How to wear the famous Irish cap of the Peaky Blinders?

You're probably a fan of the English series Peaky Blinders available on our screens since 2013. An era, a style, characters that can only keep you on the edge of your seat. Through their history and their style, this gang of Irish immigrants has managed to establish themselves among the greatest criminals of their time.

A gang highlighted by the famous and charismatic Thomas Shelby played by actor Cillian Murphy surrounded by his family. A man who imposes himself through his character and values that define him so well, but also through his style of dress so unique to him and to the other members of his gang.

The current hit series Peaky Blinders 

The Peaky Blinders and their style of dress continue to captivate you. The signature accessory of their outfit is the Irish cap, this 8-panel oversized look.

But where does this strange name "Peaky Blinders" come from? Roughly translated into French, it would mean "visored blinders". This peaked cap which was an integral part of their criminal outfits, was nicknamed "peaky" hence the name of this group. As for the other part, according to some sources it would be:

• or because these criminals hid their weapons in the visor of this cap.
• either that their method for robbing their victims was to hit them on the nose with the cap, in order to blind them long enough to steal a good number of their belongings...

Since the "Peaky Blinders" no longer exist to explain to us the true reason for their mythical name, it's up to you to choose the version you like the most! 

In any case, if you too are a fan of this series and wish to wear these caps as well as the main characters, you can find models that will please you in our special "Peaky Blinders" selection.

The famous Irish Cap 

A look back at the history of this iconic cap.

Its origins seem to be a combination of Italian caps from the 14th century. The Irish cap is flat and wide, and was mostly worn by Irish farmers and men working in Ireland. Indeed, the climatic conditions made outdoor work so harsh and difficult that it was necessary to dress accordingly. The clothes had to be warm and sturdy, to be worn for as long as possible. The cap thus became a very useful and indispensable accessory for these workers.

In 1571, Queen Elizabeth I sought to stimulate Irish trade and English wool. She succeeded in implementing her project by passing an act requiring men over six years old (except for nobility) to wear caps made of wool. Under the threat of a fine, all men wore caps. Even though the law was repealed 26 years later, it eventually gave way to a tradition rather than an obligation.

It was during the Irish emigration to the United States of America that the influence of this cap was inevitable on American fashion in the 19th century and early 20th century. The 8-panel cap style is now known as the Cabbie Cap, Paddy Cap, Newsboy Cap or even Bakerboy. This shape became, like the immigrants who brought it with them, fully assimilated into 20th century America.

Back in Europe, the style was also adopted in the early 20th century by those of higher social orders such as the English upper classes. Seen as an ideal accessory for the new leisure activities of the new century, the 8-piece style was made from fashionable fabric like tweed.

The eight-piece style was just as popular with car enthusiasts.

How to adopt the Peaky Blinders look? 

If you're not indifferent to English elegance, you'll surely try to reproduce the looks of the famous characters from the series. 

As we all know, we dress to stand out from others but also, ironically, to resemble them. The style of dress is therefore in this series a means for this gang to impose their style and differentiate themselves from other ordinary inhabitants. In the 19th century, even more so than today, clothing styles created a social divide between the richest and the poorest. Those who could afford it adorned themselves with the most beautiful and rare fabrics, while others wore the same clothes until they were completely worn out. 

This is how the Peaky Blinders gang establishes themselves as criminals who are very careful about their image, without forgetting their roots. They are all dressed very stylishly and always impeccably groomed in all circumstances. Even if their acts are criminal, their style imposes a certain elegance and unparalleled authority. Their style of dress will also evolve according to their social ascent, as with Thomas Shelby who, as he mingles with them, will gradually dress like the rich English aristocrats.

To draw inspiration from their style, there's no need to invest in new pieces. As mentioned earlier, their look is very elegant. Since the three-piece suit is not something worn daily, you can very well keep certain key pieces and match them with your everyday outfits. 

 What comprises the look of a Peaky Blinder? 

• The long coat 

The long wool coat is more than necessary during this period. It appears here as being indispensable both from a practical and aesthetic point of view. In dark tones such as navy blue, black and grey, it always matches the suit worn. 

• The three-piece suit

It's the most worn piece by the members, consisting of suit trousers, matching jacket and waistcoat. The materials used are often corduroy and wool, because yes, in England it's quite cold so warm clothes are a must. And in dark and sober colors, like black, grey and brown. We'll notice that bright colors are not those that the characters prefer to wear! 

The jacket is either single-breasted or double-breasted and is always buttoned. It is also adorned with a pocket watch. 

• The shirt

Here it is white with a club collar, a rather high collar, which admittedly is not the easiest to wear and does not suit everyone. If you wish to recreate the Peaky Blinders look, the essential white shirt, simple and effective, will do the job very well.

• The boots

At that time, not all streets were paved, let alone asphalted, so robust and thick shoes were needed! Dress shoes were therefore not the most practical. Wearing leather boots was thus the wisest option, easy to clean, warm and comfortable, these were pairs made to last. Your pair of brown lace-up leather boots will be perfect with this outfit. 

• The cap 

The Irish cap is also matched to the three-piece suit. It is worn either straight or to the side and is the key element of the Peaky Blinders look.

Looking for the caps from the current hit series Peaky Blinders?