What Are the Hats Called That the Peaky Blinders Wear?
When it comes to iconic fashion statements in television history, few accessories have captured the imagination quite like the hats worn by the Peaky Blinders. These distinctive headpieces are more than just a stylish addition to the characters’ wardrobes—they serve as a symbol of identity, power, and the gritty atmosphere of early 20th-century Birmingham. Fans of the show and fashion enthusiasts alike often find themselves wondering: what exactly are these hats called, and what makes them so unique?
The hats sported by the Peaky Blinders have become synonymous with the show’s blend of historical authenticity and sharp style. Their design reflects the era’s working-class roots while also conveying a sense of toughness and sophistication. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these hats carry cultural significance and have influenced modern fashion trends, inspiring countless replicas and adaptations.
Exploring the origins and characteristics of these hats opens a window into the world of the Peaky Blinders, revealing how a simple accessory can embody an entire era’s spirit. As we delve deeper, you’ll discover what these hats are called, why they were chosen for the series, and how they contribute to the enduring legacy of the Peaky Blinders’ look.
Characteristics of the Peaky Blinders’ Signature Hats
The hats worn by the Peaky Blinders are most commonly known as newsboy caps, though they are often referred to as flat caps or Gatsby caps. These hats have distinct features that made them both practical and fashionable during the early 20th century, particularly in working-class British communities.
The defining characteristics include:
- Rounded Crown: The crown of the hat is soft and rounded, providing a snug fit around the head.
- Stiff, Short Brim: The brim is short and slightly curved downward, offering shade and protection from the elements without obstructing vision.
- Material: Typically made from tweed, wool, or cotton, these materials provided warmth and durability.
- Panel Construction: Most newsboy caps are constructed from eight panels sewn together, converging at the top center where a button is often placed.
- Versatility: The design allowed the hat to be worn casually or with more formal attire, making it popular across different social classes.
The Peaky Blinders’ use of this hat style was not just a fashion statement but also a symbol of identity and social status. Their caps were often customized with hidden razor blades sewn into the brim, giving the gang a distinctive and intimidating edge.
Comparison of Newsboy Caps and Flat Caps
While the terms “newsboy cap” and “flat cap” are sometimes used interchangeably, subtle differences exist between the two styles. Understanding these differences helps clarify exactly what the Peaky Blinders wore.
| Feature | Newsboy Cap | Flat Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Shape | Round and full, with a puffed appearance | Flat and sleek, closely fitted to the head |
| Panels | Usually 8 panels sewn together | Typically a single piece or fewer panels |
| Brim | Short and stiff, often attached to the crown with a button | Short, stiff, and integrated smoothly with the crown |
| Historical Use | Common among working-class youths and newspaper boys | Worn by all social classes, from workers to aristocrats |
| Modern Usage | Fashion accessory, vintage-inspired looks | Casual wear and traditional British style |
The Peaky Blinders’ hats most closely resemble the newsboy cap due to the fuller, eight-panel crown and the distinct shape. This style was popular in Birmingham and other industrial cities during the early 1900s, making it a fitting choice for the gang’s attire.
Historical Context and Practicality of the Hats
The newsboy caps worn by the Peaky Blinders were not merely fashion items; they served several practical functions in the context of their environment and lifestyle.
- Protection from Weather: The wool and tweed materials provided insulation against cold and damp weather typical of early 20th-century Birmingham.
- Concealment and Utility: The stiff brim was ideal for shielding eyes from the sun or rain, while the custom addition of razor blades into the brim functioned as a concealed weapon.
- Social Symbolism: Wearing these caps signaled belonging to a particular social class or group. For the Peaky Blinders, the hats were part of an intimidating uniform that set them apart from other gangs and civilians.
- Durability: The caps were sturdy and affordable, suitable for the working-class men who needed reliable headwear for everyday wear and street confrontations.
This blend of style, symbolism, and utility contributed to the iconic status of the Peaky Blinders’ hats, making them a lasting emblem of early 20th-century British gang culture.
