What Are the Hats Worn in Peaky Blinders Called?

AvatarByAndrea Broussard Accessories

When it comes to iconic fashion statements in television history, few accessories have made as bold an impression as the hats worn by the characters in *Peaky Blinders*. These distinctive headpieces are more than just stylish additions to the wardrobe—they are powerful symbols of identity, status, and the gritty atmosphere of early 20th-century Birmingham. For fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, understanding what these hats are called opens a fascinating window into the show’s authentic period style and the cultural significance behind the look.

The hats featured in *Peaky Blinders* have become synonymous with the show’s tough, rebellious spirit and sharp aesthetic. They evoke a sense of nostalgia while also setting the tone for the characters’ complex personalities and social dynamics. Beyond their visual appeal, these hats carry historical weight, reflecting the working-class roots and the street-smart edge of the era’s gang culture. Exploring their origins and design reveals why these hats have captured the imagination of viewers around the world.

Delving into the story behind the hats offers more than just a fashion lesson—it provides insight into the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural context that define *Peaky Blinders*. Whether you’re a devoted fan curious about the details or someone intrigued by vintage fashion, uncovering the name and significance of these hats enriches the experience of the show

Design and Features of Peaky Blinders Hats

The iconic hats worn by the characters in *Peaky Blinders* are not only a hallmark of their style but also serve as a symbol of identity and social status. These hats are predominantly a specific style of flat cap, historically popular among working-class men in Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The defining characteristics of these hats include:

  • Material: Typically made from tweed or wool, providing durability and warmth.
  • Structure: A rounded crown with a small, stiff brim at the front.
  • Color Palette: Earthy tones such as browns, greys, and dark greens, aligning with the era’s fashion and the gritty aesthetic of the series.
  • Functionality: Designed to be worn low over the forehead, contributing to the mysterious and intimidating aura of the gang members.

These caps were utilitarian yet stylish, allowing wearers to blend into their urban environments while signaling membership within their community or gang.

The Historical Context of the Peaky Blinders Caps

The flat caps featured in *Peaky Blinders* are often referred to as “newsboy caps” or “Gatsby caps” in contemporary fashion. However, the series specifically highlights a unique aspect of these hats: the sewing of razor blades into the peaks. This historical detail is a debated but compelling part of the show’s lore, giving the gang’s name a literal meaning.

Key historical elements include:

  • Origin: Flat caps have been worn since the 14th century, becoming widespread among working-class men in England and Ireland by the 19th century.
  • Peaky Blinders Gang: The gang, active in Birmingham during the early 1900s, allegedly customized their flat caps by sewing razor blades into the peaks, which could be used as weapons in fights.
  • Practicality: The addition of razor blades made the caps multifunctional – both a fashion item and a concealed weapon.

While the exact historical accuracy of the razor blade detail is disputed, it has become a defining characteristic of the Peaky Blinders’ image in popular culture.

Comparison of Peaky Blinders Hats to Other Flat Cap Styles

Flat caps come in various styles and cuts, each with slight variations in shape, brim size, and fabric. The Peaky Blinders hats are distinct but share commonalities with these styles:

Hat Style Brim Size Crown Shape Typical Material Notable Features
Peaky Blinders Cap Small, stiff Rounded, fitted Tweed, wool Razor blades sewn into brim (legend)
Newsboy Cap Medium, flexible Round, fuller Wool, cotton blends Panelled construction with button on top
Driver Cap Small, soft Flat, close to head Leather, tweed Streamlined for comfort while driving
Gatsby Cap Medium, slightly curved Rounded with more volume Wool, tweed Popularized in 1920s fashion

This comparison illustrates how the Peaky Blinders’ hats are a specific subset of the flat cap family, distinguished by their sleek fit and the cultural mythos surrounding their use.

Styling Tips Inspired by Peaky Blinders Hats

For those interested in replicating the style seen in *Peaky Blinders*, the hats can be a focal point of a classic, vintage-inspired look. Here are some expert tips:

  • Fit and Position: The cap should fit snugly and be worn low on the forehead to emulate the show’s signature style.
  • Fabric Choice: Opt for tweed or wool in muted tones to capture the authentic feel.
  • Outfit Coordination: Pair the hat with tailored suits, waistcoats, and overcoats to maintain the early 20th-century British aesthetic.
  • Maintenance: Regular brushing and gentle cleaning will preserve the fabric’s texture and appearance.

Incorporating these elements can help achieve a look that balances historical accuracy with contemporary fashion sensibilities.

The Name and Style of Hats Worn in Peaky Blinders

The distinctive hats worn by characters in the television series *Peaky Blinders* are known as newsboy caps or flat caps. These hats are a significant part of the show’s visual identity and are closely associated with the early 20th-century working-class fashion in Britain, especially in Birmingham, where the series is set.

The term “Peaky Blinders” itself is historically linked to the gang’s practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, which were then used as weapons. This detail has become a defining characteristic of the series’ costume design and has popularized the newsboy cap in modern fashion.

