Hi, we are heading to Ireland for the first time next month (October) Got our waterproof jackets, layers, etc. In my research I've noticed a large divide of people's opinions about wearing flat caps. Some say they wear them there, others say it identifies you as a tourist, which I could care less about..I am a tourist. Anyway, I bought one on Amazon, and I look pretty good in it. But there are different levels of looking like a tourist vs looking just plain laughable. For example, I'm originally from Hawaii. Tourist that wear bright Aloha shirts, or worse couples that wear matching bright Aloha shirts are laughable. So basically, I don't mind looking like a tourist, just not a laughable one. Thoughts?
Posted by
Land of La
9223 posts
You bought it why not wear it. The moment you speak you’ll be known as a tourist. Not a big deal.
Posted by
Midwest
541 posts
Don’t know what a flat cap is? But wear whatever you would like. It is Ireland, people I don’t think will judge you by your hat. We wore hats two weeks ago when we were there. A hat under a rain hood helps keep the water out of your eyes if it is raining.
Posted by
Poland
7 posts
It is not the clothes that identify you as a tourist, but thousands of other little things that are not accepted or look strange in the society where you are going. Gestures, speech, demeanor. Anyway, that's not the main thing to be worried about. If you are a simple friendly person, no one will pay attention to your clothes and won't even think of laughing at you..
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2288 posts
Don't worry, flat caps are also referred to as Paddy caps in Ireland. You won't be the only person wearing one!
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1484 posts
I wear one when it isn't raining. I prefer a brimmed hat in the rain.
Posted by
Cornwall
341 posts
I have never seen my (Irish) brother in law (78) not wearing a flat cap.
Posted by
London, England
234 posts
Lots of people still wear flat caps in Britain and Ireland, but it tends to be either over-fifties, or hipsters.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2288 posts
Lots of people still wear flat caps in Britain and Ireland, but it tends to be either over-fifties, or hipsters.
... or the county set (and that includes the ladies too...)
Posted by
1047 posts
If your mind is in Hawaii I can see where a flat cap would seem strange. In Ireland and many other places in Europe.a flat cap would not be out of place. If you are old or a hipster, you are good. Even as in between, lost for fashion, you would be OK.
Reality is, no one is looking at you.and if they were it would not be as if you were wearing your aloha shirt.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1339 posts
I have several flat caps. Or “flat ‘ats” as they are known in Yorkshire. Where the wearing of one is almost compulsory.
Wear what you like. It’ll be fine.