The Ascot cap, also known as the Cuffley cap or Lippincott cap, is a men’s hard cap similar to the flat cap but distinguished by its hardness and rounded shape. Ascot caps are typically made from felt or wool and worn in the fall or winter, but straw Ascots also exist for warmer weather. An Ascot being of a single color mostly matches up with casual clothes of that color or those who match it with a suit match up the color with the suit setup. Unlike the flat cap, the inside is not lined with silk but the closed in design and softness of felt still provides comfort and warmth. The style dates back to 1900.
The Ascot style usually is felt. However, leather, cord, tweed and even Irish Patchwork styles are also available.
The ascot cap is a flat cap made from a single panel of wool felt that is molded around a round form. The ascot hat has a very rounded look due to both the shape and the fact that there are no seams in the crown. Most ascots simply have one single color, usually earthen or muted in tone. It can be made from other materials including leather and cotton or wool fabrics in an array of patterns.
How to Wear the Ascot Cap
The ascot hat should be worn with a stylish sweater vest and collared shirt, a suit or other upscale clothing. A nice suit vest and shirt combination with dress pants always looks great with your ascot hat.
This “Guinness” ascot style hat adds an authentic accent to your best outfits.
Since the hat has a Western European feel, it complements tweed vests and suits, and other upscale clothes. You can pair it with a jeans and designer shirt outfit, and it does go well with a leather jacket or other stylish overcoats.
Wear this cap with any ensemble that could use a little authenticity—but not too much. Steer yourself away from wearing this with highly traditional clothing, unless the idea is to look truly authentic. You will run the risk of over-selling this angle and end up looking like a piece of history yourself!
Types of Ascot Caps
Some of the most popular types of Ascot hats are made of traditional wool felt. However, some of the more unique and authentic looks make use of more modern fabrics. The corduroy ascot cap (called the Guinness) is one of the nicest, new styles around.
- Wool felt ascots
- Corduroy ascot
- Tweed
- Herringbone
- Plaid
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