How to recognise it
A soft knitted hat that hugs the head and often covers the ears. The cuff is ribbed and folded, sometimes with a pompom on top.
Where it comes from
Knitted hats go back centuries: in 15th-century England wool Monmouth caps were knitted. The word beanie spread in 20th-century America, and the short fisherman beanie took off in the 2010s.
Who and when it suits
The warmest everyday winter hat: it goes with coats, puffers and hoodies and fits in a pocket.
Variations and look-alikes
A beanie comes long with a folded cuff, short fisherman style above the ears, slouchy, with a pompom, ribbed, cable-knit, fleece-lined and thin merino for sport. It differs from a balaclava in that it does not cover the neck and face, and from a beret in its taller, close-fitting crown.
How to style it
- The folded cuff covers the ears.
- A fisherman beanie sits above the ears.
- Wool or merino is warmer than acrylic.
- Dry flat.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01How does a beanie differ from a fisherman beanie?
A fisherman beanie is short and sits above the ears; a beanie covers them.
02How do you wash a knitted hat?
By hand in cool water with wool detergent, dried flat.
03Is a pompom hat a beanie?
Yes, it is a beanie variant with a pompom on top.