The History, Styles, and Revival of Capo Hats in Men's Fashion

The History and Style of Capo Hats

Capo hats, sometimes called Cabbie hats, have a long and storied history. With their short brims and indented crowns, these hats exude vintage style and timeless sophistication. Though Capo hats are often associated with old-fashioned cab drivers and newspaper boys, they have seen a major resurgence in recent years among fashionable men looking to add a retro touch to their ensemble.

The Origins of the Capo Hat

Capo hats trace their origins to mid-19th century England and Ireland. English drivers wearing cloth caps and Irish immigrants sporting flat tweed caps are said to have inspired the design. These caps evolved into the distinct shape that Capo hats are now known for. The name "Capo" comes from the Italian word for "head."

Capo hats became extremely popular in big American cities in the early 20th century. All classes of men wore them, from businessmen to policemen. The classic look and functionality made Capo hats a wardrobe staple. They were worn for both fashion and function - the stiff fronts protected wearers from the elements.

The Capo Hat's Place in Today's Fashion World

Though Capo hats fell out of mainstream fashion after the 1950s, they never truly went away. Certain subcultures and style tribes kept these hats alive. In the last decade, Capo hats have exploded back onto the men's fashion scene. What accounts for their renewed popularity?

Much of it has to do with changing attitudes towards masculinity and a thirst for vintage-inspired style. Capo hats call to mind old black-and-white films and classic leading men. For the Instagram generation, they represent an ideal of effortless cool. The hats are also wearable - their compact shape makes them flattering on most face shapes.

Tips for Styling Your Capo Hat

How do you incorporate a Capo hat into a modern wardrobe? Here are some style tips:

• Play into the vintage vibe. Pair your Capo with items like white t-shirts, leather jackets, straight-leg jeans, and Chelsea boots.
• Contrast old and new. The hat will look fresh with contemporary pieces like a slim suit or an oversized sweater.
• Stick to neutrals and earth tones. Rich shades like olive green, navy blue, brown, and gray will let the hat stand out.
• Skip flashy embellishments. Maintain the pared-back style with minimal jewelry and patterns.
• Choose classic fabrics. Wool, cotton, linen blends will emphasize the old-school aesthetic.

Popular Types of Capo Hats

There are a few common silhouettes and material variations when it comes to Capo hats. The main options include:

Wool Capo Hats

The most iconic Capo style features felt wool. Wool lends itself to a flexible shape with a slight sheen. Wool caps come in a range of neutral and dark colors. They have an upscale yet casual vibe.

Tweed Capo Hats

Tweed caps offer texture and rustic appeal. The woven fabric incorporates different flecks of color for visual interest. Tweed caps are perfect for the countryside or a heritage style. Pair them with textured jackets and scarves.

Straw Capo Hats

A summer take on the silhouette, straw Capos have a breezy vacation attitude. Natural tan and bleached white are common shades. The open weave keeps wearers cool. Straw caps work well with linen and seersucker.

Leather and Suede Capo Hats

For extra flair, go for leather or suede. These materials make the hat stand out. Leather and suede caps skew casual - they look great with denim and casual button-downs. Black and brown are the most versatile hues.

Each Capo hat material has a distinct vibe. Choose the version that fits your personal style. Whether wool, tweed, straw, leather or suede - a Capo hat offers vintage appeal and modern versatility.

Finding the Perfect Fit

An ill-fitting Capo hat can ruin the proportions of an otherwise stylish look. Follow these tips for finding your ideal size and shape:

Measure Your Head

Grab a fabric measuring tape and wrap it around your head about 1 inch above your eyebrows. This gives your hat size. Capo hats come in a range of sizes from small to extra-large. Compare your measurement to the sizing chart to find your fit.

Mind the Height

Capo hat heights range from short to tall crowns. The right height balances out your facial features. If you have a long face, go for a short crown. Those with round faces suit taller capos. An average crown works well for most guys.

Check the Brim Width

Brim widths also vary. Narrow brims keep the hat sleek, while wider brims make more of a style statement. Wider brims need wider faces to avoid looking oversized. Make sure the brim aligns with your cheekbones.

Try It On

When possible, try hats on in person. Make sure it sits squarely on your head without sagging or squeezing. The hat should not restrict your vision. Finding the perfect match means sampling different sizes and shapes until you discover "the one."

With the right fit and styling, a Capo hat lets you tap into old-school sophistication. It is the ultimate finishing piece for those with an eye for nostalgic style.

FAQs

What is the difference between a capo hat and a cabbie hat?

Capo hats and cabbie hats refer to the same style of hat - vintage-inspired caps with short brims and indented crowns. "Capo" comes from the Italian word for "head" while "cabbie" refers to old-fashioned cab drivers who commonly wore these hats.

What face shapes do capo hats suit best?

Capo hats tend to suit oval, square, and diamond face shapes best. The indented crown and short brim help balance out sharper jawlines. Those with longer faces may prefer a shorter hat crown to avoid exaggerating facial length.

How can I make my capo hat stand out?

Choose a bolder color like crimson red or forest green rather than basic black or brown. Textured fabrics like houndstooth or herringbone tweed also grab attention. Finally, go for wider brim widths - around 2.5 to 3 inches makes a statement.

What outfit combinations work well with a capo hat?

For vintage flair, wear your capo with items like straight leg jeans, white t-shirts, bomber or leather jackets, and Chelsea boots. Modern pieces like an oversized sweater, casual blazer, or slim trousers also pair nicely.