Materials and Craftsmanship of Period Hats
Newsboy caps during the era of the Peaky Blinders were crafted with attention to durability and comfort, reflecting the needs of their wearers.
- Primary Fabrics:
- Tweed: A rough, woolen fabric known for its warmth and water resistance.
- Wool: Common for its insulating properties.
- Cotton: Used in lighter-weight variants for warmer weather.
- Lining: Caps were often lined with silk or cotton for comfort and moisture-wicking.
- Construction Techniques:
- Eight-panel assembly allowed the hat to maintain its shape while providing flexibility.
- Hand-stitched seams ensured longevity, particularly important for working-class wearers.
- Buttons at the crown added structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
- Customization: Some gangs, including the Peaky Blinders, customized their hats with hidden features like razor blades or reinforced brims.
By combining traditional materials with skilled craftsmanship, these hats were both functional and emblematic, representing a unique blend of fashion and practicality in the early 1900s.
The Name and Characteristics of the Peaky Blinders’ Signature Hats
The distinctive hats worn by the characters in the television series *Peaky Blinders* are known as newsboy caps or flat caps. These hats have a rich history and specific features that make them easily recognizable and closely associated with early 20th-century British working-class fashion.
The term “Peaky Blinders” itself is often linked to the style of these hats, which are characterized by their stiff, rounded crown and a short, stiff brim in the front. Traditionally, the caps were made from tweed or wool, materials suitable for the outdoor, industrial environments where they were commonly worn.
Detailed Features of the Newsboy Cap
- Shape: The newsboy cap has a round, flat crown made up of eight panels sewn together, often with a button on top where the panels meet.
- Brim: It features a short, curved brim in the front, which is typically sewn or snapped to the crown.
- Material: Commonly crafted from wool, tweed, or cotton, these fabrics provide warmth and durability.
- Fit: The cap fits snugly around the head, covering the forehead and often sitting low over the eyebrows.
This style of cap was popular among working-class men and boys in the United Kingdom and the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among newspaper boys—hence the name “newsboy cap.”
Comparison with Similar Hat Styles
| Hat Style | Key Features | Typical Material | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsboy Cap (Flat Cap) | Rounded crown with 8 panels, button on top, short stiff brim | Wool, tweed, cotton | Early 20th-century working-class, newspaper boys |
| Flat Cap | Single-piece rounded crown without panels, short brim | Wool, tweed, leather | Popular in British countryside and among working-class men |
| Gatsby Cap | Often interchangeable with newsboy cap, but sometimes less paneling | Wool, tweed | 1920s fashion, associated with upper and middle-class men |
The Role of the Caps in Peaky Blinders Culture
The newsboy caps worn by the Peaky Blinders gang carry a symbolic and practical significance within the series’ narrative:
- Concealment and Weaponry: The gang is infamously known for sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, turning them into hidden weapons. This detail contributed to the notoriety of the “Peaky Blinders” name.
- Identity and Status: The caps serve as a uniform of sorts, distinguishing gang members and projecting a tough, streetwise image.
- Historical Accuracy: While the addition of razor blades is debated by historians, the caps themselves accurately reflect the headwear of working-class men in Birmingham during the early 1900s.
Where to Find Authentic Peaky Blinders Style Hats
For those interested in acquiring genuine or replica hats inspired by the Peaky Blinders series, various options exist. When selecting a hat, consider the following factors:
- Material Quality: Opt for genuine wool or tweed to achieve the authentic look and durability.
- Construction: Look for the traditional eight-panel design with a button on top and a stiff brim.
- Brand Reputation: Some heritage brands specialize in period-accurate caps, offering higher craftsmanship.
- Customization: Some sellers offer caps with sewn-in razor blades or similar embellishments as collectibles (not for practical use).
| Retailer | Type of Cap | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock & Co. Hatters | Authentic tweed newsboy caps | £80–£150 | Established British hatmaker with historical expertise |
| Goorin Bros. | Replica newsboy caps | $50–$120 | Wide range of styles, modern and vintage inspired |
| Peaky Blinders Official Merchandise | Reproductions with signature styling | $40–$90 | Includes options with decorative razor blades |