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The Art of Wearing the Cap

Overview of different ways to wear a hat

A perfect balance between casual and refined, the flat cap stands out as a sophisticated alternative.

More relaxed than a fedora, yet far more elegant than a baseball cap, it blends sporty vibes with effortless style.

Define your style with precision

Worn at the top of your silhouette, the flat cap seals your look with confidence. Carefully selected, it transitions through seasons and years with grace. Not sure hats suit you? Often just a misconception: you simply need to find the shape that brings out your personality.

 

It enhances minimalist outfits and showcases your eye for detail. Worn with a structured dress or a tailored suit, it reveals your sense of style. Go for a bolder outfit and it becomes the centerpiece — the element that draws all eyes.

Enhance your gaze

The flat cap, tracing the forehead line, frames the face delicately and brings attention to the eyes. It plays with shadows, textures, and tones to intensify the gaze and give it more presence.

 

But the elegance of a headpiece lies as much in its shape as in how it’s worn. Slightly tilted, worn askew or perfectly aligned — every choice says something about you.

This is where style gains meaning — it becomes your signature.

How to wear a flat cap with flair

1 - Set the right mood

The flat cap is not just an accessory: it’s the final touch of a silhouette.

To grasp its full stylistic impact, don’t try it on in a sloppy outfit. A cap is like a perfume: it’s best appreciated when it fits the overall mood.

Because no one tries on a cap in pajamas

Put on in a rush, straight out of bed, it might throw you off. This headwear defines the face and shapes your stance; it can shift how you see yourself. Take the time to get ready — hair done, shaved, makeup if you wish — so that your first meeting with your flat cap happens at its best. Elegance always starts with preparation.

2 - Position your cap precisely

Start by placing the cap flat on your head, horizontally, holding it gently by the visor. The right position? Just above the ears, with a small gap — around 1 cm — between the edge of the cap and your eyebrows. This placement enhances your facial lines while ensuring a natural fit.

A fitted size: a mark of elegance

Not too tight, not too loose: the cap should fit your head just right. Too big, and it droops, weighing down the look; too small, and it rides up, breaking balance. A well-fitted cut ensures a flawless drape... and avoids unexpected flyaways. Taking time to find the right size is already adopting a confident style.

3 - Adjust the tilt

 

Wearing a cap isn’t just about placing it on your head — it’s about giving it an angle, a purpose. A straight position gives off a calm, almost reserved feel. But tilt it slightly, and everything changes: energy flows, the silhouette gains depth, and the style comes alive. It’s this almost instinctive subtlety that adds depth to your presence.

"Angles are attitudes" - Frank Sinatra

Some caps, more generous or flexible, reveal their full potential when tilted. That’s their natural field of expression. As Frank Sinatra said, “Angles are attitudes”: each tilt tells a story — of mood, era, or character. The old-timers knew it well: in every vintage photo, caps come alive differently. Now it’s your turn to find the angle that feels like you.

 

Classic / Straight

Worn centered, the cap sits about 1 cm above the eyebrows and ears. This precise placement creates a balanced silhouette and conveys a calm, naturally confident attitude.

Classic hat wear
Tilted hat wear

Subtle tilt

By lowering the cap on one side, near the ear, and raising it slightly on the other, you create discreet asymmetry full of flair. A detail that catches the eye and refines the silhouette instantly.

Bold tilt

With a stronger tilt, the look becomes more expressive, almost theatrical. A mastered gesture, often seen in Italian style, exudes relaxed confidence with flair.

Strongly tilted hat wear
Hat worn forward

Forward tilt (Gangster)

When tilted forward, the cap gives off an intense, almost enigmatic look. But keep the eyes visible — that’s where true elegance lies.

Backward (Irish style)

Worn toward the back, the cap gives off a relaxed, spontaneous, and friendly vibe. Set toward the rear of the skull and let some hair show for a free, casually confident look.

