Forage Cap

Foldable military cap

A forage cap, field service cap, or side hat as known as in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, or garrison cap in the US, field service or wedge cap in Canada, is a foldable military cap with straight sides and a creased or hollow crown sloping to the back where it is parted.

It follows the style which originated with the so-called Austrian Cap in the 1890s. There was also a previous version known as the ‘Torin’ from Italy, which had a much more curved top line when viewed from the side. Both Austrian and Torin types were distinguished by the inclusion of a fold down section for warming the ears and back of the head in inclement weather. These two styles are still used by officers of some British units and continue to include this feature. In appearance the cap is similar to the Glengarry, but differs by a lack of the tartan, or check trim, toorie, and ribbons typical of the Scottish cap.

It has been associated with various military forces from the time of World War I to the present day, and various youth organizations. A convenient feature of this cap is that when the owner is indoors and no coat-hook is available on which to hang it, it can be easily stored (by folding it over the belt or, unofficially, by tucking it under a shoulder strap).