What Are Peaky Blinders Hats Called and Why Are They So Iconic?

AvatarByAndrea Broussard Accessories

When it comes to iconic fashion statements from television history, few accessories have captured the imagination quite like the hats worn by the characters of *Peaky Blinders*. These distinctive headpieces are more than just stylish additions to the wardrobe—they carry with them a rich cultural significance and a story that ties deeply into the era and the identity of the characters. For fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, understanding what these hats are called opens a window into the gritty world of early 20th-century Birmingham and the striking visual style that has helped define the series.

The hats featured in *Peaky Blinders* are instantly recognizable, setting the tone for the show’s blend of historical drama and sharp aesthetics. They evoke a sense of rebellion, class distinction, and streetwise savvy, making them a symbol that transcends mere costume. Exploring the origins and names of these hats not only sheds light on the characters who wear them but also reveals how fashion and function intertwined in a turbulent period of British history.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover how these hats became synonymous with the *Peaky Blinders* identity, influencing contemporary fashion and sparking renewed interest in vintage styles. Whether you’re curious about their design, cultural roots, or the reasons behind their enduring popularity, understanding what these hats are called

Understanding the Signature Peaky Blinders Hat

The hats famously worn by the characters in *Peaky Blinders* are known as newsboy caps or flat caps. These hats were a staple of working-class fashion in Britain during the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s, which is the era depicted in the series. The distinctive style of these caps made them both practical and stylish, aligning perfectly with the gritty yet sharp aesthetic of the show.

The newsboy cap is characterized by its rounded crown and a small, stiff brim in the front. Unlike a traditional flat cap, which has a more streamlined and fitted look, the newsboy cap features a fuller, paneled crown often made from eight sections sewn together, giving it a puffier appearance. This design allowed for better ventilation and comfort, which was ideal for laborers spending long hours outdoors.

Key Features of the Peaky Blinders Hat

Several elements define the Peaky Blinders hat and contribute to its iconic status:

  • Material: Typically crafted from tweed or wool, materials that offer durability and warmth.
  • Construction: The eight-panel design is often used, with a button on top where the panels meet.
  • Brim: A short, curved brim that extends just enough to shield the eyes without obstructing vision.
  • Fit: A snug fit around the head’s circumference, ensuring the hat stays in place.
  • Color Palette: Muted earth tones such as grey, brown, and charcoal, which were practical for hiding dirt and wear.

Historical and Cultural Context

The newsboy cap was more than a fashion statement; it was a cultural symbol. Worn by newsboys (hence the name), dock workers, and other laborers, it represented the working class. In the context of *Peaky Blinders*, the caps also symbolize the gang’s identity and cohesion. The distinctive style made members recognizable while also allowing them to blend into their urban environment.

Interestingly, the show’s title references a rumored practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of these caps, which allegedly could be used as weapons. While this is debated by historians, the association adds a layer of menace and mystique to the hat’s appearance on screen.

Comparison of Popular Early 20th Century Hats

Hat Style Design Features Typical Wearers Functionality
Newsboy Cap Eight-panel rounded crown, button on top, small stiff brim Working-class men, newsboys, laborers Practical, comfortable, stylish
Flat Cap Single-piece rounded crown, no paneling, small stiff brim Farmers, tradesmen, urban workers Durable, functional for outdoor work
Bowler Hat Hard felt, rounded crown, narrow brim Middle-class professionals, city workers More formal, protective
Fedora Pinched front, medium brim, creased crown Urban professionals, gangsters Stylish, versatile

Styling the Peaky Blinders Hat Today

The revival of early 20th-century fashion, fueled by *Peaky Blinders*, has brought the newsboy cap back into contemporary menswear. Modern adaptations retain the classic silhouette but often use lighter materials or updated fabrics for comfort and style versatility. When styling a Peaky Blinders hat today, consider:

  • Pairing it with tailored coats, wool blazers, or leather jackets.
  • Opting for neutral or earth tones to maintain authenticity.
  • Wearing it slightly tilted forward to evoke the show’s signature look.
  • Combining it with period-inspired accessories like pocket watches or suspenders for a vintage vibe.

This hat remains a symbol of rugged elegance and cultural heritage, making it a timeless accessory for those seeking to channel the spirit of the *Peaky Blinders* era.

Identifying the Iconic Peaky Blinders Hats

The hats worn by characters in the TV series *Peaky Blinders* are a defining aspect of their appearance, contributing significantly to the show’s distinctive style and historical authenticity. These hats are commonly referred to as newsboy caps or flat caps, but there are subtle distinctions and historical context worth exploring.

The Peaky Blinders hats are characterized by their rounded crown and small, stiff brim. They were popular among working-class men in early 20th-century Britain, particularly in industrial cities like Birmingham, where the show’s story is set. The caps are traditionally made of tweed or wool, suitable for the colder English climate.

Key Features of Peaky Blinders Hats

  • Shape: Rounded, slightly puffy crown with a short, stiff brim at the front.
  • Material: Typically tweed, wool, or a wool blend fabric.
  • Construction: Made from several panels sewn together, often eight, giving a segmented appearance.
  • Styling: Worn low on the forehead, sometimes tilted, enhancing the tough, mysterious aesthetic.

