Different Types of Flat Caps: Styles, Names & Key Differences

The most recognizable flat cap styles are the Ivy cap, Newsboy cap, and Duckbill cap. They differ mainly in volume, crown construction, and front shape.

Other names—such as Driving Cap, Scally, Bunnet, or Baker Boy—may describe variations, regional terms, or closely related styles rather than completely separate constructions.

If you are trying to identify a cap you already own or have seen, the next section shows which construction details to check first.

Start with the crown's overall volume.

A cap that sits close to the head usually leans toward an Ivy-style profile, while a noticeably fuller crown points more toward a Newsboy-style cap. A crown that narrows smoothly toward the front is more characteristic of a Duckbill.

A simple rule of thumb: more crown volume usually means a more Newsboy-like silhouette.

Next, look at how the crown is assembled.

Newsboy caps commonly show several visible panels meeting toward the top, while Ivy and Duckbill styles tend to look smoother and less segmented from a distance.

This is especially useful when two caps appear similar from the side but look very different from above.

Finally, look at how the crown meets the brim.

On many Ivy-style caps, the short brim remains clearly visible. Newsboy caps often have more fabric extending over the brim, while Duckbill caps usually create a smoother transition between crown and front peak.

Taken together, crown volume, panel structure, and brim integration give you a more reliable way to identify a flat cap than the name alone.

Although flat caps are sold under many names, most styles fall into a few recognizable forms. A classic flat cap generally refers to the traditional low-profile shape, while Ivy, Newsboy, and Duckbill caps offer three distinct style directions.

The Ivy cap is one of the most versatile flat-cap styles. Its neat appearance works easily with everyday outfits, smart-casual clothing, and heritage-inspired looks without feeling overly vintage.

It is a good choice if you want a cap that feels understated and easy to wear across different settings.

Best for: a clean, classic look that works with almost anything.

The Newsboy cap has a stronger vintage and heritage character than most other flat-cap styles. Its more expressive shape makes the cap itself a noticeable part of the outfit rather than just a subtle finishing touch.

It works especially well with textured layers, traditional menswear, and outfits where you want a little more personality.

Best for: vintage, heritage, or statement styling.

In Ireland, Paddy cap is another name sometimes used for the traditional Irish flat cap, particularly in retail and popular usage.

The term does not define a specific crown shape or panel construction, so a cap sold as a Paddy cap may resemble an Ivy, driving, or other traditional flat-cap style.

The main difference is that flat cap is the broader term, Newsboy cap describes a fuller, paneled style within that family, and Scally cap is primarily a regional name rather than a single standardized construction.

A classic flat cap usually has a cleaner, lower silhouette than a Newsboy cap. The Newsboy stands out because of its extra crown volume and paneled construction, which give it a rounder shape.

A Scally cap, however, is not defined by one universal crown or panel pattern. A cap sold as a Scally may resemble an Ivy, driving, or another traditional flat-cap style, so the name alone does not always tell you exactly how the cap is constructed.

If you are comparing them visually, focus on the shape rather than the label: low and streamlined usually points toward a classic flat cap, while fuller and more paneled points toward a Newsboy. “Scally” tells you more about naming tradition than construction.

Caps resembling the modern flat cap have been worn in Britain for centuries. In 1571, an English statute on wool caps required the wearing of wool caps on Sundays and holidays as part of an effort to support the domestic wool industry. The law did not create the modern flat cap, but it forms part of the longer history of wool cap-wearing in Britain.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, flat caps had become strongly associated with working-class dress across Britain and Ireland, while also appearing in sporting and country settings.

Today, styles such as the Ivy, Newsboy, and Duckbill continue that heritage in forms worn across casual and contemporary fashion.

Flat caps may go by many different names, but the easiest way to understand them is by looking at shape, crown volume, panel construction, and brim profile. Ivy, Newsboy, and Duckbill caps represent some of the clearest style differences, while names such as Driving Cap, Scally, Bunnet, Paddy Cap, and Dai Cap often reflect variations or regional terminology.

Once you know the silhouette you prefer, choosing the right cap comes down to fit, fabric, and how you plan to wear it.

For a more distinctive heritage look, explore our tartan flat caps and find a pattern that matches your style.