31. In the 16th century, all non-noble Englishmen over the age of 6 had to wear a flat cap on a Sunday
The flat cap – beloved of farmers and, latterly, hipsters – has its origins in a truly bizarre English law. In 1571, Parliament passed a law forcing all non-nobles to wear a wool cap on Sundays and holidays. Lawbreakers faced a 3-farthing fine. Parliament passed the officious legislation to boost the domestic wool industry, which found itself in dire straits in 1571. This law was absurd even in its day, and Parliament repealed it in 1597. However, after 26 years, people had grown rather fond of wearing woolen hats. Thus, the law gave birth to the flat cap.
