By Kyle MacNall

At the recent ANME Summer Trade Show, one of our new exhibitors was Boston Scally Co. They are known for making the classic and iconic “Skally” style, wool flat cap. The flat cap style can be traced all the way back to 14th Century Northern United Kingdom. The term Skally was used by the Irish for the working class in the UK, which were known for wearing the Flat Cap. I was excited to get my hands on some of these caps.

The term “Skally” and style has long been a staple in and around Boston, Massachusetts, an area steeped in Irish Heritage that embraces the gritty- roll up- your- sleeves- and get- things done Blue Collar way of life. However, Skally Caps have experienced a growing surge in popularity thanks to mentions and usage in recent pop culture. The Dropkick Murphys, a Double Platinum Irish Style Punk Rock group have long been known for donning the Skally Cap Style on Stage and videos.  Connor McCregor, UFC Champion, and actor can be found regularly wearing a Skally Cap. In fact, Boston Skally has a UFC Licensed Connor McCregor limited edition cap available. Then there is Peaky Blinders, a popular television series on Netflix, set in the early 1900’sUK. This series follows a family/gang known for the razor blades they keep hidden in brim of their flat caps. These pop culture references have caused a bit of a resurgence in the popularity of the Wool Skally Cap style in current fashion and casual wear.

At the show I spoke with Ginger Murphy from Boston Skally. She informed me that the reason they had come to the ANME Trade Show was because they have seen a growing interest and customer base in active-duty military and first responders. That would make sense as it does not get much more blue-collar working class then our military and first responders.

The Boston Skally caps are very well designed, with clean and tight stitching and multiple styles. They sent us out multiple styles to review. These included the “Peaky” and the “Black Rose: The Plaid Peaky” both styled after the Netflix Series, Peaky Blinders.  Also included was the “Caddy” in “Fairway Plaid” color, reminiscent of the classic golf Caddy style flat caps. The “Boondock Collectors Edition” in black includes a green plaid under brim and the Latin words “Veritas” and “Aequitas” inside the rim. Which translate to “Truth” and “Justice.” This term relates back to the Cult Classic film “Boondock Saints.” as the words are tattooed on the hands of the main characters.

Flat brim Skally style caps continue to hold a spot in History and are often sought out for their nostalgia and comfortable wear. Continued references across pop culture have put them in the lime light recently among a younger buying audience.   You can view the full line of Boston Skally caps and apparel at www.bostonskally.com. For wholesale pricing and dealer inquiries email Ginger Murphy directly at ginger@bostonskally.com. Make sure to tell her that Kyle loves his Boston Skally!