About winter beanies you need to know
When it comes to men's hats, there's only one style that could give the baseball cap a run for its money as the epitome of easy-breezy headwear. Of course, we're talking about the beanie, also known as a knit cap, skull cap. Beanies blend style and comfort in one classic package.
What Are Beanies?
First things first, you need to know what a beanie is. Also known as a beanie cap, these hats are all about warmth and comfort where it counts – up top! Beanies are usually made with a knitted fabric for a soft handfeel, and sometimes have brims, workwear deets, and big cuffs.
Different Beanie Fabrics
Knit beanies come in a variety of fabrics, both natural and man-made. They can range from ultra-luxe cashmere, alpaca, and soft merino wool (which comes from merino sheep) to less expensive fleece, cotton, and wool blends that include nylon, acrylic, and other fibers.
Beanies made from fine natural textiles such as cashmere and cotton are soft to the touch and tend to breathe well, which makes them ideal for a number of climates. Thicker synthetic materials such as acrylic do not breathe well and might make you sweat, but they're a viable option for those who are allergic to wool or other animal hair.
Because of their warmth, wool beanies and fleece hats make great winter hats. There are also beanies made especially for water sports. These include caps made from synthetic rubbers such as neoprene, which is commonly used to make scuba-diving suits.
What Should I Look For in a Winter Hat?
Here are a few of the features that an effective winter hat will include:
Ear Protection: Your ears are among the first parts of your body that lose blood and become numb in the cold, so a good hat should cover and protect them. Some hats, like the classic trapper hat design, come with full protective flaps for the ears, while winter beanies often feature a fold-up cuffed knit for adjustable ear protection.
Comfortable Fabric: The best winter hats are made from fabrics that are comfortable to wear all day. Fleece winter hats are a classic, but fabrics like polyester acrylic knits are also gaining popularity for their stretch factor and durability.
Flexible Fit: A good winter hat should be flexible enough to fit your head comfortably. You shouldn’t have to frequently adjust it while on the job.
Adaptable Design: Many workers have to wear a winter hat under a hard hat or other protective head PPE. Thus, it can be important that a winter work hat be designed to fit underneath another piece of headwear.
Tough Quality: Your winter hat shouldn’t fall apart after a few weeks of tough weather and washing. Look for a model that’s made using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
Top Mens Beanie Styles
Whether you want to stay warm or keep cool, these beanies will take you to next-level style status.
Fisherman Beanie
Named after the fishermen who wear them while working the docks or out at sea, fisherman beanies are made from thick, chunky ribbed material and feature a cuff. You can wear this cuff beanie on top of your head without even touching your ears, but it looks best when at least partially covering the ears.
Opt for a dark or neutral color when going for a more dressed-up approach — say, layered with a fitted T-shirt, button-down oxford, and charcoal-colored overcoat. For a trendier look, go for a shocking yellow, orange, or neon green.
With its soft droop, loose fit, and amorphic silhouette, the slouchy beanie is definitely the most laid-back member of the knit cap family. A longer style with more fabric that can extend over the entire head and ears, slouchy beanies don't have a cuff and come in a variety of fabrications. Heavy-knitted wool works great for winter, but for summer you can't go wrong with a stretchy, moisture-wicking jersey cotton. Take a look at more of the best slouchy beanies and how to rock them the right way.
Pom Beanie
Pom-poms add a pop of fun to the basic beanie. While they've long been a common sight on the slopes and on the trail, pom beanies are becoming a serious fashion statement for city dwellers who have a sense of humor. More than just a winter hat, these playful headpieces come in lighter fabrics that can be worn anytime of year. To pull it off successfully, make sure the rest of your outfit is rooted in classics so you don't end up looking like a confused man child.
Reversible Beanie
Beanie hats are already easy-breezy, but one that's reversible is even better. It's like getting two caps for the price of one. Not only does it give you an extra option for your wardrobe, but it also provides a fallback in case you sweat through, stain, or otherwise mess up one side of the beanie.
Beanies are essential this time of year, and they’re the best gift for everyone on your list, too!