The ivy cap has had quite an interesting history. 
Origins:
The hat style was born all the way back in the 14th century in North England and some parts of Southern Italy. The ivy cap itself is a rounded men’s hat with a small stiff brim in the front. The caps were soon worn in the 19th century by immigrants coming from Scotland and other parts of Europe, usually by people of the working class. The hats were worn almost exclusively by men throughout Britain and Ireland. Around the start of the 20th century the ivy hat began to be worn as part of the upper class school uniform. More ornate and high quality designs began to become available for the upper class English men. These fancier ivy cap styles began to be known as golf caps. Ivy and ascot caps are made primarily of tweed, leather, or cotton and some even have air vents on them. An ascot hat is similar to any ivy cap but is distinguished by its hardness and its round shape. Both the ivy and ascot styles feature a unique elegant style that ivy and ascot enthusiasts love. These hats were versatile because members of the working class loved these hats and the higher-end style caps were loved by the upper class as well.
Styles:
These hats are readily available in many new designs and styles but the classic form remains. Whether you loved the simpler original designs, or are looking for the older brother of the ivy and ascot hat, the “golf cap” the hat offers and fashionable and sharp style that so many people still love today. You can even find poly woven, side adjustable, herringbone, felt, and plaid styles here on e4Hats.com. The ivy and ascot cap is one of the most iconic hat types in all of the hat world. Images of the 1920's and 30's would be nothing without these time tested hats. Nowadays you can find so many patterns, materials, and fits the ivy and ascot hats have surely evolved.
The Future:
Show Your Hat Some Love:
You should take great care when it comes to washing your ivy, ascot or other flat cap. First you should read the label and see what the material or individual hat washing instructions are. When it comes to these delicate hat types hand washing is almost always preferred over a machine. Use a cotton swab and some liquid dish soap to remove stubborn stains. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess soap particles. If you have a lint roller use that to remove any lint particles or you can even just use a piece of tape. If you hat is leather use a soft cotton cloth for cleaning. When you are cleaning your hat, be sure to rub gently in circular motions. Vigorous rubbing can permanently break down the fabric fibers of the hat. If you must machine wash your hat, be sure to do it in the dishwasher and not your typical washing machine. Air-dry your hat after washing by pulling it over a hat shape holder and setting it on a flat surface out of direct sunlight. Here are some additional common hat care tips:- Every hat will develop its own personality and style with time. Small marks on the hat are all part of the hats life cycle and only add to its authenticity.
- All hats can be treated with a waterproof spray if necessary
- Some hats might shrink if they are exposed to high heat, or left out exposed to sunlight
- A stiff brim allows your hat to be shape the way that you would like, but some hats feature a flexible brim that allows the hat to be crushed.
- If you do not have a hat form place the hat on a bowl while it dries to keep its form.
- The dishwasher is another viable option for washing a hat but can sometimes fade the colors of the hat,
- Dry cleaning is also a cheap and effective way to keep your hat clean
- If you are completely lost about hat care check the tag to find washing instructions