There are many different styles of military caps, from everyday wear to ceremonial dress which differ from country to country.
These includes:
THE PEAKED CAP
The peaked cap was first used in the late 18th century across Northern Europe. Initially worn by the working class but later on, it was picked by army personnel of the Russian and Prussian military. A peaked cap is spotted by its characteristic feature i.e. its peak. It consists of a crown, a band, and a short peak. In earlier times, this peak was made out of leather, but now a cheaper synthetic material is more commonly used. A badge is also found at the front of the hat, embroidery is also usually done to represent a certain rank. A peak cap is also referred to as a service cap or barracks cover. It is quite popular among the military forces of many countries.
PATROL CAP
The patrol cap was first introduced as a part of military uniform back in the 20th century during the Korean War – so named by the US Army Soldiers in the Korean War. Today, it is more commonly used as headgear in training environments. It consists of a rounded crown and a bill projecting from the front. In earlier times, a patrol cap was manufactured with excellent quality material that was usually wind resistant. Initially, the hat also had flannels on each side to cover the ears. However, that is rarely seen in modern patrol caps.
BUSH HAT
The Boonie, booney or bush hat was first used by the military forces of the US in the Vietnam War that took place in the late 20th century. Ever since, it has been associated with the military forces the world over, especially the ones in hotter climates. A bush hat is usually manufactured with a wind-resistant poplin or cotton material that is lightweight and breathable yet sturdy. It consists of a low, circular crown and a moderately wide brim. However, a bush hat has a stiffer brim and a more sturdy feel. the crown of a bush hat is usually vented with small eyelets or mesh panels to maintain breathability. A chinstrap is also added to keep the hat in place.
MILITARY BERET HAT
Berets have been a common military headgear since the late 19th century. In the early 1880s, the French army units were the first ones to officially incorporate a beret hat into their uniform. Beret hats come in different colours to represent different military forces or ranks. Berets are usually made of cotton, wool, or fleece. It consists of a flat top and a fold which is either pushed to the left or right. The general rule for wearing a British Army beret is to shape the headdress back and to the right for the material and to have the leather band level around the head with the cap badge two fingers above the left eye. The Scottish Infantry has different rules for the Tamo’shanter with the cap badge worn on the left side of the head. Berets are widely popular among the military forces because they are easy to wear, cheap, and easy to produce in large numbers. A list of British beret colours can be found below (Military beret – Wikipedia).
BEARSKIN HAT
In 1768, Bearskin hats were introduced. Following the Battle of Waterloo, all members of the newly named Grenadier Guards were permitted to wear the bearskin. This privilege had previously been restricted to the grenadier company of the regiment. In 1831, this distinction was extended to the other two regiments of foot guards (Coldstream and Scots) in existence at that date. Bearskins were subsequently adopted by the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards when raised in 1900 and 1915 respectively. Members of the following units are currently authorised to wear the bearskin cap with their full dress:
- Grenadier Guards
- Coldstream Guards
- Scots Guards
- Irish Guards
- Welsh Guards
- Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
- Honourable Artillery Company
The standard bearskin for the British foot guards is 11 inches (280 millimetres) tall at the front, 16 inches (410 millimetres) to the rear, weighs 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms), and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear. However, an officer’s bearskin is made from the fur of the Canadian brown bear, as the female brown bear has thicker, fuller fur; officers’ caps are dyed black. An entire skin is used for each headdress. The British Army purchase the headdresses, which are known as caps, from a British hatmaker which sources its pelts from an international auction. The hatmaker purchases between 50 and 100 black bear skins each year at a cost of about £650 each. If properly maintained, the caps last for decades.
COMMANDO CAP
Designed in WW2, The British Commando Cap Comforter was introduced in the late 19th century as an informal working headdress for British soldiers performing manual labour at camp, and as a comfortable undress cap on active service. In the Second World War, soldiers in many British and Canadian regiments wore cap comforters during field training and while carrying out manual tasks. Although they could be used as a neck scarf, they were typically worn under the Brodie helmet to provide warmth in colder conditions. In Modern times, the Commando Cap has turned into more of a beanie-type hat.
JayJays is a distributor of a diverse range of hats.
BERET (KHAKI)
Approved small crown, 100% wool beret.
Banded with soft black leather and comes with a mid-blue coloured silk lining and bow.
Manufactured to meet and exceed current UK MoD specifications.
Special Forces Bush Hat (MTP)
Small-tailored brim and adjustable chin retaining strap.
Easily folded into a pocket size. Polycotton ripstop.
Keela SF Pola Cap
Combines Rainlife 5000 outer fabric with a fleece lining.
Waterproof & breathable with a wired peak and buttonhole on-ear guards for attachment of straps.
Elasticated at back with velcro adjustment.
Fully seam-sealed
Rainlife 5000 uses a texturized outer with a waterproof hydrophilic coating. This delivers improved breathability and waterproofing for fantastic all-around outdoor performance.
Mesh Operators Cap – BTP
3 x Velcro patches and Kombat Tactical embroidered on the front Velcro panel
Mesh ventilated back
Polycotton ripstop
Thinsulate Watch Hat
Classic beanie hat with Thinsulate™ lining for extra warmth.
Double-layer knit encases insulated lining for maximum heat retention.
Jay Jay’s was founded in 1993 by our team of former Police and Military personnel. We’ve been manufacturing load-bearing equipment and supplying clothing for the military for thirty years. Our innovative, built-for-life products and industry-leading customer service have earned us an outstanding reputation that we’re incredibly proud of.
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