wear a Flat Cap
Country Wedding
Match a satin-back tweed cap with a fine worsted suit and silk-blend waistcoat. The muted herringbone keeps things dapper while the cap lends a hint of rustic charm.
Boardroom Twist
Under a navy blazer, choose a deep-toned wool cap—think charcoal or navy. Keep your shirt crisp and opt for polished brogue boots to maintain professionalism.
Evening Soiree
A black or dark-grey cotton cap, teamed with a smart coat strikes the perfect balance of suave and understated.
Choosing the Right Flat Cap for Your Face Shape
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Oval Faces
Virtually any cap works, so have fun experimenting with six-panel styles.
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Round Faces
Look for a higher-crowned cap with a slightly narrower brim to add height and slim the silhouette.
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Square Faces
Soft, rounded crowns (think classic tweed or waxed-cotton styles) help soften strong jawlines.
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Heart-shaped Faces
A medium-height cap with a gently curved brim balances wider foreheads and narrower chins.
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Diamond Faces
Choose a cap with a fuller crown to round off angular cheeks.
How to Measure for a Flat Cap
It’s not quite as simple as landing on a handsome design and wearing it straight away. Getting the fit just right is pretty important. But don’t worry, there’s no need to be a professional tailor – it’s as easy as pie.
Simply wrap a tape measure around the circumference of your head starting from the middle of the forehead (one centimetre above your ear, where the rim of your cap would sit). If you’re battling to keep the tape measure level, it’s best to enlist some help.
Getting the brim of the cap to fit is totally up to personal preference. But ideally, a little wiggle room is ideal for shaping your cap to your face (though not so much that you adopt an unintentional “street style” look).
How Should a Flat Cap Fit?
Aim for a fit that sits just above the nape, with the brim skimming your brow. A cap that descends too low risks rubbing your ears, whereas one that rides high looks awkward. You should feel snug, not strangled—there’s your sweet spot in flat cap etiquette.
Best Materials for Flat Caps (Tweed, Waxed Cotton & Polyester)
- Tweed: The countryside classic – hard-wearing, breathable and perfect for keeping the chill at bay in autumn and winter.
- Waxed cotton: Naturally water-resistant and rugged, it can fight impromptu rain showers without losing its shape – ideal for unpredictable seasons.
- Polyester: Lightweight, quick-drying and easy-care, polyester flat caps a smart choice when you need simplicity in your gear.
Common Flat Cap Fashion Mistakes
When exploring men’s flat cap styles or flat cap styles for women, it’s easy to trip up on fit and fabric. A cap that’s pinching tight will leave red marks, while one that’s too loose will flap in the breeze. Equally, sporting a heavy tweed on a sweltering day or a lightweight cotton in midwinter spoils the effect. You should also avoid pairing a boldly patterned cap with a busy shirt – your headgear should complement, not compete, with the rest of your outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a flat cap cover your ears?
It should rest just above your ears, but should never be touching or covering. If your ears are cold, a bobble hat might be a better option.
Can you wear a flat cap indoors?
Yes—remove it when greeting someone up close, but indoors wear is perfectly acceptable in casual and semi-formal settings.
What outfits look good with a flat cap?
Think smart shirts and cosy knitwear, streamlined three-piece suits, or smart jeans and a waistcoat. The cap bridges casual vs formal with ease, bringing a blend of style and practicality to your look.
Are flat caps still fashionable?
Absolutely. From David Beckham’s street-style snaps to countryside gents, they’re firmly in vogue.
Shop Flat Caps at Rydale
Still wondering how to wear a flat cap? The only thing left to do is try on a few of our styles at Rydale Country Clothing. Go for a traditional look with our tweed caps, a more durable option thanks to our tweed print flat caps, or switch it up with tweed and moleskin.