Inspired by his fathers WWII service in the South Pacific, the Papa crafts a product selection, an amalgam for the Beach, the Sun, the Sea. Utility, uniqueness and authenticity create a product of exceptional quality. Fully made in Japan and Australia, anything else really, is just a cap.
C Woodcock is a proud to offer our customers access to Papa Nui Cap Co. products through our outstanding affiliate partner program.
The Korea 51 cap is where art and manufacturing coincide in a rarified space.
Drawing inspiration from the very best of Korean War custom made squadron caps, the Papa has worked meticulously with the John Lofgren manufacturing group to produce a cap that sits in the ethereal space at the pinnacle of the cap making pyramid .
Luscious burgundy velvet offset with rugged HBT detailing in the internals provides ready to wear comfort which in turn is juxtaposed with beautiful Asiatic machined embroidery which references Korean and Japanese customisation acquired when pilots and air crew were on R&R in Seoul or Tokyo.
-Fully crafted in Japan by John Lofgren Bootmaker.
-Sizes M-57-58cm L-59-60cm XL-61-62cm.
-Machine embroidered dragons and rank insignia.
-100% cotton velvet
Click HERE to purchase
Charlie’ is there! An Angel who’s got your back, twin 50’s pointing towards the sun, covering the sky, covering your ass.
The Papa Nui Cap Co. Research division presents after a long fascination with the ubiquitous A-3 Mechanics Cap, an essential addition to your flight kit, The Tail End Charlie Cap.
Following the premise that gun turrets are tightly cramped spaces, the Papa has created a HBT cap that is better suited for issue to ball turret and tail gunners. A cap that captures all the history and romance of the A-3 but offers up a re-designated visor shape that provides less obstacle and more freedom of movement in a tighten environment. This cap is built solid and is not General Issue!
-Japanese milled HBT olive drab twill.
-stubby flip up visor.
-New improved Army Duck visor, the king for superior styling.
-Made in Japan by the John Lofgren Bootmaker.
-Sizes medium 57cm-58cm Large 59cm-60cm X_Large 61cm-62cm.
$110.00
Click HERE to purchase
CHESTY CAP
When the 1st Marine Division came down to Australia for furlough and refit after six hard months on the Guadalcanal campaign trail the Papa was there to lend a hand.
All new ‘Chesty Caps’, were outfitted to the ‘Old Breed’. Tough resilient and worn with a raggedy ass turn up.
Olive Drab HBT with all natural Japanese canvas visor liner to create an authentic flip of consequence.
- Medium 57-58cm
-Large 59-60cm
-XLarge 61-62cm
$110.00
Click HERE to purchase
SHOOTING STAR CAP
The Papa loves custom and the new Shooting Star cap is individual styling all the way.
Sage green cotton is the basis of the build and in true Korean War style the Shooting Star is a 1951 field cap profile that features hand cut Buzz numbers on the sides and the PN designation of the Papa’s own on the front. Add a Majors Oak Leaf rank badge and you’re mission ready to harass Migs over the Yalu.
-Sizes M-57-58cm L-59-60cm XL-61-62cm.
$135.00
Click HERE to purchase
THE PAPA A-3
On every airfield from the coral runways of the South Pacific to the muddied strips of embattled Europe , Combat Crews of the Army Air Forces wear the Papa A-3 designated caps.
Featuring new visor modifications and adding an Army Duck cloth into the liner produces superior vision and more styling options. No cheap re-enactors repro, this is the best A-3 money can buy.
-Sizes M-57-58cm L-59-60cm XL-61-62cm.
-100% cotton.
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MIKE FORCE CAP
On the outskirts of the conflict, under jungle canopies hundreds of meters high, there operates a secret cadre of individuals recognized only by their black caps, made available by special funding from CISO to the Papa Nui Cap Co.
-Original 1951 US Field Cap silhouette.
-Genuine Army Duck lined visor.
-Hand machined skull patch.
-Pure wool melton.
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X-1 CREW CAP
From the Flight Test facility at Muroc Army Airforce Base comes an all new A-3 rocket powered crew cap.
Supersonic Orange coloured cotton pays homage to the original Rocket Ace and Jet Jockey, Chuck Yeager and his trusted ground crew.
-Supersonic Orange Cotton.
-Olive HBT sweatband and taping.
-Bell X-1 rocket plane embroidered patch
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100% Japanese wool flannel is used to make the P-80 cap mission ready for any winter campaign. Available in Black or Royal, this cap provides an easy to wear A-3 styling that’s is set off with a subtle olive drab thread that’s thoroughly military and enhances the overall look and feel of this awesome cover. A perfect fit for all 1940’s and 1950’s base crews and pilots alike, that invites you to customise with a patch of your own choosing. Full army duck canvas visor lining provides superior flip up potential. Go jaunty!
