Beanies are not just for skiers, rappers, and teenagers. Not anymore.
Today, beanies are a trendy and versatile fashion accessory for women. They can also be seen, owing to the blurring of the fashion line between smart and casual, on people who would never dream of wearing them in the past: professionals and business people.
Ultimately, though, beanies are eminently practical for winter wear. They do an admirable of keeping your head warm when it’s cold, and the fashion options are nearly endless.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about beanies.
What Is a Beanie and Where Did It Come From?
You probably know what a beanie is, but are familiar with its evolution and fascinating history?
To start, a beanie is just a soft cap that hugs the head, with or without a folded cuff. Beanies come with an assortment of decorations and embellishments: poms, buttons, tassels, logos, embroidery, and more. They are also available in different fits, ranging from slouchy and loose to snug.
Beanies also come in a range of materials from high-end fleece and cashmere to the more common synthetic materials such as acrylic. And that is why beanies make the perfect multi-seasonal headwear.
Now let’s take a quick look at the history of the beanie . . .
Before the 20th century – During this time the beanie was almost purely functional and utilitarian – it was worn primarily to keep the head warm in cold weather. In fact, Vikings wore knit caps like beanies for head warmth. From the early 18th century on, beanie-like wool caps were popular among fishermen, hunters, and others who worked outdoors.
Early 20th century – Beanies were most commonly worn by blue-collar workers such as mechanics, welders, and other tradesmen. Some beanies of this time came equipped with a very small, one-inch brim – the forerunner of today’s ball cap.
1900 to 1950 – It was during this period (it is believed) that this piece of headware receive its name: “beanie.” The name is believed to derive from the common name for the head during the period, that is, “bean.” Alternatively, some suggest that the beanie got its name form the common button – or “bean” – on top of the cap.
1960s to 1990s – The beanie’s popularity grew greatly from the early 80s onward. For instance, Marvin Gaye’s signature red beanie lead to something of a beanie boom in the 70s. And then there was Jack Nicholson’s ever-present black beanie in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which further fueled beanie popularity. And then in the 90s beanies picked up even more fashion steam when they became popular in the grunge and skateboard cultures.
Today – The beanie is now integral for all fashion styles, not just as practical winter wear. People wear beanies to assert their individuality and to display their own unique style. They are also highly popular (and useful) among those who have suffered radical hair loss from, say, chemotherapy.
Beanies vs. Winter Hats
Beanies, while technically a species of winter hat, are quite different from other winter-hat options. A beanie, after all, is nothing more than a brimless (usually) hat/cap that hugs your head, commonly made from polyester or acrylic. While that may sound pretty plain and simple, it’s that very simplicity that makes the beanie so versatile, both practically and fashion-wise, especially in winter.
Let’s compare beanies with a couple of other styles of winter hats to see how beanies stack up . . .
Trapper Hat
Trapper hats (or aviator hats or bomber hats) are easy to spot. They have a rugged “outdoorsy” look with those signature ear flaps to keep wearers warm in the harshest of weather – combining both versatility and practical elegance. A trapper hat with faux fur inside is great for keeping you warm in brutal winter weather, but it lacks the fashion appeal and all-weather versatility of a beanie.
Ski Mask
Ski masks are an essential part of the attire for cold-weather outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. A ski face mask is a great choice in protective headgear for winter sports enthusiasts, providing both warmth and protection from cold, face-chapping wind. But sometimes you just don’t want your whole face covered, which is what you don’t get with a beanie.
Really, beanies are the most versatile of all winter headgear, and they don’t lock you into just one, narrow fashion style or statement.
What Makes a Beanie a Great Winter Accessory?
Why do beanies make such a great winter accessory? Well, for several reasons.
Beanies a basically a must-have wardrobe staple. They provide protection for your head and ears in frigid temperatures, and they can add an element of coziness to just about any outfit. You can wear your beanie with sweaters for a great fall look for those fall events like Oktoberfest. Or you can bundle up and pull your beanie down low to stay comfortable when those winter temps really drop. And beanies are compact and lightweight – you can easily carry one in a coat pocket to it’ll be there when you need it.
Beanies also come in a variety of fabrics so you can find exactly what you need for your winter outdoor activities and your style and comfort preferences. You can find them in a variety of both man-made and natural fabrics – cashmere, alpaca, merino wool, fleece, cotton, polyester, and acrylic. Whatever you want or need, the humble beanie is there for you.
But here’s the best thing – the beanie’s simplicity. This makes it just about the perfect all-around, all-occasion winter hat that can be worn with nearly anything from sweats to suits.
How to Choose the Right Beanie
If you’re convinced by now that you need a beanie or several, here’s what to consider when choosing the right beanie . . .
Season
When and where will you wear your beanie? Make sure the fabric from which your beanie is constructed is season-appropriate – heavy and insulating for extreme cold, water repellent for inclement weather, and so on.
Thermal/Insulating Properties
Similarly, for cold-weather outdoor activities, you’ll want a beanie with excellent thermal/insulating properties. Wool and synthetic microfibers are great in this respect, and many materials can also be treated to repel both wind and moisture.
Wicking
Not only should your beanie keep you warm, but it should also be able to wick moisture away from your head. You may be engaged in winter activities, but when you’re active, you will perspire. A beanie with good wicking qualities will keep that moisture away from your head so that you’ll stay warm even after perspiring.
Customer Service
This is important and considered by many only when it’s too late. Wherever you purchase your beanies, whether from the department store downtown or online, make sure the company is well-known for great customer service. Products are products – it’s the great customer service that makes a pleasant shopping experience.
4 Best Beanies to Keep You Cozy All Season Long
Check out these great beanie options . . .
Flaming Chopper Embroidered Black Beanie
For cold weather and for just looking cool, the beanie is a great choice. And for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, the Flaming Chopper Embroidered Black Beanie may just be the perfect choice.
Digital Camo Beanie – Made in USA
Camo is in these days. Whether you just want to look cool and trendy or use your beanie for hunting, the Digital Camo Beanie is a great choice, especially when its 100% acrylic and made in the USA.
Thinsulate Beanie – 40 gram – Made in USA
Yes, you can stay warm in cold weather with a lightweight material. You can, that is, if you go with the Thinsulate Beanie. It is made of 40-gram, 100% Thinsulate to keep you toasty without feeling heavy on your head.
USA Made Solid Color Beanie
Or maybe you want a plain solid-color beanie for a low-key look or that you can customize any way you want. If so, the USA Made Solid Color Beanie is the one for you. Plus, its premium-quality super stretch provides a highly comfortable fit, and custom embroidering is available.
Where to Get Your Quality, Affordable Beanies
Really, a beanie is a must-have winter accessory – if, that is, you want to stay warm and look good. And we’ve got you covered (literally).
Why not go to the hat source that offers both quality beanies and great prices coupled with superior customer service – Bandana.com?
Here at Bandana.com, we offer a wide selection beanies and other headwear, including bucket hats, bandanas, and doo rags. You can get more information about us here.
