Breton Cap

This is a old-style cap with a flat top, a band around the bottom, and a visor. They might also be called a “fisherman’s cap,” a “mariner’s cap,” and they might remind some people of a train conductor’s cap.

I even saw a reference to a “John Lennon cap,” since he famously wore one. Vladimir Lenin was also known to wear one.

The only etymology I could find for “Breton cap” is that they were popularized by fisherman in the Brittany region of France. “Breton” is a geographic metonym for that area.

But, it’s important to note that I’ve found so many definitions for this type of cap, that “Breton” might only refer to one particular style or usage of it. Also, there is another type of head covering called a Breton Hat, which is a completely different style for women. Its etymology is similar.