A casquette () is a peaked cotton cap traditionally worn by road cyclists.
With the introduction of compulsory cycle helmets for massed-start racing, casquettes have become less common, but most professional race outfits still have them produced in team colours for wearing on the winners' podium, for wearing under a helmet in heavy rain or for sale to the tifosi. They have also become popular as fashion items in some European, American and Australian cities, often with non-cycling-related designs.
The casquette shields the head from strong sun and the peak can also make riding in the rain more comfortable, since drops do not fall directly into the eyes. They are sometimes worn with the peak backwards, not for reasons of fashion but because the peak then protects the neck from sunburn. Some varieties also incorporate a sweatband to help prevent sweat from dripping into the eyes.
Motorcycle technology The name was also used by Royal Enfield motorcycles in the 1950s,Royal Enfield 1954 Unillustrated Spares List for the 250 Clipper, spring frame, OHV with casquette fork head National Motorcycle Museum. Retrieved 5 March 2025 to describe their version of the headlamp nacelle on Triumph motorcycles."Distinctive Triumph headlight nacelle", 1959 Triumph Bonneville. Wilson, Hugo. The Ultimate Motor-Cycle Book, p.75. Dorling Kindersley, (1993). Accessed 5 March 2025
The casquette is still used on the 2009 Royal Enfield Bullet model.
See also Glossary of bicycling List of hat styles
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