Form-fitting headwear is nothing new. One of the most popular, the beanie, has been around for a long time. And for several good reasons.

Even though beanies are nearly ubiquitous now – you can see them on celebrities, rappers, rock stars, top athletes, your neighbors, and your teenaged son – some people still aren’t quite sure why beanies are so popular.

Well, we aim to fill in that lacuna in their knowledge of headwear. Read on to find everything (almost) you didn’t know you wanted to know about beanies.

What Is a Beanie?

Okay, so what is a beanie, really?

Basically, a beanie is a brimless cap that fits tightly on the head and is most often worn over the ears Beanies are typically knit or woven and can be cuffed or cuffless. Other names for beanies are stocking caps, knit caps, skull caps, ski hats, and woolly hats, and long ago they were known as dinkies or calots.

A century or so ago, beanies were worn primarily by workers and laborers on the job for warmth and to protect hair and scalp from dirt and grime. They were a favorite of coal miners and offshore fishermen. And, of course, there was the “freshman beanie.” which become a popular tradition on college campuses.

Until recent years in more modern times, beanies were most often worn by people engaged in outdoor winter activities such as skiing, hiking, and snowboarding. This species of headwear was worn primarily for warmth and head protection.

But today, the beanie has become a fashion statement. People of all ages, genders, and social strata have adopted the beanie as a part of everyday attire. They come in so many colors and styles that you can easily match them with any outfit and use them for almost any kind of fashion statement. And this makes the beanie a go-to accessory for almost any occasion or event.

The Versatility of the Beanie

As we’ve intimated more than once, the beanie is extraordinarily versatile. In fact, almost anyone can successfully wear a beanie because there are so many ways to wear one. They are in fact suitable for all hairstyles, face shapes, and head shapes from a wide forehead to a longer face.

If, for example, you have short hair, all you have to do is wear your beanie back on your head to expose a little hair in front. Just angle it back so that your front locks show a bit more. And the contrast of curls with a head-hugging beanie is a great look.

Or if you have long hair, a beanie is still a good choice. Just don’t try to stuff your hair under the beanie, which will detract from the desired smooth, snug style. Instead, just let your hair fall naturally from under the edges of your beanie. Long hair also allows you to pull your beanie over your ears and still pull off a stylish look. Wearing a beanie this way with longer hair will perfectly frame your face.

The point is beanies are eminently versatile in the way you can wear them. Whatever look you’re after, a beanie will help you achieve it.

How to Wear a Beanie

We’ve touched on this some, but let’s take a deeper dive into how to wear a beanie.

The first consideration is your hairstyle. With long hair (as we mentioned above), it’s best to wear your hair down or in a ponytail with a beanie. If your hair is short, sweep it back, and then put your beanie on. This will prevent you from getting crazy hair going in all directions and/or a cowlick. And if you have curly hair, you should wear a looser-fitting beanie.

Some beanies have a cuff. If you opt for one of these, you can, of course, wear it as it is. Or you can do what is trending now and roll the cuff up once or twice to expose more of your hair.

A beanie makes a great accessory for a casual outfit and look. If you want a look at the classier end of the casual spectrum, try a black beanie with jeans and a sweater. For a full-blown casual look, pair a beanie with a T-shirt, jeans, and boots.

And here’s another popular way to wear a beanie for a casual look. Wear the beanie above your ears and more toward the top of your head. When you wear it this way, it will tend to slouch down at the back of your head.

Just be sure, when you choose a beanie to wear and the look you’re going for, that you match your beanie with your outfit. Your headwear should complement and/or accent the rest of what you’re wearing.

Our Top 3 Beanie Picks

Following are our top 3 picks in beanies – ones that combine the key elements of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and affordability.

Flaming Cherries Embroidered Black Beanie

This just may be the perfect accessory for the motorcycle enthusiast. The Flaming Cherries Embroidered Black Beanie comes in bold cuffless black with those whimsically bold and outrageous flaming cherries emblazoned on the front, thus allowing you to make an unmistakable fashion statement. In addition, it is made of 100% acrylic for both warmth and breathability.

Cable Knit Beanie

Available in black, brown, dark gray, khaki, navy, olive, and red, the Cable Knit Beanie sports a unique ribbed trim for an unusual look and comfortable fit. If you want to break out of the same old tired beanie look, this is the one for you. Measuring 8 ½ inches from top to bottom, this quality beanie is also 100% acrylic to afford both stylish warmth and the needed breathability.

Thinsulate Beanie

Most beanies designed for ultimate winter warmth are just too thick and heavy for real wearable comfort – but not this one. The USA-made Thinsulate Beanie is made from 100% ultra-warm yet lightweight 40-gram Thinsulate. And it looks great too, coming in wide array of colors from athletic gold to camel to light blue to olive green to grape and more.

Where to Get Your Quality, Affordable Beanies

Really, a beanie is a must-have accessory today. They’re not just for keeping your head warm anymore.

But if you do want to stay warm and look good, we’ve got you covered (literally).

When you’re ready to get your beanies, 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 of beanies and other headwear, including bucket hats, bandanas, and doo rags. You can get more information about us here.