One thing if for sure style has seen a tremendous growth and some sort of improvement, the styles from dating back in time say 1795-1820 saw a swipe in representation from 1880 down to 1920 and even 1940 was some kind of reincarnation from 1840s. But there is one fashion accessories that has evolved for centuries now and still as relevant as it is back in 1910 when it first made its way as a choice for predominantly black men who identified with the Poor-Boy Hat, Originally a flat-cap, the baker boy also referred to as newsboy, poor boy, or fisherman hat has its origins to Italy and Britain. It’s a trend taken from the working “lower” classes of the 1910s and the 1920s.
The style was popular in Europe and North America in the early 20th centuries among both boys and adult men. As the name suggests, it was at the time associated with newspaper boys. This gives rise to a misunderstanding. It is true that many newspaper boys and other working boys at the time wore flat caps along with other styles. This style was not, however, worn only by boys. Flat caps were very common for North American and European men and boys of all classes during the early 20th century and were almost universal during the 1910s-20s, particularly among the working ‘lower’ classes. A great many photographs of the period show these caps worn not only by newsboys, but by dockworkers, high steel workers, shipwrights, costermongers, farmers, beggars, bandits, artisans, and tradesmen of many types. This is also well attested in novels and films of this period and just after. 8 piece style caps are essentially an offshoot of a Scottish tam o’ shanter.
While they were worn by boys and men of all social classes, they were worn by the ‘upper’ classes primarily for leisure activities, and the style became associated with well-to-do country sportsmen, drivers and wealthy golfers. Having said that, Newsboy caps and flat caps are a primo way to add some punch to your look whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual. Generally the Newsboy and flat caps have become a fashion statement accessories found to be worn by both men and women lately without it being tagged to its original purpose. Now that you have a fair idea about this oldie fashion masterpiece it’s time to break out from your baseball hat routine and try something new even though they’re actually quite old. Both flat caps and newsboy caps are having a major fashion comeback moment and there’s no reason you should be left behind.
Photo Credit: @therake
