Boston Scally Co. was founded in 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Tom O’Gara. The company was inspired by the heritage of working-class communities and the traditional flat caps that symbolized them. With a goal to modernize this iconic accessory, Boston Scally Co. quickly gained a following, blending timeless designs with a modern edge. While their mission is admirable, as a young company, they face challenges in delivering consistent quality and a seamless customer experience. We evaluated their popular cap, The Peaky in Allston Grey, using our Six Star Review criteria: Quality, Value, Price, Customer Support, Ease of Use, and Durability.
Review
The quality of The Peaky in Allston Grey leaves much to be desired. While the cap has an appealing aesthetic, its inconsistent construction is disappointing. Issues such as uneven dimensions and misaligned stitching lines detract from its overall fit and appearance. These flaws often cause the cap to sit off-center, giving it a sloppy look that diminishes its stylish intent. For a $52 hat, the expectation is for precise craftsmanship, and this product simply does not meet that standard.
Value is another area where The Peaky falls short. Despite its premium price, the cap is manufactured overseas and struggles with quality control. Considering these issues, the price feels excessive. Comparable brands like Goorin Bros., Hanna Hats, and Newsboy Caps Co. offer similar or better-made caps at more reasonable prices, making The Peaky a less compelling choice.
The $52 price tag is difficult to justify when factoring in the inconsistent fit and finish of the product. For this cost, customers expect a hassle-free experience, but instead, they receive a product that may require adjustments like steaming or reshaping to fit properly. This additional effort undermines the convenience one might expect from a casual accessory and diminishes the overall value of the purchase.
Customer support is another major drawback. Boston Scally Co.’s return policy is rigid and customer-unfriendly. If the cap does not fit—even when following their sizing guide—the company deducts shipping costs and only offers store credit. This leaves customers feeling penalized for issues that could easily be mitigated with a more accommodating approach. A consumer-friendly return policy is essential, particularly for a product where fit is so crucial, and the company’s failure in this area creates a poor buying experience.
Ease of use is similarly lackluster. While a flat cap should be a simple, ready-to-wear accessory, The Peaky often requires extra effort to make it wearable. Steaming or reshaping may be necessary to address uneven materials or achieve a proper fit, adding unnecessary hassle for the customer. This expectation of post-purchase tweaking detracts from the product’s usability and convenience.
The one bright spot is durability. The cap appears to be made from durable materials, and its stitching, while occasionally misaligned, seems strong enough to withstand regular use. There is no immediate concern about its longevity, and it should hold up over time with proper care. However, durability alone cannot make up for the other significant shortcomings.
Conclusion
While The Peaky in Allston Grey scores points for its stylish design and durability, it falls short in nearly every other category. The inconsistent quality, high price, poor customer support, and lack of ease of use make this cap a frustrating purchase. For those willing to put in the extra effort to make it fit and look right, it might be worth a try—but for most consumers, we recommend looking elsewhere. Brands like Goorin Bros., Hanna Hats, or Newsboy Caps Co. provide better quality, customer service, and overall value.
Despite its potential, The Peaky in Allston Grey earns just 3 out of 6 stars from us. Boston Scally Co. has work to do before it can live up to the expectations of its premium price and loyal customer base.
