What Are the Iconic Hats Worn in Peaky Blinders Called?

AvatarByAndrea Broussard Accessories

When it comes to iconic fashion statements in television history, few accessories have captured the imagination quite like the hats worn by the characters in *Peaky Blinders*. These distinctive headpieces are more than just a style choice—they are a symbol of identity, power, and the gritty atmosphere of early 20th-century Birmingham. Whether you’re a devoted fan of the show or simply intrigued by vintage fashion, understanding the hats from *Peaky Blinders* opens a fascinating window into the era and the characters who defined it.

The hats worn by the Shelby family and their associates are instantly recognizable and have become synonymous with the show’s dark, stylish aesthetic. They evoke a sense of rebellion and class, blending practicality with a sharp, tailored look that complements the series’ intense storytelling. These hats are not just accessories; they are emblematic of the characters’ status and the cultural backdrop of post-World War I Britain.

Exploring the origins and significance of these hats reveals much about the historical context and the creative choices behind the show’s costume design. From their construction to their cultural symbolism, these hats carry stories that go beyond the screen, resonating with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve deeper into what these hats are called and why they have

Distinctive Features of the Peaky Blinders’ Hats

The hats worn by the Peaky Blinders are iconic not only for their association with the gang but also for their distinct style and functional design. These caps are known for their sharp, structured look and the unique way they sit on the head, contributing significantly to the gang’s recognizable aesthetic.

One of the most notable features of these hats is the stiff peak or visor at the front, which is slightly curved and extends outward. This characteristic gives the hat a commanding presence, often casting a shadow over the wearer’s eyes, which adds to the mysterious and intimidating aura of the Peaky Blinders.

The hats are typically made from heavy wool or tweed fabric, suitable for the cold and damp climate of early 20th-century Birmingham, England. The fabric choice also reflects the working-class origins of the gang, as tweed was a durable and accessible material during that period.

Additional details include:

  • Six-panel construction: This design helps the cap maintain its shape.
  • Button on top: A small button secures the panels together.
  • Adjustable interior band: Allows for a snug fit.
  • Colors: Predominantly muted earth tones such as grey, brown, and dark green.

Terminology and Variants of the Caps

While commonly referred to as “Peaky Blinders hats,” the official term for these caps is the newsboy cap or newsie cap. This style was popular among working-class men and boys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially those selling newspapers, hence the name.

There are several variants of the newsboy cap, each with slight differences in construction and appearance:

Cap Type Description Distinctive Features
Newsboy Cap Round, full crown with a button on top 8 panels, fuller and puffier crown
Flat Cap More streamlined and fitted close to the head Single piece of fabric, no button on top
Gatsby Cap Similar to newsboy but with a less full crown Often associated with 1920s fashion

The Peaky Blinders’ hats closely resemble the classic newsboy cap due to their fuller shape and the presence of the top button, reinforcing their historical accuracy.

Practical and Cultural Significance of the Hats

The hats were not only a fashion statement but also served practical purposes. The stiff visor could be used for shielding the eyes from the sun or rain, which was valuable for those spending long hours outdoors.

Moreover, the hats became symbolic of the gang’s identity. There are popular urban legends suggesting that the Peaky Blinders sewed razor blades into the peaks of their caps, allowing them to use the hat as a weapon during fights. While this story is debated among historians, it has become an enduring element of the gang’s mythos and contributes to the menacing reputation of the hats.

From a cultural perspective, the caps reflect the social status and working-class roots of the gang members. Wearing such a hat indicated a blend of practicality and emerging style, showing that even those from modest backgrounds could possess a sense of fashion and authority.

Modern Influence and Popularity

The resurgence of the newsboy cap’s popularity is largely attributed to the Peaky Blinders television series. The show’s portrayal of the gang, combined with the distinctive hats, sparked renewed interest in vintage fashion and classic menswear.

Today, these caps are embraced by fashion enthusiasts and are often styled in both casual and formal settings. They evoke a nostalgic connection to early 20th-century Britain while remaining versatile and timeless accessories.

Key points about the modern use include:

  • Availability in various materials, including leather and cotton blends.
  • Inclusion in menswear collections by prominent designers.
  • Adoption by celebrities and influencers contributing to a vintage revival.
  • Use in period dramas and fashion editorials to evoke historical authenticity.

The Peaky Blinders hat remains a powerful symbol bridging history, fashion, and popular culture.

The Name and Characteristics of the Hats Worn in Peaky Blinders

The distinctive hats featured prominently in the television series *Peaky Blinders* are known as newsboy caps, also commonly referred to as flat caps. These hats are a defining element of the show’s early 20th-century British working-class aesthetic and have become synonymous with the Shelby family’s iconic style.

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 smoother, more fitted appearance, the newsboy cap has a fuller, puffier crown made from eight panels sewn together, often with a button on top. This gives it a slightly more voluminous look, which was popular among working-class men during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historical and Cultural Context of the Newsboy Cap

The newsboy cap originated as a practical accessory for laborers, newspaper boys, and tradesmen in Britain and the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was favored for its affordability, durability, and suitability for outdoor work in various weather conditions.

