Many people look for a "Paul & Shark" captain's cap without knowing that the Italian brand has not made this model for some time. The good news: the captain's cap is still very much alive at Le Capitaine D'a Bord, under our own house brand and that of Crown Cap, with models designed specifically for this classic silhouette.
Here is a guide to the captain's cap models actually available in store, how to tell them apart, and how to wear them.
Why you can no longer find a captain's cap from Paul & Shark
Paul & Shark previously offered a captain-style cap in its accessories collection. This model has since been discontinued, and the brand now focuses its caps on more technical styles in nylon or wool rather than the traditional structured silhouette of a captain's hat.
This is useful to know before shopping: if you are specifically looking for this style, it is better to turn to brands that still make it seriously rather than hoping to find a Paul & Shark model that simply no longer exists.
The captain's cap, the boutique's signature
At Le Capitaine D'a Bord, the captain's cap is not a secondary accessory; it is a piece that carries the very name of the boutique. Our models are designed specifically to respect the classic codes of the style: a structured silhouette, a crisp visor, and, depending on the model, a gold badge or braided cord recalling the traditional naval uniform.
Most of these caps are made from water-repellent wool, making them wearable even in damp weather—a detail that matters particularly in a climate like Québec's.
This silhouette has a specific origin. The captain's cap as we know it today derives directly from the naval uniform of the early 20th century, when an officer's rank and authority could be read largely from his headwear. At the time, the flat visor, rigid crown, and gold braid were not merely aesthetic choices: they indicated a precise rank within a ship's hierarchy. This wardrobe made its way into mainstream fashion over the decades, but the models most faithful to tradition, such as those found here, retain this original structure rather than oversimplifying it.
The models to know
Camaret, with its braid on the visor and around the edge, is the most ornate model in the collection. The braided cord and gold details make it a choice that clearly asserts the captain's style, at around $102.
Cancale offers a more understated version, without braid, for those who prefer a more discreet captain's look without losing the characteristic braided cord. It is the collection's entry-level model, at around $97.
Commodore makes a gold badge its centerpiece, with a silhouette designed for an elegant look without being overly embellished. A good compromise between the Camaret and Cancale models, at around $125.
Enseigne takes the same approach with a gold badge and slightly different proportions, at around $135—a solid choice for those who want a captain's cap with a little more visual presence.
Royan, at around $110, rounds out the range with a balance between restraint and detail in its badge and finish.
Gold badges, the discreet signature of captain's style
What truly distinguishes a successful captain's cap from a generic imitation is often the badge. On the Commodore, Enseigne, and Royan models, the gold badge is not just a logo; it is a direct reference to the traditional insignia worn by naval officers, a detail that gives the piece its visual authority.
The quality of the embroidery or raised detailing on the badge often makes all the difference between a model that retains its shine after several seasons and one that quickly tarnishes. It is a detail worth inspecting closely before buying, especially if the cap is intended for regular rather than occasional use.
The braided cord found on the Camaret and Cancale models plays a similar role, even though it is more discreet. Traditionally, this cord also indicated a specific rank in the navy, often reserved for senior officers. Today, it remains a nod to that hierarchy without carrying its actual symbolic weight, allowing these models to be worn casually without seeming out of place or pretentious.
How to choose and style your captain's cap
The choice between models depends mainly on how understated you want the look to be. For an outfit already loaded with details, such as a blazer with gold buttons or a double-breasted peacoat, the more discreet Cancale avoids overwhelming the look. For a simpler outfit, such as a plain sailor sweater, the Camaret or Enseigne, with their braid and badges, add the focal point that would otherwise be missing.
Navy remains the most versatile color and the one most faithful to the traditional captain's spirit. It pairs just as well with an Armor-Lux sailor sweater as with a dressier jacket, making it an accessory you can wear year-round, not just in summer.
Practically speaking, the captain's cap can be worn differently depending on the occasion. For a casual outing in the city, it works well with a simple shirt and chino trousers, without needing to take the nautical theme any further. For an event where you really want to embrace the captain's style from head to toe, it naturally pairs with a peacoat or navy jacket with gold buttons, completed by straight-leg trousers in a neutral shade.
The most common mistake is still piling on too many nautical references at once: a captain's cap with a gold badge, an anchor-print scarf, and a striped sailor sweater can create a costume effect rather than a look worn with ease. It is better to choose one or two standout pieces and keep the rest understated.
Two alternatives for varying the style
For those who want a variation on the nautical theme without sticking to the captain's strict silhouette, La Royale, a traditional sailor's bachi with a red pom-pom, offers a different nod to French naval heritage, with a more relaxed spirit.
The Crown Cap - Wool Greek Fisherman's Cap offers another approach, with a silhouette inspired by Mediterranean fishermen rather than the navy, for those seeking a nautical style without the formal structure of the captain's model. At around $75, it is also the most affordable option in this selection—a good entry point for discovering nautical style without investing in a full captain's model.
Why the captain's cap remains a great gift choice
The captain's cap has a practical advantage for anyone looking for a gift: you do not need to guess a complex clothing size, only the head circumference, and most models cover a range of 55 to 62 cm. It is also a piece that immediately communicates the boutique's distinctive "captain" identity, making it a natural entry point for someone discovering our nautical world without yet owning a sailor sweater or a jacket from the collection.
A model like the Cancale, more affordable and understated, works well as a first purchase or introductory gift. For someone who already appreciates nautical aesthetics and wants a more assertive piece, the Camaret or Enseigne, with their more elaborate braid and badges, make a gift with greater presence under the tree or for a special occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Does Paul & Shark still make captain's caps?
No. The brand produced this style in the past, but it no longer makes it. Current Paul & Shark caps focus on more technical nylon or wool styles.
What is the difference between the Camaret, Cancale, Commodore, Enseigne, and Royan models?
The main difference lies in the level of detail: Cancale is the most understated, Camaret the most ornate with its braid, while Commodore, Enseigne, and Royan feature a gold badge with slightly varying proportions and finishes from one model to another.
How do you care for a wool captain's cap?
Dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the structure and water-repellent treatment. Avoid the washing machine, which can deform the silhouette and damage the badge or braid.
Does the captain's cap suit all head sizes?
Most models offer a size range of 55 to 62 cm. A properly fitted model should remain stable without feeling tight, especially if you plan to wear it for several hours.
Want to see all the available captain's cap models? Our selection of captain's caps brings together all the models presented here, while our complete collection of men's caps offers other styles to complete your nautical wardrobe. To pair it with an authentic sweater, also explore our guide to the Armor-Lux sailor sweater.