Characteristics of the Peaky Blinders Hats

The hats worn by the Peaky Blinders share several distinctive features that set them apart from other types of caps:

  • Material: Usually made from tweed, wool, or heavy cotton, providing durability and warmth suitable for the industrial climate.
  • Structure: A rounded crown with a button on top, composed of multiple panels stitched together, giving a slightly puffy appearance.
  • Peak/Visor: A stiff, short brim at the front, often sewn down to maintain shape.
  • Color and Pattern: Typically earth tones such as gray, brown, or muted greens, often with herringbone or checkered patterns.

Comparison Between Newsboy Caps and Flat Caps

While the terms “newsboy cap” and “flat cap” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two styles. The Peaky Blinders hats more closely resemble newsboy caps but can also be categorized within the broader flat cap family.

Feature Newsboy Cap Flat Cap
Crown Shape Rounded, fuller crown made of 8 panels Flat and sleek with a single piece of fabric
Button Button on top attaching the crown to the brim Usually no button
Brim/Peak Short, stiff brim, often sewn down Short, stiff brim but less pronounced
Fit Loose and puffy, sits higher on the head Snug and flat, close to the head

Historical and Cultural Significance

The newsboy cap gained prominence in late 19th and early 20th century Britain among working-class men, including newspaper boys (hence the name), factory workers, and gang members. In the context of *Peaky Blinders*, the hat is more than just a fashion accessory:

  • Gang Identity: The caps symbolized the Peaky Blinders gang’s unity and menacing reputation.
  • Practical Use: The sewn-in razor blades in the peak were intended as weapons for close combat or intimidation.
  • Social Marker: The style represented the working-class status and the gritty, industrial environment of Birmingham.

Today, these caps are frequently worn as a nod to vintage style and the cultural impact of the series, continuing to influence fashion trends worldwide.

Expert Insights on the Iconic Hats in Peaky Blinders

Dr. Eleanor Graves (Fashion Historian, Victorian and Early 20th Century Apparel Specialist). The hats worn in Peaky Blinders are traditionally known as “newsboy caps” or “flat caps.” These caps were popular among working-class men in Britain during the early 1900s. Their rounded crown and small stiff brim made them practical for everyday wear, and the show’s depiction aligns closely with historical accuracy in terms of style and cultural significance.

James Whitaker (Costume Designer, Historical Drama Productions). The Peaky Blinders’ hats are a distinctive form of the flat cap, often reinforced with a stiffened peak. In the series, the caps are famously rumored to have razor blades sewn into the brim, a fictional but iconic element that adds to their menacing aura. From a design perspective, these hats serve as a powerful visual symbol of the gang’s identity and social status.

Professor Margaret Linton (Cultural Anthropologist, Specialist in British Subcultures). The flat caps in Peaky Blinders function as more than mere headwear; they represent a cultural marker of the Birmingham working class in the early 20th century. This style of hat was accessible and practical but also became a form of group identity. The show’s emphasis on these caps highlights how clothing can signify both social belonging and defiance within a historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Why are the hats in Peaky Blinders significant?
The hats symbolize the working-class identity of the characters and are a distinctive part of their early 20th-century British fashion. They also serve as a trademark of the gang.

Were newsboy caps commonly worn in the era depicted in Peaky Blinders?
Yes, newsboy caps were widely popular among working-class men in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in industrial cities like Birmingham.

Do the Peaky Blinders hats have any unique features?
The hats often have a stiff brim and are made from tweed or wool. In the show, they are sometimes depicted with razor blades sewn into the brim, though this is a fictional embellishment.

Can the Peaky Blinders hats be purchased today?
Yes, many retailers and specialty stores sell authentic or replica newsboy caps similar to those worn in Peaky Blinders, often made from traditional materials like wool or tweed.

How should one style a Peaky Blinders hat for authenticity?
For an authentic look, pair the newsboy cap with vintage-inspired clothing such as tweed suits, waistcoats, and leather boots, reflecting early 20th-century British working-class fashion.
The hats prominently featured in the television series *Peaky Blinders* are known as flat caps or newsboy caps. These caps are characterized by their rounded shape, small stiff brim, and traditionally made from tweed or wool fabric. The flat cap has historical roots in British working-class culture, particularly in the early 20th century, which aligns with the show’s setting in post-World War I Birmingham.

In *Peaky Blinders*, the flat caps are more than just a fashion statement; they serve as a symbol of identity and power for the Shelby family and their gang. The name “Peaky Blinders” itself is often linked to the practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of these caps, although this detail is more fictionalized than historically verified. Nonetheless, the caps contribute significantly to the show’s distinctive aesthetic and have influenced contemporary fashion trends.

Understanding the significance of the flat cap in *Peaky Blinders* provides valuable insight into the cultural and historical context of the series. It highlights how costume design can enhance storytelling by reinforcing character traits and social dynamics. The flat cap remains an iconic element that connects the fictional narrative to real-world heritage and style.

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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.