So you decided to upgrade your style with an ivy cap-good decision. The ivy capis one of the most fashionable and easy-to-wear flat caps around! It has a suave but dapper style combined with smooth, sharp looks that elevate just about any outfit. Perfect with a sweater vest, or collared shirt your look goes from ordinary to classy just by putting it on.
Either way, there's just a few simple style rules to follow before you start wearing an ivy cap. Pay close attention and you can reap the benefits of this versatile and classic hat style. But first some basics...
An ivy cap is a flat cap that has a stiff, very short brim like a baseball cap in front. It is made of cloth-either cotton, wool or wool blends, leather or polyester, and has a low crown or profile that is set forward and fastened to the brim. It's made from three cuts of fabric and stitched from front to back, unlike the newsboy cap which is made of 8 panels and very baggy, it is a neatly cut hat with a trim design.
What Outfits to Wear With it
Ivy caps can really enhance an outfit but they don't go with every outfit. They go best with collared shirts, shirt and sweaters, or sweater vests. Sometimes you can pull off wearing a cotton Ivy cap with jeans and a t-shirt however but it has to the right kind of cap. The solid cotton in black or navy is usually your best bet.
Ivy's don't always go well with suits either-at least the more upscale kind. You need to be in a casual outfit that's a cut or two above your average everyday or lounging gear. Think business-casual. If you are a little more creative you can pair it with a leather vest and shirt, or another outfit that is stylish and artistic. After all ivy caps are often worn by actors, directors and singers after all-but chances are your not any of these. Anyway, you can still look like one if you play your style cards right.
You can wear one with a tweed suit, but you really run the risk of looking like an Irish farmer! Wear it with modern clothes and make sure it gives the look character... without turning you into one!
When to Wear an Ivy Cap
Wear your Ivy cap when out and about with friends, or even just doing your normal every days. It's the perfect way to set yourself apart- even when your main goal for the day is to pick-up dry cleaning and buy groceries. At least you won't look like its just another normal day.
The best thing about wearing an ivy cap is it makes you look great, no matter what you are doing. It's not as formal as the fedoraor pork pie hat, and since it is cloth, its easy to throw on as you head out the door.
Also, wear these hats in cooler weather-all or early Winter and Spring are key times for this hat. Don't be that guy wearing one in -10 degree weather with a scarf-put on a fedora or winter hat. Likewise, opt for a straw hat in the summer months.
Take a minute to shop for ivy caps and find one that makes you look great.
Types of Ivy Caps to Buy
There's several types ofivy caps. It depends on what type of style you are after. The wool or wool blend ivy is a little more formal and ideal for wearing with clothing that is just a notch or two more upscale. They come in all different solid colors but a dark navy, gray or black will go with most color patterns.
A cotton ivy cap is the most flexible option ideal for casual clothing. This is your everyday-going-to-the-park or picking-up-the-dry-cleaning hat. It works with a sweater vest to a simple collared shirt or Henley.