Design & Style

How to Wear a Beanie: 5 Tips for Wearing Beanie Styles

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Oct 21, 2022 • 2 min read

A beanie is a classic type of headwear. Learn how to wear a beanie, plus styling tips for various occasions.

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What Is a Beanie?

A beanie is a type of knit headwear. Beanies, also known as knit caps, can feature various materials, including merino wool, cashmere, cotton, or acrylic. This cold-weather accessory is typically close-fitting for warmth, but there are several styles of beanies, including slouchy ones. Beanies can feature decorative pom-poms and double brims.

The Origin of the Beanie

The word “beanie” likely comes from the word “bean,” a slang word for the head or brain. A beanie hat is a stocking cap in England and a toque in Canada. Beginning in the United States in the twentieth century, blue-collar workers, particularly dockworkers, wore fisherman beanies to keep their heads warm while working. Navy sailors also wore a knit cap or watch cap while keeping watch overnight.

Today, beanies are a common unisex cold-weather accessory. College freshmen and other students wear wool beanies with sewn-on school logos, while sports fans don beanies with the logos of their favorite athletic teams.

6 Types of Beanies

There are several beanie styles. Consider the different types of beanies:

  1. 1. Cuffed beanie: These knit caps feature a brimmed cuff. The wearer can fold the cuff over their ears for extra warmth.
  2. 2. Cuffless beanie: Some people also call cuffless beanies, which are tight-fitting, skullcaps.
  3. 3. Earflap beanie: An earflap beanie features extra fabric that extends over the ears for additional coverage. The earflaps often feature a fleece lining.
  4. 4. Novelty beanie: These beanies feature logos or slogans. Novelty beanies are popular in street style and streetwear and can make a bold fashion statement.
  5. 5. Pom-pom beanie: Also known as bobble hats or bobble beanies, pom-pom beanies, ahave a fur or knit pom-pom or bobble attached to the top.
  6. 6. Slouchy beanie: Beanies with extra material at the top are known as high-top beanies, slouch beanies, or hipster beanies. These loose-fitting beanies sit at the top of the wearer’s ears.

How to Wear a Beanie

There are several ways to wear a knitted cap for different occasions. Consider the following style tips for wearing beanie hats:

  • Consider your hairstyle. If you have long hair, wear it down or in a low ponytail with a beanie. If you have short hair, sweep it back before putting on a beanie or skullcap to prevent the hair from going in the wrong direction or forming a cowlick. Wear a loose-fitting beanie to protect your strands if you have curly hair.
  • Double-cuff the beanie. Roll the beanie cuff twice to expose some of your hair.
  • Go for a casual look. A beanie is an excellent accessory for a casual outfit. Wear a black beanie with a sweater and jeans for a classic look. You can also pair a slouchy knit hat with a T-shirt, denim jacket, bomber jacket, jeans, and boots for a fall outfit.
  • Match your beanie to your outerwear. These winter hats come in a variety of colors. Pair your wool winter coat with a matching wool beanie for a cohesive look. To elevate your outerwear, match your jacket with a cashmere beanie.
  • Place the beanie above your ears. For a casual look, set the knit cap above your ears on the top of your head. The material will slouch down the back of your head.

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