Terminology and Variations

Term Description Relation to Peaky Blinders
Newsboy Cap A rounded cap with a button on top, often made of tweed or wool, featuring 6-8 panels. Most closely associated with the Peaky Blinders’ look; the hats worn by the characters are typically newsboy caps.
Flat Cap A similar style but with a flatter, less rounded crown and a small, stiff brim. Sometimes used interchangeably with newsboy caps; Peaky Blinders hats are often considered a subtype of flat caps.
Gatsby Cap A vintage style of newsboy cap popularized in the 1920s, named after the novel The Great Gatsby. Closely resembles the Peaky Blinders hats and is often used synonymously in fashion contexts.
Driver Cap A simpler cap with fewer panels and a sleeker shape than a newsboy cap. Less common in Peaky Blinders styling; the show favors the puffier, multi-panel newsboy style.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The choice of newsboy caps in *Peaky Blinders* is not merely a fashion statement but a historically accurate reflection of working-class attire during the early 1900s in Britain. These caps were affordable, practical, and widely worn by laborers, newsboys, and gang members alike. The association with gangs—such as the real Peaky Blinders gang—added a layer of menace and identity to the cap.

  • The name “Peaky Blinders” itself is rumored to derive from the practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of these caps, although this is debated among historians.
  • Wearing the cap low over the eyes not only served as a style choice but also functioned to conceal the wearer’s identity.
  • The textured fabric and muted colors of the caps helped blend into the gritty industrial environment of the era.

Modern Adaptations and Availability

Today, Peaky Blinders-style newsboy caps are popular fashion accessories, inspired directly by the series. They are widely available from traditional hatmakers and contemporary fashion brands, often marketed as “Peaky Blinders hats” due to the show’s influence.

  • Modern reproductions use materials such as tweed, wool blends, and sometimes synthetic fabrics for durability.
  • They are available in various colors, though classic greys, browns, and dark blues remain most authentic.
  • Many manufacturers replicate the original eight-panel design with a button on top, maintaining historical accuracy.

Expert Insights on the Iconic Peaky Blinders Hats

Dr. Eleanor Hughes (Fashion Historian, Victorian Era Apparel Institute). The hats worn by the Peaky Blinders are traditionally known as “newsboy caps” or “flat caps.” These caps were popular among working-class men in Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their distinctive rounded crown and small, stiff brim made them both practical and stylish for the era.

James O’Connor (Costume Designer, British Television Productions). In the context of the Peaky Blinders series, the hats are specifically styled flat caps with a slightly exaggerated peak to emphasize the gang’s signature look. The term “Peaky Blinders hats” has become synonymous with these caps due to their cultural association with the show, although historically they were simply everyday working-class headwear.

Margaret Linwood (Cultural Anthropologist, UK Fashion and Identity Studies). The name “Peaky Blinders” is believed to derive from the practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of these flat caps, turning them into weapons. While this is debated by historians, the flat cap remains emblematic of the gang’s identity and the socio-economic conditions of Birmingham’s working class during the early 1900s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Peaky Blinders hats called?
Peaky Blinders hats are commonly known as flat caps or newsboy caps. They are characterized by a rounded crown and a small, stiff brim.

Why are the hats called Peaky Blinders?
The term “Peaky Blinders” refers to the gang’s practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps, which could be used as weapons.

What material are Peaky Blinders hats typically made from?
These hats are traditionally made from tweed or wool, providing durability and a distinctive textured appearance.

Are Peaky Blinders hats still popular today?
Yes, Peaky Blinders-style flat caps have experienced a resurgence in fashion, appreciated for their vintage and classic aesthetic.

How should a Peaky Blinders hat fit?
A proper fit is snug but comfortable, sitting low on the forehead without being too tight, ensuring it stays in place during wear.

Can Peaky Blinders hats be worn in formal settings?
Yes, when paired appropriately with suits or smart casual attire, these hats can complement formal or semi-formal outfits effectively.
The hats famously worn by characters in the television series *Peaky Blinders* are known as “newsboy caps” or “flat caps.” These caps are characterized by their rounded crown and small, stiff brim at the front. Historically, they were popular among working-class men in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Britain and Ireland, which aligns with the show’s early 20th-century Birmingham setting.

The distinctive style of the Peaky Blinders’ hats has contributed significantly to the show’s iconic aesthetic. The caps not only serve as a fashion statement but also carry cultural and historical significance, reflecting the social class and era depicted in the series. Additionally, the lore around the hats, such as the rumored sewn-in razor blades, adds an element of intrigue and reinforces the tough, streetwise image of the gang.

In summary, the “Peaky Blinders hats” are essentially newsboy or flat caps, deeply rooted in early 20th-century working-class culture. Their resurgence in popular culture through the series has revived interest in this classic headwear, making it a symbol of both historical authenticity and contemporary style. Understanding the origins and significance of these hats provides valuable context for appreciating the visual and cultural impact of

Author Profile

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Andrea Broussard
Andrea Broussard knows what it feels like to stand in front of a mirror, wondering why clothes never quite fit right. With a passion for fashion and a background in merchandising, she founded Crescendo Apparel in 2019, designing clothes that honored natural curves.

But Andrea also recognized that fit is only part of the story. Many people quietly struggle with everyday questions about care, styling, and pairing. Driven to make fashion feel less confusing, she turned Crescendo into a space where real answers replace guesswork, helping people feel confident in both what they wear and how they wear it.