What is the average hat size for men?

The average men's hat size in the UK is 59 cm, typically a size Large. Measuring your head ensures the most accurate fit.

How do I measure my head for a hat?

Use a soft tape measure and measure around your head just above the ears and across the forehead. Keep the tape level and snug to determine your size in centimetres.

A flat cap is a rounded cap with a small stiff brim at the front, traditionally associated with British heritage style.

What is the difference between a fedora and a trilby?

A fedora typically has a wider brim and softer shape, while a trilby features a shorter brim and a taller crown, offering a sleeker silhouette.

Can a felt hat get wet?

Felt hats are naturally water-resistant but should not be exposed to heavy rain for extended periods. Allow them to dry naturally at room temperature.

Do you offer in-store collection?

Yes, orders can be collected from our London, Cambridge, or Oxford stores within 3-5 working days.

The History of the Baker Boy Cap: From Newsboy to Gatsby Style

March 12, 2026

Baker Boy cap

The English Baker Boy Cap, also known as the Newsboy Cap in the States, is a casual-wear cap with a wide, round crown, often made of Eight Panels, stitched together with a button on the top. The cap’s size is measured in inches, 9, 10, 11 and 12 inches, and refers to the diameter.

Also referred to as the: Baker Boy, Apple Cap, Eight Panel, Jay Gatsby (after The Great Gatsby), and similarly know as a Redford Cap. It is the same basic style as a Brooklyn, but with a rounder crown.

The style, very similar to a Beret, was popular in Europe and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among both boys and adult men. As the name suggests, it is now associated with Newspaper and baker boys, making deliveries on their bikes around London and New York.

Today, the bakerboy comes in a variety of sizes; in the 19th Century the cap denoted level of seniority within a working guild. An apprentice would join a guild (for example, a baker’s guild) and wear a small bakerboy cap. As they rose through the ranks their cap size would increase until they became a Master Baker, who was allowed to wear the largest size of cap.

In the 1920’s, the cap was adopted by the foppish, upper class golfers, and well know by fans of Bertie Wooster’s escapades.

Although traditionally a man's cap, it has been popular in various forms since the 1960’s, with a much larger, floppy head, and longer peak, with famous shoots of Twiggy wearing a variation of the basic style.

It was then made popular by the Great Gats by, as worn by Robert Redford, and both gave their name to the cap, and is still known as a Gatsby or Redford Cap.

FAQs

Q1: What is a Bakerboy Cap?
A: The Bakerboy Cap, also called a Newsboy or 8-panel cap, is a rounded hat with a button top, historically worn by working men and now a classic fashion accessory.

Q2: What is the difference between a Bakerboy and a Trilby?
A: The Bakerboy has a rounder crown and button top, while the Trilby is narrower with a shorter brim. Both are timeless caps but have subtle style differences.

Q3: Are Bakerboy Caps still popular today?
A: Yes, Bakerboy Caps are popular in vintage fashion and modern street style, worn by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Q4: How is a Bakerboy Cap made?
A: Traditionally, Bakerboy Caps are made from wool, linen, or cotton, stitched in eight panels, with attention to craftsmanship and durability.

Q5: Can women wear Bakerboy Caps?
A: Absolutely! Bakerboy Caps are unisex and suit a variety of casual and heritage-inspired outfits.

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