How to wear a beanie and don’t look strange

It can be difficult to navigate the cold-weather headwear landscape. Beanies are the only acceptable option for men, and they’re not well-respected by fashion followers.

As is the case with many things in style, it’s not about what you wear but how you wear it. With that in mind, let’s defend one of the most misunderstood accessories of winter.

You may have been wearing the wrong hats if you’ve ever said, “Hats don’t fit me.” Beanies are a great choice for menswear’s love of utilitarian wear, and there are many styles that can match any face shape.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BEANIE

Sarah Gilfillan, stylist, founder of SartoriaLab (a London-based mens styling service), says that a beanie is an essential part of your winter wardrobe. But before you go out and buy one, consider the details. They can make all the difference in whether the style is right for you.

Avoid designs that make your face look like Harry in Home Alone if you have a square or round face. Gilfillan suggests that you choose a beanie with no turn-back cuff. Instead, use ribbing and looser styles to add height to your face. Also, don’t pull it down too low on your head.

Bobble hats are another option, but avoid anything too outrageous. You don’t want Kevin to see you.

A beanie is a good choice if you have a longer face. Gilfillan suggests that you consider a turn-back collar, which can be in a contrasting or striped color. To avoid adding height, wear a more snug fitting style that fits tightly on your head.

These winter hats are a must-have for every man’s wardrobe. But how should men style them? There are many ways to style them, but here are some of our favorites.

1. THE CLASSIC CUFFED BEANIE

This is what most people think of when they hear the term “woolly hat” – and for good reason. This style is one the most versatile and popular in existence, and it has been championed both by hip-hop royalty and workmen as well as everyone else.

2. THE FISHERMAN BEANIE

Although it may be the go-to cold-weather headgear for hipsters, don’t let this stop you. The fisherman beanie is a great addition to a workwear-inspired look.

This tiny woolly hat has a turn-up design and sits on the top of the head just above the ears.

3. THE BOBBLE HAT

Although pom-poms aren’t the most common decorative detail, it is still a popular choice. Napoleon’s infantry, the Scottish Highland regiments and the British Army used pom-poms to distinguish between companies. Today it is possible to still wear one without looking like a carol singing singer.

Avoid neon colors and overly bright patterns, as well as anything that has more than one bobble.

Newton’s third law on headwear states that for every good hat there is a bad one. Beanies are great for men when they’re worn properly, but there are certain styles that every man should avoid. These are the top 5 things to watch out for when buying beanies for men.

BEANIES FOR MEN NOT TO BE AVOIDED

1. THE BAGGY BEANIE

As I mentioned, in the noughties every man and dog wore a large, slouchy beanie. It was, evidently, not a good look.

David Beckham was instrumental in spreading this fad. He was frequently photographed wearing his baggy beanie at airports around the globe. This left us all wondering: What was he trying to smuggle through customs.

2. VISOR/PEAKED BEANS

A 13-year old boy wearing a large Limp Bizkit T shirt and baggy jeans believes it’s sick, so the rest of us should just leave it alone.

This headwear nightmare should not be seen unless you are a poorly rendered computer character called “Otto” in a Nintendo 64 snowboarding video game.

3. NOVELTY BEANIES

Beanies are not an exception to the rule in menswear. If you happen to stumble upon a ski shop that has a fleecy hat with a blue furry Mohawk, quickly turn around and walk out the door. This is common sense.