An Irish cap is timeless. There’s history, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence in every stitch. Whether you’re looking to buy your first or upgrade to something better, there are a few variations you’ll come across - like the newsboy cap vs baker boy cap.

Both are rooted in Irish and British heritage but they have their own character. So what’s the difference between baker boy and newsboy cap styles? We’re here to break it down for you!

The newsboy cap has an eight-panel crown and a button top. This gives it a fuller, vintage-inspired shape that feels relaxed yet refined. A baker boy cap has a similar rounded form but with a softer silhouette and modern detailing. It’s a bit more modern.

In short, a newsboy cap is classic and structured, while a baker boy brings a touch of playful charm to your look. You can learn more about the differences between a baker boy vs newsboy cap below, OR, you can treat yourself to the best selection of Irish caps online here today.

From newsboy to flat caps, every piece is handcrafted in Ireland using traditional tweed and time-honoured skill. Shop our selection today and see what keeps customers coming back for more!

“The description and the fit of the cap matched what I received. It’s warm but lightweight. Very happy with my purchase, and very happy with the speed of its delivery.” - William

“I found exactly the cap I knew my husband would like. The quality is excellent, and he is extremely happy with it. The site was easy to use and I look forward to looking for more items our family would enjoy!” - Darcy

“Very fast delivery, with tracking and daily status updates. The classic Irish cap I ordered is of impeccable quality, looks great, and fits perfectly.” - Axel

Quick Look at the Difference Between Baker Boy and Newsboy Cap 

Feature	Newsboy	Baker Boy
Crown	Full, rounded	Softer, puffier
Panels	Classic 8-panel with top button	Often 8-panel; more relaxed
Brim/Peak	Short peak, snapped under crown	Can sit lower; sometimes contrast
Silhouette	Heritage, vintage character	Fashion-forward, playful
Typical fabrics	Tweed/wool (Donegal, herringbone)	Tweed, corduroy, denim, leather trims
Best with	Wool coats, tweed jackets, knits	Turtlenecks, trench coats, denim
Overall vibe	Traditional with easy charm	Modern twist on a classic

What is a Newsboy Cap? 

The newsboy cap is one of Ireland’s most recognisable headwear styles. It’s the perfect balance of modern practicality with heritage charm. 

It was first worn in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among newspaper boys, which is where the name hails from. But it was quickly adopted by dock workers and tradesmen across Ireland and Britain.

The eight-panel crown gathers at a central button for a rounded, full silhouette that sits comfortably and naturally on the head. These caps were traditionally crafted from wool or Donegal tweed for protection from wind, rain, and cold - all while looking smart and stylish.

This is why you still see the newsboy cap worn today. Wearing one is like taking a trip back to simpler times, and it keeps you cozy when temperatures start to drop. It’s really versatile as far as style goes, too. It can be worn with a wool coat, a knit jumper, or a tailored blazer.

The cap’s fullness feels relaxed, but the structure adds polish - it’s truly the best of both worlds. While it’s mostly worn by men, women love the newsboy cap as well. It has evolved from a workwear staple into a year-round fashion essential.

You can learn more about the newsboy cap origin in our blog if you’re interested. In the meantime, we want to introduce the other half of our newsboy cap vs baker boy cap comparison.

What is a Baker Boy Cap?

The baker boy cap shares much of its history with the newsboy, but they are distinct styles. This one has a more modern, fashion-driven interpretation. The name can be traced back to its original use, when bakers wore similar rounded caps in early 20th-century Europe.

Like the newsboy, it features an eight-panel crown and a short brim. The subtle differences often go overlooked, but they are important. This style has a slightly puffier, softer crown and may include details like contrast stitching, decorative buttons, or leather peaks. It’s a trendier, more stylised cap. 

The baker boy cap has become a favourite even in present day because it has a playful yet sophisticated flair. It bridges classic and contemporary design, so it too is worn by men and women alike.

You can style a baker boy cap with denim, trench coats, or tailored separates. However you go about it, you’re adding texture and confidence to any outfit. But is this the right type of cap for you, or should you go with the newsboy cap?

Let’s take a closer look at the newsboy cap vs baker boy cap side by side below.

Newsboy Cap vs Baker Boy Cap: Key Differences to Consider

The newsboy and baker boy caps share a common heritage - rounded silhouettes, short peaks, and a connection to Europe’s working class of the past. They carry the same Irish and British craftsmanship with materials like Donegal tweed and wool for warmth, structure, and texture.

But despite these overlaps and the undeniable fact that they look pretty similar, the distinctions do matter. Here’s what you need to know about the newsboy cap vs baker boy cap.

Design and Structure

The newsboy cap has a traditional eight-panel crown stitched together with a button at the top. It has a fuller, rounded body that gives it depth and character. The short brim is usually snapped to the front panel. The shape is clean and unified.

On the other hand, the baker boy cap takes that same foundation and softens it. The crown tends to be puffier, less structured, and sometimes finished with fashion details like contrast peaks or decorative seams. The result is a cap that feels more relaxed and contemporary.

Style and Fit

You can make it easier to choose between a newsboy cap vs baker boy cap based on what type of style resonates with you most. This is where they differ more tangibly.

A newsboy cap suits those drawn to timeless, traditional fashion. It pairs perfectly with wool coats, tailored jackets, or knitwear, giving any outfit a refined touch. Its structured crown adds a bit of height, and it flatters most face shapes.

In contrast, the baker boy cap leans towards a more fashion-forward look with its softer silhouette. It’s usually worn slightly tilted or styled with casual outfits like denim and trench coats.

It’s worth noting that both styles are unisex.

Which is Right For You?

Ultimately, only you can choose between the baker boy vs newsboy cap. There really is no right or wrong answer here. And frankly, you might find room for BOTH styles in your wardrobe!

Each has its own personality, but both are timeless staples. The newsboy cap is the clear choice for anyone who wants something more classic, while a baker boy cap works wonderfully if you want the modern, trendier version.

Either way, Aran Sweater Market is here to unveil the premier selection of Irish caps online.

Shop the Best Selection of Irish Caps Online at Aran Sweater Market

Aran Sweater Market has spent generations preserving Ireland’s craft traditions, and our collection of Irish caps is no exception. Each piece is made in Ireland by expert weavers using authentic Donegal tweed and natural wool for warmth, durability, and distinctive texture.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic newsboy cap or the refined flat cap, you’re getting a true work of art that’s crafted to last a lifetime. One that carries the story of Ireland in every stitch. We work closely with local artisans so every piece meets our high standards of quality and comfort.

Shop with Aran Sweater Market to experience genuine Irish heritage, thoughtfully made and delivered from the heart of the Aran Islands to homes around the world. See why we’ve earned over 50,000 positive reviews on Trustpilot today!

Wrapping Up Our Baker Boy vs Newsboy Cap Comparison

We hope this breakdown of the newsboy cap vs baker boy cap has left you with total clarity on the differences between these two iconic hats. Both have the same Irish roots but speak to different styles. In closing, the newsboy cap is known for structure, warmth, and timeless appeal, while the baker boy brings softness and a touch of contemporary flair.

You can learn more about the differences between a newsboy cap vs flat cap or the Irish flat cap history here in our blog. Otherwise, it’s time to explore the finest selection of Irish caps online, right here at Aran Sweater Market. Browse our Irish flat caps and see what catches your eye!