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 in suspense. Through their history and style, this gang of Irish immigrants 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 commands respect through his character and values that define him so well but also through his style of dress so unique to him and to other members of his gang.

The current hit series Peaky Blinders 

The Peaky Blinders and their style continue to seduce you. The fetish accessory of their outfit is the Irish cap, this 8-panel shape with an oversized look.

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

• or because these criminals hid their weapons in the peak of this cap.
• either that their method of robbing their victims was to hit them in the nose with the cap to blind them while stealing many 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 best! 

In any case, if you're also a fan of this series and would like to wear these caps as well as the main characters, you can find models that will appeal to you in our special "Peaky Blinders" selection.

The famous Irish Cap 

Looking back at the history of this iconic cap.

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

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 Even though the law was repealed 26 years later, it eventually gave way to tradition rather than obligation.

It was during 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 Bakerboy. This shape became, like the immigrants who brought it with them, totally 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 probably 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, clothing styles, even more so today, created a social gap between the richest and 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 established themselves as criminals who paid great attention to their image, without forgetting their roots. They are all dressed very elegantly and always impeccably groomed in all circumstances. Even if their acts are criminal, their style commands a certain elegance and unparalleled authority. Their style of dress will evolve according to their social ascension, as with Thomas Shelby who gradually dresses, through association, like the rich English aristocrats.

To draw inspiration from their style, there's no need to invest in new pieces. As mentioned before, their look is very elegant. Since the 3-piece suit isn't something worn daily, you can very well keep certain key pieces and match them with your everyday outfits. 

 What makes up a Peaky Blinders look? 

• The long coat 

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

• The three-piece suit

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

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

• The shirt

Here it's white with a club collar, a rather high collar, which let's admit is not the easiest to wear and doesn't suit everyone. If you want to recreate the Peaky Blinders look, the essential white shirt, simple and effective, will do very well.

• The ankle boots

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

• The cap 

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

Looking for caps from the current hit series Peaky Blinders?