An ordinary cap is called by many names: a cap, a baseball cap, a peaked cap, a Breton cap. If you add a lot of English terms, you can get completely confused. In fact, headwear equipped with a visor is a type of cap, each of which has its own characteristics. Models differ in volume, the presence of additions, male or female design. The appearance of the products is influenced by the season and fashion trends, which dictate the texture and color of the material.
Features of headwear
Caps are soft headwear with a visor. This detail performs an important function - it protects the eyes from direct sunlight without limiting the side view. Initially, such headwear was widespread in the army. In France, at the beginning of the 19th century, they replaced high cylindrical shakos, which had a visor. The military attribute was called a kepi (képi). In Russia, "new-style caps" were used since 1862. During the same period, they appeared on another continent, in America. The headwear was comfortable, weighed practically nothing, and, if necessary, could be easily folded, taking up little space in a soldier's bag.
In England, caps have existed since the 16th century. To stimulate wool consumption, the British Parliament passed a law in 1571, according to which men of ignoble origin were fined for walking around bareheaded on weekends. The cap turned out to be an inexpensive and convenient solution to this problem. Its popularity among workers continued until the middle of the last century. The headdress was perfect for driving a car, working in a workshop, on a construction site. Many people still associate flat caps with a work uniform.
With the growing popularity of American football, the baseball cap appeared. It took almost a hundred years to improve and consolidate a single standard for the sports attribute. It differs from the classic version by a high round crown and an enlarged visor.
Despite the variety of styles, the classic cap has certain characteristics. It is made of natural materials, has a precise cut and quality of tailoring. The curved inner part of the visor fits comfortably to the head without causing discomfort.
Popular styles
Among the varieties of caps, two main groups can be distinguished, which have significant external differences. The first category includes classic models with a flat bottom, intended for everyday wear in the cold season. Accordingly, they are sewn from woolen fabrics. The second group is multiple versions of baseball caps, which differ in cut and visor size. Such headwear is intended for informal settings, made of cotton or blended materials, decorated with embroidery and patterns. Both options are present in women's and men's collections. The names traditionally reflect the sewing features or purpose of the model.
Men's
For a long time, the cap was intended exclusively for men. This explains the traditional cut and discreet design of the headdress. For the production of classic models, woolen or mixed fabrics of dark colors with a small pattern (rib, herringbone, check) are used. Men's caps have a clear silhouette, are compact in volume, have virtually no decorative elements, and can be complemented with ears and a sized strap. Baseball caps are more varied in design, with trim, depending on the model, including mesh inserts, embroidered logos, and bright prints.
The most popular types of men's caps and their names:
- Six- and eight-panel caps are classic, voluminous models, the crown of which is sewn from the corresponding number of parts. The joint of the panels at the top is closed with a button covered with fabric. The peak is oval, semi-soft, small or medium in size. The side profile of the product is triangular, the front part is fixed to the plane of the peak with a button.
- Kartuz is a headdress with a small oval visor, a low cylindrical crown and a soft cap consisting of a flat bottom and side walls. The compact silhouette and clear lines are associated with military uniforms.
- Gavroche is a variation of the classic eight-piece. The design is not fixed to the visor plane, so it can be moved in any direction. The voluminous, soft silhouette looks romantic and slightly casual.
- The English cap is a compact headdress of a flat shape. The fit is shallow, the back part is raised, the front part almost completely hides a small visor. The silhouette is monolithic, which is achieved by an ideal cut. The model is made of high-quality woolen fabrics, always looks expensive and respectable.
- French cap - consists of a high cylindrical crown with a flat bottom and a visor, the length of which depends on the features of the model. It differs from military headdresses in its soft design.
- The cap has retained all the features typical of uniform models: a rigid visor, a high cylindrical crown, and a flat crown. It goes well with military and grunge style clothing.
- A baseball cap is a cap with a rounded crown, a rigid visor, and a fastener on the back. For ventilation, holes (eyelets) are punched in the fabric or the crown is partially made of mesh. Types of baseball caps differ in the curve and size of the visor (curved, straight, or shortened).
