When it comes to modern headgear and bad hair days, the cuffed beanie is probably one of the first hats to come to mind. Slouchy beanies have been used in many different kinds of settings, from industrial plants to military barracks to casual nights out and streetwear. Because of its stylish design and protective origins, the cap fits perfectly in the modern trend for practical clothing.
Daniel Patrick is proud to highlight a few essentials to know when it comes to wearing a beanie.
The History
There are dozens of names for this type of hat, including knit cap, toque, and toboggan. The beanie’s rich history is just one of the reasons it’s so widely beloved. The hat originated in Medieval Europe, where it was common among the working class for its durability and warmth. As it was then known, the Monmouth cap was exported from Wales to other parts of the world where it gained popularity.
It was once thought that people lost up to 45% of their body heat from their heads. While this figure is highly exaggerated, it points to one fact: The head loses more body heat because it is rarely covered compared to other body parts. Beanies are commonly made from fabrics that conserve heat, making them fashionable pieces that provide an essential function in colder months.
Beanies continue to be used in work apparel as popular equipment for loggers, fishers, and other outdoor workers, and are also a main component of street style. The U.S. Navy has even designed special-issue versions called “watch caps.” Unique names for the hat evolved from various groups using it, such as sledders calling them toboggans.
In the ’90s, beanies were a staple of skateboarding style and casual outfits. This was one of the first times the beanie cap was worn for fashion rather than function. The baggy nature of many types of beanies reflected the general nature of ’90s skatewear. They were rechristened “beanies,” and the name has stuck with them ever since.
The Beanie
While discussing the importance of the knitted beanie and other beanie styles, it’s also important for us to showcase one essential offering of our own.
The DP Reflective Beanie comes in sleek black and bright, bold neon. Both colorways are reflective under light, giving it a special appearance and improving your safety at night. The shell of the piece is made from an acrylic-polyester blend, while the hat is lined with polyester. The special blend gives the beanie an immediately visible latticed appearance and practical cold-weather performance.
Acrylic gives the hat its thermal properties, while polyester improves the softness of the beanie. The Daniel Patrick standard is highlighted by a rubber racing logo on the front of the cap.
Ways To Wear Your Beanie
Thanks to its soft, easily fitted nature, there are many different ways to wear your beanie. These affect the style you present and impact the way your headgear protects you from the cold. We’re going to highlight a few ways to turn this simple item into one of your most versatile accessories. Not every beanie is situated to integrate every look perfectly, but all beanies can be worn in multiple ways.
Uncuffed Tight Fit
This style works best with shorter beanies. Simply unroll your beanie, and pull it tight against your head. It shouldn’t be so tight that you’re stretching out your hat, but you should cover your hair and ears. This style is best for keeping you warm in extreme temperatures, and pairs well with heavy outerwear.
Keep in mind that if you have mid-length hair, it’s possible this and other tight-fitted styles may alter the way your hair is shaped.
Cuffed and Fitted
For this look, cuff your beanie and pull it gently against your head. The front of the hat should rest on your forehead. This fit should still cover your ears and hair, but the cuff gives a more structured appearance that pairs well with general menswear like a t-shirt and sneakers.
Fisherman Style: Cuffed and Pushed Back
Just because this mainstay style of beanie takes its name from fishing doesn’t mean you have to be at sea to rock it. With your beanie cuffed, wear it on the top of your head so that your ears are exposed. A bit of your hairline should also be visible here. This style is closely associated with hipster fashion, so it may be more specialized than others listed here. Pair this style with a denim jacket, high-top sneakers, and jeans for a trendy look.
Half-Cuffed
With a half-cuff, the fabric of your beanie is rolled up in the back. It gives a visual appearance distinct from the cuff/no-cuff binary and shows off your hair if it’s shorter. This look may leave the back of your neck cold and might not be possible depending on your beanie’s make. It still remains a strong contender for a casual warm-weather appearance.
Slouched
This looser style works best if you have a beanie with extra material or hair, making a tight fit uncomfortable. Your beanie fits either tightly or closely to your head in the previous looks. With a slouched look, you want your hair and ears partially covered while most material hangs off the back. The back of the beanie should drape, subtly falling back on your head.