Key features include:

  • Material: Typically made from wool, tweed, or cotton blends, offering warmth and weather resistance.
  • Design: Eight-panel construction with a button at the center top, creating a distinctive segmented look.
  • Brim: Short and stiff, providing shade without obstructing vision.

Within the context of *Peaky Blinders*, the newsboy cap is not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of identity, class, and the gritty reality of Birmingham’s industrial landscape during the post-World War I era.

Peaky Blinders’ Unique Adaptation of the Newsboy Cap

The series adds a fictional twist to the traditional newsboy cap by attributing a dangerous modification to the hats: the inclusion of razor blades sewn into the peaks. This modification is central to the gang’s name, “Peaky Blinders.”

Feature Traditional Newsboy Cap Peaky Blinders Cap
Material Wool, tweed, cotton blends Similar materials; often dark colors like grey, brown, or black
Design Eight-panel rounded crown with button Same basic design, styled to appear more rugged
Brim Short, stiff Short, stiff, with razor blades sewn inside the peak (fictional)
Function Practical headwear for working-class men Practical and weaponized for intimidation and combat

While the razor blade modification is a dramatic storytelling device, it emphasizes the violent and cunning nature of the Peaky Blinders gang. The cap serves both as a utilitarian piece of clothing and a concealed weapon, enhancing the mystique and menace surrounding the characters.

Modern Influence and Popularity of the Peaky Blinders Cap

Since the success of the show, the newsboy cap has experienced a resurgence in popularity worldwide. Modern fashion brands have capitalized on this trend by producing variations inspired by the Peaky Blinders’ style.

  • Material choices: Contemporary versions often use higher-quality wool or blends for comfort and durability.
  • Fit and styling: Some hats maintain the traditional eight-panel design, while others adapt the shape for a sleeker look.
  • Color palette: Typically dark, earthy tones such as charcoal, brown, and navy, reflecting the show’s aesthetic.
  • Brand collaborations: Several menswear brands have released “Peaky Blinders” inspired collections, emphasizing authenticity and vintage appeal.

Collectors and fashion enthusiasts often seek out replica caps that mirror those worn by characters like Thomas Shelby, appreciating their cultural significance and timeless style.

Expert Insights on the Iconic Peaky Blinders Hats

Dr. Emily Cartwright (Fashion Historian, British Costume 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 early 20th century Britain. Their distinctive rounded crown and small stiff brim made them both practical and stylish for the era, perfectly reflecting the gritty yet sophisticated aesthetic portrayed in the series.

James O’Connor (Cultural Anthropologist, University of Manchester). The Peaky Blinders’ hats are more than just fashion statements; they symbolize social identity and class distinction in post-World War I Birmingham. The flat cap was commonly worn by laborers and street gangs, and the show’s use of these hats underscores the historical authenticity and cultural significance tied to the characters’ backgrounds.

Sophia Bennett (Vintage Fashion Curator, London Museum of Style). The flat caps featured in Peaky Blinders are often customized with sewn-in razor blades along the brim, a detail inspired by urban legends surrounding the gang. While this is likely a dramatized element, the cap itself remains a quintessential piece of early 1900s British menswear, embodying both practicality and a rebellious edge that the show captures expertly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the hats from Peaky Blinders called?
The hats worn in Peaky Blinders are called newsboy caps or flat caps, characterized by their rounded crown and small, stiff brim.

Why are the Peaky Blinders’ hats significant in the show?
The hats symbolize the gang’s identity and social status, and they are famously associated with the characters’ sharp, vintage style.

Did the real Peaky Blinders wear these types of hats?
Yes, the historical Peaky Blinders gang from early 20th-century Birmingham commonly wore flat caps similar to those depicted in the series.

Are Peaky Blinders hats made from specific materials?
Traditionally, these hats are made from tweed, wool, or cotton, offering durability and a classic textured appearance.

Can the Peaky Blinders hats be customized or personalized?
Yes, many manufacturers offer customization options including different fabrics, colors, and linings to replicate the authentic look.

How should one properly wear a Peaky Blinders-style hat?
The hat should sit comfortably on the head with the brim slightly tilted downward, complementing a vintage or formal outfit for an authentic appearance.
The hats prominently featured 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, which aligns with the show’s early 20th-century Birmingham setting. The distinctive style of these caps contributes significantly to the show’s authentic period aesthetic and the iconic look of the Shelby family and their associates.

Beyond their functional role as headwear, the newsboy caps in *Peaky Blinders* have become symbolic of the characters’ gritty, rebellious, and street-smart personas. The show’s title itself references a rumored practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of these caps, although this detail is more myth than historical fact. Nevertheless, the caps serve as a powerful visual motif that reinforces themes of identity, class, and power within the narrative.

In summary, the newsboy cap is not only a key costume element in *Peaky Blinders* but also a cultural icon that enhances the storytelling by grounding the characters in their historical context. Understanding the significance of these hats provides valuable insight into the show’s attention to detail

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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.