The kepi is a cap with a flat circular top and a peak, or visor. In English, the term is a loanword from French: képi, itself a re-spelled version of the Alemannic German: Käppi, a diminutive form of Kappe, meaning "cap". In Europe, the kepi is most commonly associated with French military and police uniforms, though versions of it were widely worn by other armies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, it is usually associated with the American Civil War, as it was worn by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
French Army kepi
1942 portrait of General Charles de Gaulle of the Free French Forces wearing a kepi
General Boulanger wearing a kepi c. 1880
White kepi of the Foreign Legion
A cap is a flat headgear, usually with a visor. Caps have crowns that fit very close to the head. They made their first appearance as early as 3200 BC. The origin of the word "cap" comes from the Old French word "chapeau" which means "head covering". Over time, the word has evolved and changed its meaning, but it still retains its association with headwear. Caps typically have a visor, or no brim at all. They are popular in casual and informal settings, and are seen in sports and fashion. They are typically designed for warmth, and often incorporate a visor to block sunlight from the eyes. They come in many shapes, sizes, and are of different brands. Baseball caps are one of the most common types of cap.
The Meyrick Helmet is a Celtic: Brythonic helmet that is likely to have originated from Northern England in the 1st century AD. The flat plane extending from the rim is intended to protect the back of the neck, however some theorise it may have been turned in reverse to shield the eyes from sunlight whilst in battle
German M43-style field cap of the "Bundesgrenzschutz" (BGS) (now called Bundespolizei), the German Federal Police
A propeller hat, also known as a propeller beanie.
Phrygian cap as fashion