Model guide to our caps

It's not a science, but it is about knowledge. Everyone knows what a Baseball Cap is, but what is the difference between Ivy, Newsboy, and Pub Caps? We'll clarify the terms, and guide you on the way to choosing the right cap for your personal style.

In the mid-1500s, a law was introduced in England requiring all men over the age of six to wear a wool cap on Sundays — a measure intended to support the nation’s wool industry. Thankfully, going without a cap today doesn’t make you an outlaw. The classic flat cap is believed to have originated in the British Isles, with the first versions appearing as early as the 14th century. During the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, both the flat cap and the traditional newsboy cap rose to prominence, most often crafted from wool or tweed. These caps became symbols of the working class, worn by factory workers, drivers, newsboys and craftsmen alike. At the same time, they found favour among the upper classes — though primarily as hunting or sporting headwear. Across the Atlantic, in the United States, the baseball cap emerged in the 1940s — a completely different kind of cap that, much like its British cousins, transcended social boundaries. An enduring style icon that perfectly complements the British classics.

The Ivy Cap

Caps for those who appreciate a low-profile look with refined style.

The Ivy Cap is one of the earliest cap models, with roots dating back as far as the 14th
century. However, it gained true popularity in Britain during the mid to late 19th century.

This model is characterised by its rounded, flat shape that follows the natural line of the head. The top — or crown — is made from a single piece of fabric, giving it a clean and timeless appearance, complemented by a relatively short, stiff peak at the front.

Traditionally crafted from cotton or wool, the Ivy Cap is also available in lighter and more breathable linen versions for summer. It’s an elegant choice for those seeking a cap that works equally well for casual and more refined occasions. Below, you can explore our different models of Ivy Caps.

The Newsboy Cap

A voluminous, structured style that embodies timeless elegance.

The Newsboy Cap features a rounder and fuller silhouette — “puffier” in shape — giving it a relaxed yet refined character. The crown is constructed from six to eight triangular panels sewn together from the top down, often finished with a button at the center.

Emerging in the late 19th century as a complement to the flat cap, the Newsboy Cap has a flat, firm peak with a subtle curve that frames the face in a distinctive way. Its name, of course, refers to the young newspaper boys who wore it, though the style was equally popular among others — golfers, for instance, were often seen wearing a classic Newsboy on the course.

The Baseball Cap

A timeless design for a sporty yet sophisticated look.

When the first recorded baseball game took place on June 19, 1846, between the New York Knickerbockers and the New York Baseball Club, players wore wide-brimmed hats made of woven reeds. These were soon replaced by versions in merino wool — and the brim evolved into the practical peak we know today, offering protection from the sun. The crown also adopted its now-classic six-panel construction.

In 1901, the Detroit Tigers became the first team to add an emblem to their caps — a symbol of team spirit and belonging. From that moment, the baseball cap became not only a sporting essential but also a global style icon.

Today, countless variations of this classic exist. At Wigéns, we preserve the clean lines and traditional construction, refining the baseball cap from sportswear into a true gentleman’s accessory.

Pub, Bucket & Docker

Alternative caps for those who prefer to create their own style.

The Pub Cap takes its name from British pub culture, where it was popular among the
working class in the early 1900s. Similar in shape to a flat cap but with a sleeker construction and no extra fabric at the sides, the crown features a larger front panel and a very short peak often covered by the crown itself.

The Bucket Hat originated as functional headwear among Irish fishermen in the early 1900s, designed to protect against sun and wind. Its classic shape, with a narrow sloping brim all around, later became popular among the British upper class as a hunting and sporting hat. Since the 1960s, it has remained a staple in modern culture and fashion.

The Docker Cap, meanwhile, dates back centuries — said to have its earliest origins in ancient Greece. In modern times, it became associated with fishermen, sailors and dockworkers in Brittany, France, during the 1930s. The brimless design was practical for work, offering protection from sun and weather without getting in the way. Traditionally made from wool or durable canvas, it has since evolved into a stylish urban essential.