Trying to keep warm and stylish this winter? Here are 7 tips to consider on how to wear a beanie.
If you still feel that every hat will look ridiculous on your head and there’s no fashion solution to cover your head and ears when the temperatures go below freezing, we are going to tell you this isn't the case. Beanies are our solution to the single most important question of the winter, “How can I be warm and look cool at the same time?”
You cannot forget about beanies, a fashion accessory. Although you may have tried some variations and you didn’t like your reflection in the mirror, most likely it wasn’t the hat that was the problem, but a style of wearing and styling a beanie. One can put the same beanie on literally anything and many other kinds of beanie will not or may not fit depending on the shape of your face, hair length, your style, etc.
There are options that will make you stylish by upgrading your style and that will keep you warm and fashionable. As you continue reading below, we’re going to explore the hidden world of beanies and how to wear a beanie the right way!
7 Tips on How to Wear a Beanie
1. Choose the Right Fit
When determining the fit of a beanie, consider both comfort and aesthetics. A beanie should be a little tight on your head, but not too tight. It should be soft to the ears, but shouldn’t itch or scratch your forehead.
A tight beanie is awkward, and a loose beanie is likely to slip off. Beanies are often made from wool, cotton, or acrylic, and depending on the fabric, it will be a bit tighter. Wool, for example, will stretch, whereas cotton and synthetic might stay the same shape over time.
The shape of the beanie can also determine the shape and appearance of the beanie. Cuffed beanies are lightweight and comfortable, with a little bit more stability over the head. Conversely, uncuffed beanies have a more streamlined appearance, are nearer to the head and look neater.
Also, how you wear the beanie plays an important role in getting it right. Others opt for a slouchy look, where the beanie rests slightly off the head and excess fabric hangs loosely behind. Others might opt for a snugger style that reaches the head and is clean.
2. Keep it Casual
When learning how to wear a beanie, keep it as casual as possible and make sure you are trying to incorporate it into your day-to-day style. To start with, go for a beanie in a looser breathable fabric such as cotton or a thin knit that looks less formal and more relaxed than wool-based beanie styles. The color of the beanie also contributes to a casual look.
Light colors such as black, grey, navy, or earthy shades are flattering and go with so many different outfits, and more brightly colored or patterned clothes can add a bit of individuality without overpowering the overall appearance. As for fit, choose something slightly slouchy or a loose, cuffed beanie that fits well on your head without being tight or stiff.
This makes the outfit look effortless rather than an unnaturally tight fit that looks too well-polished for a casual dress. It can be worn with something as basic as a hoodie, denim jacket, or a comfortable t-shirt to keep the entire ensemble down and comfortable. Don’t go for anything too professional or sharp that could interfere with the relaxed feel of the beanie.
3. Positioning on Your Head
With a beanie, how you position your head can have the biggest impact on how it looks and feels. The beanie should rest comfortably above your eyebrows so you can keep your ears warm without blocking your vision. It’s the position of your head versus the beanie that determines the design and feel.
With your head tilted forward, you can create a slouchy, more relaxed look where the beanie falls lower on the forehead, which is more casual and easy to look at. This looks pretty decent paired with a slouchy beanie where the extra material can stretch over the back of your head to give off a relaxed look.
Conversely, if you sit or stand with your head up higher, the beanie will sit higher on your forehead, creating a more defined shape. This can be great if you like to go with a more streamlined, clean look with a tightly fitted, reusable beanie. The placement of your head can also affect the overall shape of your look, so it’s important to match it with the opulence or seriousness of your attire.
4. Adjust for Your Hair
When you’re picking out a beanie that’s appropriate for your hair, take into account your hair length and texture to be comfortable and look great. If your hair is longer, you’ll probably have to decide whether to pin it inside the beanie or leave it out. If you need to leave your hair tucked, a slightly looser, slouchy beanie will allow for enough headroom without being a strict fit and will keep your hair tucked without laying flat.
Alternatively, if you like to be loose with your hair, then go for a beanie that is a little looser in the back so that the volume is not squeezed in and the beanie doesn’t press your hair down. If you have shorter hair, the beanie can fit more comfortably, but make sure it doesn’t pull your hair back. A good-fitting beanie should not disrupt your hairstyle, so it’s fine to tailor it to fall over your ears to keep it sleek and flattering.
5. Experiment With Textures and Colors
If you're wearing a beanie, playing with textures and colors is a fantastic way to show off your style and add a bit of character to your look. Even the texture of the beanie can dictate the entire ensemble. A chunky knit beanie, for example, is cosy and relaxed and suitable for a casual outfit or a way to add some warmth to a casual look.
A sleek, fine-knit beanie, on the other hand, is typically more sophisticated and polished and goes well with less glam or slightly more tailored looks. You can even opt for beanies made from novelty materials such as cashmere for a richer effect or leather details for a more avant-garde vibe. You can add these textures to other elements of your ensemble, like a leather jacket or wool scarf to create a visually pleasing look.
For the color, experimenting with shades can make a difference on how the beanie contrasts with the rest of your outfit. Neutral colours such as black, grey, or navy are timeless and can be worn with almost any type of clothing. But if you want to be more dramatic, use an overpowering red, mustard yellow, or deep green, when the rest of your outfit is toned down.
6. Consider the Occasion
You should also consider the occasion when wearing a beanie to make sure that the hat complements your ensemble without looking out of place. In informal situations, with friends, to run errands, or for a casual get-together, the beanie is both functional and chic.
In these cases, you can wear a comfortable, loose-fitting garment made from light casual fabrics such as cotton or knit. Combine it with a hoodie, jeans, or sneakers to make the look easily cool and appropriate for an informal setting.
Conversely, if you’re going to more formal or semi-formal events, the beanie should be picked so it doesn’t clash with the event. For those occasions, perhaps you’ll wear something more polished, like a beanie that’s made of premium fabric such as merino wool or cashmere.
7. Layer With Accessories
If you’re wearing a beanie with accessories, it takes planning to make each accessory work without competing with others. If you wear a beanie with accessories, keep the look even. If you’re choosing to go with a more relaxed look, then wearing a beanie with some casual pieces like a scarf or gloves is a great option.
A knit beanie, for instance, can be worn in combination with a similar knit scarf or gloves for a cohesive, warm ensemble. The neutral colours such as gray, black, or navy will ensure the outfit stays neutral and you can experiment with different items without it feeling too overpowering. However, if you want to get a little bolder, go for one statement accessory, such as a bright scarf or patterned gloves, with the rest of the accessories minimal.
With a beanie, you’ll want to keep the look from overpowering your look. For example, a beanie with a big necklace or huge earrings might go against the comfort of the beanie. But the pared-down version works fine.
How to Wear a Beanie: FAQ
1. How should a beanie fit?
You don’t want your beanie to sit tight against your head. It should wrap around your ears, but not sit on your head.
2. Do I want my beanie to be tight or slouchy?
It all depends on what you want to achieve. A loose-fitting beanie will appear relaxed and easy while a snugger beanie will appear clean and sharp. Both styles are cool, so go with what you like and what you want to look like.
3. Can I wear a beanie when I dress up?
Beanies are usually suited for smart-casual or semi-casual looks, though you can throw some formals over it if you’re looking for something more modern or laid back.
4. Can I wear a beanie with an extra-long beanie?
Whether your hair is longer, you can either tuck it under the beanie or let it go out the back for an effortless, natural look. If you do not want your hair flattened, then pull the beanie back so that the hair has a little volume.
5. What should I wear with short hair?
For short hair you could put a beanie slung low over your head or left a little loose for an informal, "lived in" look. The trick is to get something that fits well and matches your style.