- Coppola - is practically no different from a flat English cap and was at one time borrowed by Italian workers who went to work in Great Britain. According to statistics, every second man in Sicily wears it. Local residents are firmly convinced that the coppola is their own invention.
- Raglan cap – got its name from its unique cut. To create a perfectly flat model without seams on the top, hat makers used the method by which a raglan sleeve is constructed. The result was a seemingly simple, but very elegant headdress.
Some types of men's caps have remained virtually unchanged throughout their history. The longest-lived are the eight-piece caps, which are still very popular today.
Women's
Despite the fact that a cap is a man's headdress, women successfully use it. The main thing is that the style of the cap corresponds to the chosen image, is appropriate in each specific case. A number of models are in particular demand:
- Kepi is a headdress with a small straight visor and a flat bottom, which has an external resemblance to a peaked cap. In a modern interpretation, it is a cute cap that looks bold and rather provocative.
- A women's baseball cap is a well-known sports accessory. The democratic model is suitable for outdoor recreation, meeting with friends. For girls, it is better to choose a baseball cap with a low crown, the size can usually be adjusted with a clasp.
- Bell is a name that accurately conveys the peculiarity of the model. A neat cap fits tightly around the head, slightly narrowing at the top. The design looks like a bell. A small visor does not spoil the overall impression. The model is very feminine.
- Jockey cap – has a direct relation to equestrian sports. It is a modified rider's helmet, streamlined, round in shape. The model for everyday wear has no neck fastener. Looks good with a jacket, tight trousers, high boots.
- Three-, five-, eight-piece – the number of wedges during sewing determines the silhouette of the headdress. Such design features are not of fundamental importance for the consumer. The famous eight-piece has remained at the peak of popularity for more than one century.
- German hat – has a somewhat aggressive silhouette due to the square visor. The straight high crown with a flat top also contributes. The model is also called Finnish or cadet, which indicates its similarity to the army style.
- A flat cap is an analogue of a popular male model. It is perfect for girls as an addition to a sporty style, during sea voyages, car trips, and country walks.
- A visor is a visor attached to a wide band. It is relevant for athletes who spend a lot of time on open courts. Eye protection from the sun is necessary, but the head sweats in a cap, which creates certain inconveniences. This is how a very functional accessory appeared.
- The cap is a version of the peaked cap with a less strict silhouette. The simplified cut and soft shape became the key to the popularity of the headdress. It is sewn from wool and light fabrics, velveteen, leather. The resemblance to the army attribute gives the image a decisive, daring look.
- Beret cap – combines a soft, feminine silhouette and such a functional detail as a visor. Voluminous models will suit a wardrobe of almost any style.
- The Breton cap is a type of peaked cap that was part of the uniform of French sailors. The model is made of wool, while retaining the trim details typical of a uniform headdress. It looks very impressive. Recommended for creating the image of a Parisian fashionista.
- A cap with a straight visor is a type of baseball cap. It gained popularity in the 90s, when hip-hop stars regularly wore it at their parties. It was convenient to wear sunglasses with such a visor. There are often disputes over the correct name for a cap with a straight visor. Rapper caps that returned from the 90s are now called snapbacks.
The women's cap differs from the strict men's models in its softer silhouette, coloring, and trim details. Many people build their image according to the laws of contrast, using military-style headwear in their wardrobe. With the right combination of individual elements, their own original style is formed.
How to choose
When choosing a headdress, it is necessary to take into account the general style of clothing, the features of the silhouette. The cap should contrast in color with the material of the jacket. For a coat with a colorful pattern (herringbone, checkered), it is better to choose a single-color headdress and vice versa.
The composition of the fabric is of great importance. Natural materials provide good thermal insulation and air permeability. The best lining is considered to be made of silk or viscose. Synthetic fabrics are less breathable and retain heat well.
You should carefully select the size, the headdress should fit tightly, but not squeeze the head. If there is a clasp or strap, you need to check their quality.
The cap is chosen taking into account the physiological features of the face. Pay attention to the depth of the fit, the shape of the top, the size of the visor. A voluminous model visually compensates for square cheekbones, large facial features, and full cheeks. Raglan caps and baseball caps with a medium-sized visor are suitable for narrow faces.
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