You can adjust the slouch of your beanie depending on how far back on your head you wear it. If you find yourself in danger of losing your hat off the back of your head, it might be time to reduce the slouch.
Ways To Pair Your Beanie
A hat is just one article of clothing. While a beanie is endlessly versatile, knowing what to wear with it is just as important. As seasons change, so does the way you should pair your beanie with other garments in your wardrobe.
Wearing Your Beanie in Cold Weather
Styling a beanie for men in cold weather is easy, since this is the hat's natural environment. Layering is essential. Color coordinate your beanie with your outermost layers for a cohesive look. A dark-colored beanie goes great with neutral and cool-colored coats. Some classic color pairings include black with camel, grey, and certain shades of blue.
The Roaming Cloak makes for a great jacket to pair with your beanie. The heavyweight fleece provides comfort and warmth ideal for layered outfits in any season. Daniel Patrick’s signature center seam is visible on the back of the garment. A shawl collar makes for a great outfit with hoodies and tees alike.
The Polar Fleece Roaming Sweatpants come in various colorways, some of which reflect directly on the cloak. Polar fleece material gives it a thick appearance and has thermal properties rivaling high-grade wool. A diamond label on the left thigh and a dangling drawcord distinguish its appearance.
A beanie looks best as part of a cold-weather outfit like with a bomber jacket and trousers. However you layer, the thermal properties of a high-quality beanie won’t go amiss as temperatures drop.
Wearing Your Beanie in Warm Weather
This may seem like the warm-weather equivalent of wearing shorts in winter, but men’s beanies are seeing increasing all-season use. There are still some essential rules to follow to keep your headgear looking stylish rather than out of place.
Not every beanie is suited for warm weather. Pom-pom beanies have a distinctly wintry look that makes them seem odd when the ground isn’t dusted with snow. Brimmed beanies, while once popular, are not making their fashion comeback any time soon. Stick with slouched or tight-fitting beanies that lack pom-poms.
The other apparel you pair with it is essential. If you’re wearing tight-fitting summer gear, the bulky look of a beanie will seem out of place. If the temperature allows, oversized fits, boots, and light layering will make your beanie look more natural. Wear your preference of pants or shorts, but make sure the overall size of your gear reflects your headwear.
The California Wildflowers Tee is an example of a shirt that pairs well with the right beanie in warm weather. The distressed graphic takes inspiration from the gorgeous wildflowers that dot alongside LA freeways. The oversized fit makes beanies and other accessories look proportional to your outfit. A variety of colorways makes it versatile in a wardrobe with or without a beanie.
Styling Your Hair in a Beanie
Hats are great, but the downside of wearing them is that many hats have a reputation for messing up hair. It’s not difficult to protect your hair while wearing headgear, but it does take a minimal amount of effort.
It can be easy to rush getting dressed in the morning. Take your time, and make sure your hair is completely dry before putting on a beanie.
You should also be aware of how your hat will affect your hair. Tight-fitted beanies will do more to change your hair than slouched ones. You can still wear a tight-fitted hat, but be sure to give yourself a once-over when you remove it.
Beanies also affect hair differently based on length. The best length to keep your hair is either long or short. Long hair is too bulky to be deeply affected by hats, while short hair is too small to be altered. Midlength hair has the greatest potential to be matted down after you free it due to the constriction of tight beanies.
Best Style Beanie for Each Hair Type
Fashion rules are meant to be broken, but some general guidelines hold otherwise true under examination. The perceived “tightness” of a beanie is impacted as much by the way you wear it as by the hat's construction. You can adjust your beanie for a looser or tighter fit.
Short-haired men should stick to tight-fitting beanies, as loose ones may droop without significant hair propping them up. Mid-length locks work best with loose beanies, as tight fits may negatively impact the overall shape of your hair. Long-haired men don’t have to worry as much about their hair becoming misshapen, but tight-fitting beanies may pinch. Mid-sized and loose beanies are best to allow for the extra space hair takes up.
Get Your Beanie Essentials Today
Fashion staples become staples for a good reason. Versatility, aesthetic appeal, and practicality are all essential for wardrobe standards like the beanie. The modern beanie’s heritage begins centuries ago and has become a major fashion staple for many. The beanie has a storied history and a bright future.
Sources:
Do We Really Lose Half Our Body Heat Through Our Heads | LiveScience