-100% wool.
-Black and Royal options.
-Crafted in Japan by John Lofgren Boot maker.
-Sizes M-57-58 L-59-60 XL-61-62
Click HERE to purchase
The Papa turns up the heat with this beautiful N-3 USN utility inspired cap. Fully crafted from the same 10.5oz Amoskeag indigo cloth, detailed with an USMC Beach brown Frogskin camouflage underneath the visor for a dramatic look. Awesome original WWII fit pattern in a killer denim as only the Papa can interpret. Limited edition.
Click HERE to Pre-Order
HELL CAT CAP
My first cap style released over a decade ago and still a classic.
Rugged HBT Twill in a timeless Aviators style made popular in the late war years and early 50’s when the realisation was reached that maximum protection from the suns harmful rays was all important in being able to successfully engaged the enemy.
-100% cotton herringbone twill.
-Army duck canvas visor liner.
-sizes M-57-58 L-59-60 XL-61-62
-Made in Japan by John Lofgren Boot maker.
$115.00
Click HERE to purchase
HELL CAT CAP SUMMER '25
Built for the fight to hades and back and tough enough to withstand the netherworld of battle on the campaign trail, the Hell Cat is realized in WWII USMC Frogskin Camouflage and also in a new edition.
The Hell Cat is deep and balanced through crown so as not to create a pinch at the top. The visor is 8cm or 3 1/4” long, wide and square and takes its shape directly from period USN caps.
No Cap tougher!
$115.00
Click HERE to purchase
Much has been written about the incredible contribution made by Japanese Americans or Neisi ( born in the USA )during WWII. Specifically we tell stories of the 442 Infantry Regiment that fought their way through Italy and became the most decorated unit in United States Military history.
What we do not hear about however is those Neisi that served in the Pacific Theatre. Their’s was a dangerous game delicately played between allegiance of the new against those of their ancestors. A moment of confusion, of recognition on either side could mean instant death by M-1 carbine or cold samurai steel.
The Divine Arrows ( Kami Ya) unit was one such group. Recruited for their engineering degrees across American Universities, this select body of men were flight trained and then sent to the Pacific. Their task? To fly and evaluate captured Japanese aircraft and to report back to the Army Air Corps on performance, handling and combat tactics of Nippon fighter groups.
Their efforts closed the gap and allowed American Squadrons advantage in the skies and backed the attack all the way to Tokio.
-100% cotton herringbone twill.
-Made in Japan.
-Hand machined custom patch made in Vietnam.
-Smaller cockpit friendly visor ( ref: Tail Charlie Cap )
Each man who served in this unit wore a patch emblazon on his cap, a design featuring the tail feathers of four arrows arranged in an ancient sigil of another time and another culture. The Papa Nui Cap Company from their forward operating base on the Atoll crafted these caps and hand machine these iconic patches to create a legend of headwear as mighty as the reputation of the select and brave individuals who won the skies over the Pacific.
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Post WWII saw an increased interest in outdoor activities as returning servicemen sought peace and solitude in America’s National Parks.
Any period photograph found in National Geographic, will yield a wealth of visual reference showing gear worn in the great outdoors. Predominate is the use of surplus military, Army rucksacks, P-42 pants and M-43 jackets abound unconsciously mixed back with wool plaids from LL Bean and Eddie Bauer.
Adorning heads, the Papa Nui Sierra Hat is prevalent. A bright red cotton variant of the military’s Daisy Mae, the Sierra is built tough in Japanese twill and bridges perfectly the twin themes of Outdoor and Military styles, an iconic combination thats as relevant today as it was in 1947.
-100% cotton Japanese twill.
-Fully crafted in Japan by John Lofgren Bootmaker.
Currently Available in M & XL
Click HERE to purchase
MITCHELL BOONIE
From the craft shop of East Asia Supply Co, comes a new seasonal Papa collab. Limited release Vietnam Mitchell camouflaged Boonie. 100% cotton and unwashed this new hat will need a shrink to fit attitude. Hotwash and dry is recommended for a custom fit.
$100.00
Only available in Medium
Click HERE to purchase
The Gunnery Range Hat
Hickory striped cover based on a Daisy Mae and a ‘what if’ USN piece of kit issued for Gunnery and Target practice at midshipmen’s school and to be worn with Naval Denims and Dungarees. A rugged hat for use in the field that doesn’t show dirt and grime like the traditional Dixie White and which offers a greater level of sun protection when outdoors.
