Cap fits for new generation

It's time to tip your cap to headgear that's becoming a fashion icon. Women's Editor

finds out why the flat cap is at the top of the style stakes.

It's a fashion that caps it all. The traditional wearer of a flat cap may be a whippet-loving, pigeon-fancying working class northerner, but these days the headgear has a trendy image across the nation.

A modern take of the flat cap is proving popular with fashion conscious men and women across the Black Country.

Supermarket giant Asda has seen flat cap sales jump by 82 per cent in stores over the past two years.

And while the flat cap's traditional northern heartland is still a stable market, the supermarket chain says there has been a surge in sales across the nation - especially in the south.

Asda's country-style brown and burgundy and brown flat caps sell more than three times as many in the south as in its stores in the north.

It's believed that a new generation of flat cap wearers such as Guy Ritchie, David Beckham and film star Samuel L Jackson has given it a trendy image - known as retro hunting chic.

And at Asda in Molineux Way, Wolverhampton, which has just re-opened its new-look George clothing department, flat caps are proving popular with shoppers.

The chain's George fashion range sells flat caps in traditional tweed style, plain blue and plain white priced at £4 each.

Shopper Vicky Groake, aged 29, of Penn, Wolverhampton, gave the flat caps the thumbs up.

"I think they look fantastic. And for just £4 I'm tempted to get one," said the housewife. "I love hats and I can see that these caps will be all the rage."

Tracey Clayes, of Kingswinford, also praised the fashion icon.

"It's no surprise flat caps are back in fashion. It is probably something my dad would wear, but I do think it can look good on all people, especially if it matches your outfit," the 30-year-old said.

Nicky Foster, of Dunstall, Wolverhampton, tried one on for size and said: "It looks like something my grandad would wear," she laughed. "But I can see why they are making a comeback in the fashion stakes," said the 20-year-old housing association events manager.