Need help on flat caps and fisherman's hats

[DeaconKC]

Okay, trying to find some answers for a friend. We are getting into Zoot Shooting, a sport that recreates the Prohibition Era. I have lots of evidence of the newsboy cap during the era, but cannot find out when the flat [driving] cap or the "Greek Fisherman's hat" started becoming popular. As we dress in period style, I'm trying to help him out. Thanks folks!

 

[DeaconKC]

Lucked out and found my answers on the Shorpy and Non Shorpy threads!

 

[zetwal]

Lucked out and found my answers on the Shorpy and Non Shorpy threads!

Good news! Based on what you find there, What is your conclusion?

 

[DeaconKC]

The fisherman's hats were around at the turn of the last century, so they would work, the flat caps don't appear anywhere til post WW2 pics.

 

[Shangas]

Flat caps? You mean these things?

They've been around for CENTURIES.

 

[DeaconKC]

Shangas, thanks, I am trying to find some photo evidence for my buddy. Can you help me out with some pics of these in the 20s or 30s?

 

[Chuck Naill]

Perhaps this might help.

A 1571 Act of Parliament to stimulate domestic wool consumption and general trade decreed that on Sundays and holidays, all males over 6 years of age, except for the nobility and persons of degree, were to wear caps of wool manufacture on force of a fine (3/4d (pence) per day). The Bill was not repealed until 1597, though by this time, the flat cap had become firmly entrenched in English psyche as a recognized mark of a non-noble subject; be it a burgher, a tradesman, or apprentice. The style survives as the Tudor bonnet in some styles of academic dress.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_cap

 

[Dinerman]

Please see this thread. http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?63994-Vintage-Finnish-Hats

Flat Caps and eight panels were ubiquitous in the '20s and '30s, but the differences between the caps which were worn then and what is sold now is comparable to the differences between '30s suits and modern ones, or '30s fedoras and modern production ones. The overall form is similar, but the cut, material and detailing makes a huge difference.

 

[Shangas]

Perhaps this might help.

A 1571 Act of Parliament to stimulate domestic wool consumption and general trade decreed that on Sundays and holidays, all males over 6 years of age, except for the nobility and persons of degree, were to wear caps of wool manufacture on force of a fine (3/4d (pence) per day). The Bill was not repealed until 1597, though by this time, the flat cap had become firmly entrenched in English psyche as a recognized mark of a non-noble subject; be it a burgher, a tradesman, or apprentice. The style survives as the Tudor bonnet in some styles of academic dress.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_cap

Thank you!!

That is precisely what I was talking about.

The flat cap has been a part of English society ever since Elizabethan times (it was actually required BY LAW!!). So I don't think any photographs will be necessary.

But the flat-cap was generally considered working man's headwear.

 

[DeaconKC]

Guys you are great! Thanks a bunch!