Cap-tivating Style - The Baker Boy's Bold Return
The golden age of Hollywood celebrated the polished, refined look of a well-dressed man, where a hat was not just an accessory — it defined who you were. Whether gangster, hero, ladies' man, or comedian, 1930s men’s hats offered a style for everyone.
For formal occasions, the silk top hat was essential, while the Homburg or Fedora became the go-to for businessmen. The round bowler (or derby), though still worn, gradually lost popularity as the decade progressed. On more casual days, the working class and everyday man favoured the wide 8-panel or slim ivy cap.
These caps became the uniform of everything from the “read all about it” newsstand boy to the shady characters of Peaky Blinders. Like many fashion staples with humble origins (think Chanel’s fisherman jersey), the cap made its way into aristocratic wardrobes for country outings, worn by figures ranging from Prince Charles to Gatsby. Fashion theorists often point out that in times of uncertainty, people are drawn to nostalgic clothing, and the baker boy cap embodies both a sense of timelessness and versatility — an accessory that is informal yet considered.
Our focus is on the classic cap, a style that has endured through the decades, known today as the Ivy, golf, or driving cap. The 1920s newsboy cap, with its 8 panel design and short brim, remained a staple throughout the 1930s. Over time, the cap evolved into a sleeker, one-piece design.
Popular colours included brown, grey, blue, green, and a range of patterns such as tweeds, plaids, small checks, and herringbone. Solid colours were less common, and wool was the standard fabric, often lined with silk or rayon. For warmer months, linen and cotton were favoured, while leather gained popularity in the later years.
Typically worn flat or slightly tilted to one side, the 8-panel cap started out quite wide, eventually narrowing as the one-piece design took over.
Explore our full collection of caps to find the perfect one for your style.