$110.00
Click HERE to purchase
TIGER BOONIE
Papa Nui x East Asian Supply Co
On the back of the Final Directors of Apocalypse Now, the Papa insisted on East Asia Supply Co, cutting a new limited release Vietnam Tiger camouflaged Boonie.
Featuring Papa's adapted boonie pattern made from 100% cotton, this hat is second to none for its rugged bashed styling. Suggested washing for a shrink to fit attitude, however only hot wash and dry if necessary.
$100.00
Click HERE to purchase
BEOGAM BOONIE
Under the lush canopy of a Southeast Asian jungle, a legend endures-a tale of a covert team of counterinsurgents known only as the Leopard Men. Swift deadly warriors, striking from the shadows and vanishing back into the dark.
Wearing their Papa Nui boonies they glide effortlessly over the terrain in silence to ambush engage and disappear.
Will fade down to a soft hold and brown with exposure and time, this hat was a fave of personnel and locals alike.
$110.00
Click HERE to purchase
COBRA BOONIE
Papa x East Asia Supply Co.
Papa Nui work hat in awesome rugged Olive drab HBT with incountry patches. Each patch is meticulously created exclusively for the Papa.
An homage to the boonies worn in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the Papa cap takes its cues from the original.
This is a limited run product. Check sizes for availability.
$99.00
Click HERE to purchase
FLEET VISOR
R&R for the Navy is the Pacific Atoll of Ulithi. 24 hour leave for drinking beer and kicking sticks. From the GeeDunk store you can get your rationed beverages and rent a sun visor. All herringbone twill and guaranteed to shade your eyes on the volleyball court, the baseball diamond or whilst taking a nap under a coconut palm.
Click HERE to purchase
Papa Nui x Giggles collaboration of American Red Cross War Knits adds some fun to the bleakest of weather.
A crazy whimsical take on the classic WWII pattern these vintage style watch caps will hold you fast this season. A beautiful single fold cap that's draws its inspiration from the hand knitted 'Knit for Victory' program of the 1940's. Often in the rush to get as many knits out to the troops as possible, a knitter would finish out the project in whatever wool was available. These watch caps capture this feeling and are created in an authentic pattern that sits above the ears and is hand knitted in a luxurious New Zealand 8 ply Perendale Wool and Peruvian Worsted.
Each watch cap can feature an original 1940’s ‘ARC’ tag as well that can be attached at your request if you'd like this sewn on.
Available in a limited collection with a unique array of hues which enhance the tones of OD fatigues, this springy long staple yarn is a dense wool with a dry chalky handle and is perfect for keeping the cold at bay and the fit is superb!
-Completely Hand crafted.
-One size fits most as wool is extremely stretchy.
-100% Perendale wool from New Zealand, and Peruvian Worsted from the Andes is soft, tough and less itchy than traditional Worsteds.
-WWII Red Cross service knit pattern.
-1940’s Red Cross service patch sewn at customer’s request, please let us know.
-Authentic single fold length to fit under helmet or double roll if you're that guy.
(Wool is super stretchy and will be more comfortable with constant wear therefore sizing will fit most.)
Click HERE to purchase
Hand knitted watch caps using a 1930's ARC pattern book. Crafted in olive and charcoal grey Pervian worsted wool and made in the USA. Features original NRA ( national recovery act) Roosevelt era patch sewn on the fold up.
$120.00
Click HERE to purchase
US ARMY AMPHIBIOUS FORCES WATCH CAP
This years watch cap version takes its lead from the Amphib boys. Beautiful 1944 contract construction in pure worsted wool this khaki hue puts a great new spin on USNavy watch caps and gives you something to team with your Tankers jacket at the shell of a DWUK.
$80.00
Click HERE to purchase
THE X-1 WATCH CAP
The X-1 hissed like a serpent in the dark cold of the desert dawn. Leaning against the fuel truck, Jake pulled his wool cap down over his ears as he stamped his feet in the chill of the morning.
-Authentic A-4 mechanics knit watch cap.
-Khaki pure worsted wool.
-Printed cotton non-clementure tag with X-1 hand stamp.
-Japan made by John Lofgren Bookmaker.
Click HERE to purchase
MAQUIS CAP
Unofficially issued to the French Maquis via the OSS and the Papa Nui Cap Co, this beautiful lined winter wool cap has a dark olive hue, perfect as a natural camouflage in the rural Gallic terrain.
-Olive wool outer with khaki olive poplin lining.
-Japan made by the John Lofgren Boot maker.
-Sizes medium 57cm-58cm Large 59cm-60cm X-Large 61cm-62cm
Click HERE to purchase
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