Cap worn backward
Rakish angle wear

The Rakish Angle

A slight backward shift, a subtle side tilt: the rakish angle balances carefree charm and refinement. A playful, roguish touch — like a discreet wink. Icons like Humphrey Bogart or Frank Sinatra made it their signature.

More than ever, the flat cap asserts itself as a strong piece in modern wardrobes. It transcends retro or bohemian codes to blend with all styles, thanks to the diverse shapes, fabrics, and tones that reinvent it each season.

What are the different types of caps?

 

Baseball Cap Baseball Cap
An American cultural icon. Casual and sporty, loved for its comfort and easy fit across all styles.
Military Cap Military Cap (cuban or army)
More structured, known for its flat crown and short visor. A bold look with clean lines.
Irish Cap Irish Cap
Roomy and generous, made of 8 fabric panels meeting at a top button. Offers strong presence and character.
Hatteras Cap Hatteras Cap
Made with 6 panels, it has volume but fits tighter and less puffy than the Irish cap. A good balance between flair and subtlety.
English Flat Cap Flat Cap / English Cap
Narrow shape, flat on top, evokes timeless elegance. Perfect for a refined look with vintage spirit.
Duckbill Cap Duckbill Cap
Rounded and close-fitting shape, embodies a discreet, sporty look with a more casual retro vibe.
Gavroche Cap Gavroche Cap 
Voluminous and soft, with a crown detached from the visor, it gives off a bohemian and bold style. Made of 8 panels, worn with ease.
Beret
Not to be confused with a cap: the beret has no visor. It follows its own wearing codes, balancing tradition and freedom of style.

Which style suits a flat cap?

 

Loved for its blend of refinement and ease, the cap fits seamlessly into modern outfits. Depending on the material, it suits any season: tweed, wool or corduroy for winter; cotton or linen for a breathable, summer style.

A perfect British look

Play with contrast to express its full character. A plain flat cap paired with contrasting tones — like a dark cap on a light outfit — creates visual harmony. To boost the vintage vibe, add suspenders, a waistcoat, or a bow tie. But go easy: too many accessories can unbalance the outfit. Elegance often lies in restraint.



The modern gentleman

For a refined silhouette, a plain cap pairs perfectly with a well-tailored suit and matching shoes. This monochrome, structured look fits formal events or elegant evenings. For a more professional version, combine it with a fitted shirt and tailored trousers for an assertive yet balanced office look.



Peaky Blinders inspiration


To channel the iconic Peaky Blinders look, the Irish cap goes hand-in-hand with a specific outfit. Long wool coat in dark shades, structured three-piece suit, crisp white shirt… and to complete the ensemble, lace-up leather boots. A strong silhouette, exuding raw, timeless elegance.


Everyday boho-gavroche style

Paired with jeans and a white tee, the cap — especially gavroche style — lands in a casual, bohemian vibe. Favor neutral tones to keep the silhouette soft and balanced. For a touch of chic, add a structured blazer: the look gains elegance while staying spontaneous.


Boldness first

Patterned or in patchwork, the cap asserts a bold, confident, even extravagant style. To balance its visual impact, go for a light, plain, minimalist outfit. This highlights the cap without the "Christmas tree" effect — because even daring elegance takes intention.


A relaxed look

Perfect for a casual style, the cap fits naturally into laid-back moments. On weekends, vacations, or walks, wear it with jeans or a light puffer. You stay free to move, while enjoying warmth and comfort during your outings.


Matching the cap shape to your face

The flat cap has the advantage of suiting most face shapes. What matters most is to feel comfortable and fully embrace your style. In general, more voluminous models — like the gavroche or Irish — flatter round or wide faces.

A fitted cut for thin faces, more volume for rounder ones

Thin faces will benefit from narrow cuts, like the hatteras, English cap or baseball. Square or angular faces look better with softer, rounder shapes like the duckbill. A slight side tilt also helps soften facial features. And for oval faces? Anything goes — total freedom!
Cap Morphology Guide


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