The Complete Guide to Newsboy Caps

The Complete Guide to Newsboy Caps

Not all caps are the same. In addition to baseball caps, there are newsboy caps. Newsboy caps, in fact, have been around since the early 20th century. They offer a classic style that matches most colors and patterns. With a newsboy cap, you can enhance your outfits with a blast from the past. There are several things you should know, however, about newsboy caps.

What Is a Newsboy Cap?

Also known as a newsie, a newsboy cap is a traditional cap that's characterized by a consistent round shape throughout with the exception of a stiff peak. The body is typically round and full, and it's often fitted with a single button at the very top. They are known as "newsboy caps" because they were originally worn by newspaper delivery boys in Great Britain and the United States during the early 1900s.

Even if you've never wore one, you may recall seeing a newsboy cap before. It's commonly displayed in the hit British TV show, "Peaky Blinders," for instance. Originally aired in 2013, "Peaky Blinders" is a historical crime show that follows the British gang of its namesake. Many of the the characters in "Peaky Blinders" wear a newsboy boy. It's essentially part of their outfits.

Some of the benefits of wearing a newsboy cap include the following:

  • Soft and comfortable construction featuring real wool
  • Offers a timeless and classic style
  • Matches most colors and patterns
  • More unique style than that of a baseball cap
  • Lasts a long time
  • Easy to maintain (see below)

Where to Buy a Newsboy Cap

You can find newsboy caps for sale at certain men's clothing stores. With that said, not all clothing stores sell them. If you want to include a newsboy cap in your outfits, you'll need to look at the right stores.

Newsboy caps are typically worn with a suit. Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that you can find them at some men's suit stores. Some of the stores that sell men's suits sell newsboy caps. Newsboy caps are considered a suit accessory, so they are sold at suit stores.

You can order a genuine newsboy cap from StudioSuits. We offer one of the largest selections of custom-sized suits and suit accessories. Our signature newsboy cap features a similar style as the caps in "Peaky Blinders." It has a vintage tweed construction that's synonymous with the hit British TV show. But whether you're a fan of "Peaky Blinders" or not, you can't go wrong with this classic newsboy cap.

How to Choose a Newsboy Cap

While they all have a similar style, there are many different types of newsboy caps. Some newsboy caps are made of different materials than others. You can't go wrong with a wool newsboy cap. Wool is one of the most common materials in which they are made. Ever since their origins some two centuries ago, newsboy caps have been made of wool.

With a wool newsboy cap, you can rest assured knowing that it will withstand the hands of time. Wool newsboy caps often last longer than made of other materials. They typically the feature a tweed construction that's both attractive and durable. As a result, wool newsboy caps last a long time.

Don't forget to consider the size when choosing a newsboy cap as well. Like most caps, newsboy caps are available in different sizes. With that said, the size is somewhat forgiving thanks to the presence of an elastic band. As shown in the photo below, most newsboy caps feature an elastic band across the bottom. This elastic band allows newsboy caps to stretch over your head.

For the highest level of comfort, as well as aesthetics, you should still choose a newsboy cap in the right size. Assuming you order a newsboy cap from StudioSuits, you can refer to our measurement chart. Just measure the circumference of your head -- the area above your ears and eyebrows -- to determine which size is right for you.

How Newsboy Caps Differ From Flat Caps

Many people assume that newsboy caps are the same as flat caps. While they are both traditional cap styles that are synonymous with the early 20th century, they aren't the same. One of the main differences between newsboy caps and flat caps is their shape. Newsboy caps have a rounder and puffier shape, whereas flat caps have a flatter and shorter shape.

When inspecting the top of a newsboy cap, you may notice that it has several individual panels of material. The button at the top of a newsboy cap branches out into panels or slices. There are typically eight of these panels. Newsboy caps are sometimes referred to as eight-panel caps for this reason. Flat caps, conversely, don't have distinct panels.

Newsboy caps and flat caps are also made of different materials. As previously mentioned, most newsboy caps are made of wool. You can still find flat caps made of wool, but they are available in other materials as well.

Maintaining a Newsboy Cap

If you're going to invest in a newsboy cap, you'll need to know how to maintain it. Since they are made of wool, it should last a long time -- assuming you care for it. You'll need to clean your newsboy cap, for example. You don't have to wash it in the washing machine. Instead, you can spot clean your newsboy cap to preserve its classic style.

Washing your newsboy cap in the washing machine may actually harm it. Washing machines are aggressive. When exposed to the tumbling cylinder of a washing machine, your newsboy cap may deform, in which case may no longer fit. If your newsboy cap is dirty, consider spot cleaning it with a damp washcloth and detergent. You can spot clean the dirty areas of your newsboy cap, after which you can place it outside to dry under the sun.