The Best Newsboy Hats for Men
Whether you know them as newsboy hats, messenger caps, cabbie hats, or "those little caps that old English men wear," the newsboy hat — which is what we'll refer to them as — has long been a staple of men's outerwear. They effortlessly toe the line between casual and professional while providing an air of mystery and sophistication. Classic wool blends offer plenty of warmth in colder climates, while more modern cotton or denim constructions promise greater breathability. We've rounded up some of the best newsboy hats on the market, so read on to find your new favorite fashion accessory.
Wonderful Fashion Classic Herringbone Newsboy Hat
It's All in the Name
If you’ve never bought a newsboy hat before, this herringbone knit cap from Wonderful Fashion is a great place to start. Even if you have already forayed into the world of small outerwear hats, you’ll be still excited by the classic patterns and wool blend construction that Wonderful Fashion has to offer. An elastic band at the back ensures a proper fit, but do be sure to pay attention to the size guide. Thanks to its affordable price, this cap can keep you feeling warm and fashionable without burning through your wallet.
Pros:
- Offered in a range of classic patterns and colors
- Wool blend construction for durability and warmth
- Affordable price for fashionable hat
Cons:
- Not fully adjustable, and the elastic back is not as aesthetically clean
Ladybro 2-Pack Adjustable Newsboy Hats for Men
Caps for Every Occasion
We all struggle to pick colors for accessories, especially when you know you’ve got a heavily rotating wheel of colors in your wardrobe. Ladybro helps make your cap collection more robust by offering a 2-pack of different colored newsboy hats. Their 70% polyester/30% wool blend is on the lighter side, making this cap ideal for warmer climates and casual use. A hook-and-loop closure ensures a snug fit, while the sweatband lining helps to absorb and wick away moisture as it accumulates.
Pros:
- 2-pack of complementary colors to round out a wardrobe
- Polyester and wool blend ideal for warmer climates
- Adjustable band for a tight fit
Cons:
- Can’t directly choose which colors you want (preset pairs)
Voboom Cotton Flat Newsboy Hat
Hat's Off
For those of you who want a newsboy hat without the classic, heavy insulation, Voboom’s cap is speaking your language. The all-cotton construction is significantly more breathable than traditional tweed blends, making it the perfect hat for a stroll in the park on a warm day. They offer it in a range of solid colors, each with an elastic band to ensure a snug fit. You’ll also have an easier time machine-washing this hat on a delicate cycle, but be sure to air-dry it to avoid unwanted shrinkage.
Pros:
- 100% cotton construction is light and breathable
- Range of solid colors offered
- More easily washed than wool
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide the rugged look of tweed or wool
Peaky Blinders 8-Piece ‘Newsboy’ Style Flat Cap
English Elegance
Whether or not you’ve seen the Peaky Blinders show that helped bring newsboy hats back in popular fashion, you should definitely check out this classic 8-panel cap from Peaky Blinders. Their blend of fabric is mostly wool with a bit of polyester, ensuring proper insulation and a timeless ruggedness. Traditionalists will also appreciate the adorning button atop the hat, which is a small yet important part of a proper 8-panel flat cap. Just make sure to keep the British accent to yourself, since the hat only helps you look the part.
Pros:
- Authentic 8-panel cap branded by the show Peaky Blinders
- Wool and polyester blend is warm but not suffocating
- Proper button placement and elastic-free exterior
Cons:
- Not adjustable, so must pay special attention to sizing
- Pricier because it’s branded
Epoch Classic 8-Panel Wool Blend Newsboy Hat
Technicolor Caps
There’s no need to settle for a plain, solid cap when you can explore the wonderful world of colors with Epoch’s newsboy hat. Made of 100% wool, their hats come in a wide range of patterns and designs, each distinctly rugged and fashionable in their own right. The snap closure at the top of the brim provides two distinct looks at a moment’s notice. You’ll want to make sure to dry clean this hat, but it’ll serve you so well that you won’t mind giving it extra attention.
Pros:
- Unique blend of patterns and designs available
- 100% wool construction is rugged and warm
- Snap-closure brim for different looks and added functionality
Cons:
- Not adjustable
- More specific care required due to wool construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name “newsboy hat” come from?
When these hats became popular in the early 1900s, it was quite common to see young boys wearing them while biking along their morning newspaper route, hence the term. As mentioned, they’re also known as “flat caps,” “cabbie hats,” and “messenger caps,” but they were frequently worn by anyone of the working class. This imagery also lends itself toward the rugged, casual look that can still be dressed up if necessary.
What do I wear with a newsboy hat?
While this depends heavily on your personal wardrobe, the possibilities for newsboy hats are nearly endless. Dress it up with a fitted polo, well-tailored chinos, and a proper bomber jacket. Dress it down with a t-shirt, casual cardigan, and jeans. Generally, you wouldn’t wear it with athletic shorts and tennis shoes, but we’re not here to judge. Even a slimmed pair of sweats and well kept white sneakers could work with the right color hat.
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