Mastering the Bakerboy Cap: A Laird Hatters Guide to Peaky Blinders Style & Beyond

Thanks to the hit series Peaky Blinders, the iconic Bakerboy cap—also known as the Newsboy or Shelby cap—is firmly back on Britain’s fashion radar. But beyond emulating Thomas Shelby's sharp style, how do you master this timeless piece of British headwear without looking like you’ve stepped out of a costume drama?

At Laird Hatters, we've been meticulously handcrafting authentic Bakerboy caps for over a decade—including styles featured in Peaky Blinders Season 5. In this ultimate guide, we reveal everything you need to know: from its fascinating history and versatile styling tips to choosing the perfect Laird cap for your wardrobe.

Updated April 2025 | 9 min read

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Table of Contents:

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1. A Cap By Any Other Name: History & Terminology

The quintessential Bakerboy cap—often interchangeably called a Newsboy cap, and sometimes a Gatsby or Eight-Panel cap—has deep roots in British and Irish history. Emerging in the late 19th century, it became standard working-class headwear, particularly associated with newspaper boys (hence "Newsboy") and other labourers. Its distinctive design features a rounded, full body, typically constructed from eight panels joined at the top with a button, and a small, stiff brim at the front.

Unlike its sleeker cousin, the flat cap, the Baker Boy's voluminous shape offered both practicality and a touch of personality. By the 1920s, its appeal crossed class divides, with gentlemen adopting tweed versions for motoring and country pursuits, cementing its place as a versatile piece of British heritage menswear.

2. The Peaky Blinders Effect: From Screen to Street Style

Fast forward a century, and the BBC drama Peaky Blinders triggered a massive resurgence. When Cillian Murphy, as protagonist Thomas Shelby, pulled his rugged eight-panel cap low, it sparked a global fashion moment. Major retailers reported staggering increases in flat cap and Baker Boy sales practically overnight[*]. Searches for "Peaky Blinders cap UK" and "Shelby cap" soared, demonstrating the show's powerful influence.

However, many caps marketed as "Peaky Blinders style" are often mass-produced costume pieces. Laird Hatters was commissioned to supply authentic, high-quality caps for Season 5 of the show. Our flagship Shelby Bakerboy Cap is the real deal: meticulously hand-cut in Hertfordshire, featuring the classic eight-panel structure, but updated with a subtly sleeker profile for contemporary wear. It’s the authentic choice for fans seeking genuine Peaky Blinders hats and timeless British style.

Shop the Shelby Cap

3. Choosing Your Cloth: Materials & Craftsmanship

The character of a Baker Boy cap is defined by its fabric. At Laird Hatters, we use only premium materials, ensuring style, comfort, and longevity:

• Tweed & Harris Tweed: The quintessential British choice. Durable, warm, and water-resistant, tweed adds texture and country heritage. Our Harris Tweed caps carry the prestigious Orb mark, guaranteeing authenticity handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
• Wool Melton & Cashmere Blends: For a smoother, more urban finish, choose classic Wool Melton, often seen in our popular 'Brooklyn' Newsboy range. Indulge in a luxurious cashmere blend cap for unparalleled softness and lightweight warmth.
• Loden Cloth: A unique Alpine fabric blending lamb's wool, cashmere, and alpaca. Our Loden 'Brooklyn' Newsboy Cap offers exceptional warmth without weight and a subtle, luxurious sheen.
• Corduroy & Moleskin: These textured fabrics bring a touch of vintage 1970s swagger, pairing perfectly with denim or waxed jackets for a rugged yet refined look.
• Vegan Wool & Suede: Committed to sustainable style? Our innovative Vegan Wool and Vegan Suede Newsboy caps deliver classic heritage aesthetics with cruelty-free materials.

4. How to Wear a Bakerboy Cap (Without Looking Like an Extra)

Mastering the Baker Boy cap is about balancing its vintage roots with modern style:

• Find the Right Fit: It should sit comfortably, not too tight or perched high. The brim should frame your eyes. Refer to our Hat Size Guide.
• Keep it Contemporary: Avoid pairing it with *too many* other vintage elements unless attending a themed event. Mix it with modern wardrobe staples.
• Consider the Material: Tweed caps lend themselves to country-casual looks (waxed jackets, chunky knits), while wool, cashmere, or corduroy work well for smarter city outfits (overcoats, blazers).

Don't Overdo the "Peaky" Look: While inspired by the show, aim for a subtle nod rather than a full costume. Pair the Shelby cap with a well-fitting coat or modern jacket.

Styling Ideas: 

• Country Casual: Pair a tweed Bakerboy cap with a waxed jacket (perhaps from our sister brand Laird Utility), dark denim, and sturdy boots.
• Smart-Casual City: Combine a navy or charcoal wool newsboy cap with a tailored overcoat, roll-neck sweater, chinos, and smart trainers.
• Women’s Edits: Contrast the cap's structure with feminine pieces – try a black vegan suede cap with a silk blouse and wide-leg trousers, or follow Kate Middleton's lead with a tweed cap paired with a coordinating coat.

Hat Tips for Your Face Shape:

• Oval / Long Faces: The full eight-panel volume of a traditional Baker Boy beautifully balances longer face shapes.
• Round Faces: Opt for a cap with a slightly slimmer profile, like our Shelby Bakerboy, to add structure.
• Square / Heart Faces: The soft, rounded crown of the Baker Boy helps to soften stronger jawlines.

5. Why Choose a Laird Hatters Bakerboy?

In a market flooded with imitations, a Laird Hatters cap stands apart:

• Authentic British Craftsmanship: Each cap is meticulously handcrafted in England (Hertfordshire) by skilled artisans, upholding traditions dating back to 2009.
• Premium Materials: We source the finest British and Italian cloths – from genuine Harris Tweed certified by the Orb mark to luxurious cashmere blends and innovative vegan fabrics.
• Built to Last: Our caps feature full linings (often satin) and comfortable sweatbands (leather or grosgrain), ensuring durability and comfort for decades, not just seasons.
• Trusted Quality: We supplied caps for Peaky Blinders Season 5, attesting to our authenticity and quality standards.
• Customer Service: Enjoy free 30-day returns & exchanges for peace of mind.

Explore our full Bakerboy and Newsboy collection or secure the iconic Shelby Bakerboy Cap – a bestseller that frequently sells out.

6. Bakerboy vs Flat Cap & FAQs

Is a Bakerboy cap the same as a Newsboy cap?
Essentially, yes. The terms are used interchangeably today to describe the classic eight-panel cap with a button top.

What's the difference between a Bakerboy cap and a Flat Cap?
The main difference is the profile. A Flat Cap has a much flatter, single-panel (or fewer panel) construction that fits closer to the head. The Baker Boy is rounder, fuller, and typically features eight panels meeting at a central button. 

Are Baker Boy hats still in style for 2025 and beyond?
Absolutely. Thanks partly to the "Peaky Blinders effect," the Baker Boy cap has enjoyed a major renaissance and remains a staple of contemporary classic menswear and womenswear. Its versatility allows it to be styled in both vintage-inspired and modern ways.

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Ready to channel your inner Shelby or simply elevate your everyday style?


Shop the Shelby Bakerboy Cap →

Or Explore the Full Bakerboy Collection

[*] Reference: John Lewis sales data reported in various news outlets circa 2013-2014.