15 Types of Beanies

A beanie is one of the easiest ways to stay warm when the temperature drops. It also works as a style piece all year, from a thick cuffed knit on a cold commute to a light cotton cap on a cool spring evening. Still, not every beanie looks or fits the same. The types of beanies differ by shape, length, knit, and extra features like pom poms, visors, and ear flaps.

Let’s walk you through 15 popular beanie styles with pictures. You will also learn the main beanie shapes, the materials that keep you warmest, and the styles men and women wear most.

A Quick Look at Different Types of Beanies:

What Is a Beanie?

A beanie is a brimless, close-fitting cap that covers the head and often the ears. Most beanies use a knitted fabric such as acrylic, wool, or cotton, so they stretch to fit many head sizes. People also call them knit caps, stocking caps, and skull caps.

In parts of the United States, the word beanie can also mean a brimless cap made from stitched felt or twill panels. College freshmen wore this kind of cap in the early 1900s. Today, though, most people use the word beanie to mean a knit winter hat.

Is a Beanie a Hat?

Yes, a beanie is a type of hat. It belongs to the brimless hat family, along with berets. A classic beanie has no stiff crown and no brim, and that sets it apart from structured styles like the fedora or the baseball cap. You can see how beanies fit into the wider headwear world in our guide to the types of hats.

Why Is It Called a Beanie?

The name most likely comes from "bean," an American slang word for the head that dates back to 1905. The word beanie itself appeared around 1940. Another theory links the name to the small, bean-sized button on top of early cloth beanies.

Knitted caps are far older than the name. In Britain, the knitted Monmouth cap was in fashion from the 15th to the 18th century, and the earliest written record of it dates to 1576. From the 18th century on, sailors, fishers, and hunters relied on wool knit caps to stay warm while they worked outdoors.

Shapes of Beanies

Before you look at individual styles, it helps to know the four basic beanie shapes. Almost every beanie falls into one of these groups, and the shape decides how the hat sits on your head.

Your face shape plays a part too. Thin knits and uncuffed styles suit narrow faces, while thicker knits and short cuffed styles balance round or square faces.

15 Types of Beanies with Pictures

The first six styles below are classic fits. The next six add a special feature, such as a pom pom or a lining. The last three stand out because of their knit or pattern.

1. Cuffed Beanie

The cuffed beanie is the most common beanie style. It has a folded band at the bottom that doubles the fabric over your forehead and ears. You can roll the cuff higher for a shorter look or fold it lower for more warmth. Its clean shape works with almost any outfit, and brands like Yupoong and YP Classics make classic versions that take embroidery well.

• Fit: Snug, with an adjustable cuff
• Best for: Daily wear, work uniforms, and logo merch
• Common materials: Acrylic, wool, and cotton blends

2. Cuffless Beanie

A cuffless beanie has a single layer of knit with no fold at the bottom. It sits straight down over the forehead and ears and gives a smooth, simple look. Without the extra cuff, it feels lighter than a cuffed style. Many people pull it back slightly so the extra length gathers at the crown. The Yupoong 1500 is a well-known example of this classic shape.

• Fit: Snug, with no fold
  
• Best for: Minimal outfits and light layering
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, cotton, and wool
  

3. Skull Cap Beanie

A skull cap is the most minimal beanie. It hugs the head closely and has no cuff, peak, or slouch. The thin, low-profile fit slides easily under a hood or helmet, so cyclists, runners, and outdoor workers often wear it as a base layer. Many skull caps use stretchy fleece or performance knit that pulls sweat away from the skin. Port & Company makes simple everyday versions.

• Fit: Tight and low profile
  
• Best for: Sports, helmets, and layering
  
• Common materials: Fleece, polyester, and acrylic
  

4. Fisherman Beanie (Docker Beanie)

The fisherman beanie is a short, cuffed beanie that often sits at or above the ears. In French, it goes by "docker," a name that comes from dock workers who turned up the edges while they worked. A related name, watch cap, is a US military term for the knit cap sailors and guards wore while they stood watch. The Pacific Headwear P603K shows the look well with its rolled cuff and short fit.

• Fit: Short, with a rolled cuff
  
• Best for: Streetwear and minimalist outfits
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, wool, and cotton
  

5. Slouchy Beanie

A slouchy beanie has extra length that drapes at the back of the head. It sits looser than a standard beanie, so it flattens your hair less. Oversized and long beanies belong to this group too. The relaxed shape pairs well with hoodies, flannel shirts, and oversized jackets. It suits anyone who wants a casual, laid-back look that still covers the ears on cold days.

• Fit: Loose and relaxed
  
• Best for: Casual outfits and longer hair
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, cotton, and soft wool blends
  

6. High Top Beanie

A high top beanie, also called a peaked beanie, has a tall crown that stands up instead of drooping. Most high tops have a cuff and a thicker, ribbed knit that helps the top hold its shape. The extra height adds a bold touch to street style outfits. It can also balance a round face because it adds a little length to your look. Pair it with graphic tees and chunky sneakers.

• Fit: Cuffed, with a tall crown
  
• Best for: Street style and statement looks
  
• Common materials: Acrylic and wool
  

7. Pom Pom Beanie

The pom pom beanie, also known as a bobble hat, has a ball of yarn or faux fur on top. It usually has a cuff and a classic knit body. The pom adds a playful touch, so you see this style on ski slopes, at football games, and in winter fashion.

In Britain, the bobble hat became closely tied to football fans in the late 20th century. Sportsman and Sport-Tek both make pom-pom styles in team colors.

• Fit: Snug, usually cuffed
  
• Best for: Winter sports, game days, and gifts
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, wool, and faux fur poms
  

8. Visor Beanie

A visor beanie, or brimmed beanie, adds a short peak at the front. The brim shields your eyes from snow and the low winter sun, so this style suits skiing, hiking, and outdoor work. It looks like a cross between a knit beanie and a baseball cap.

Most visor beanies keep a snug fit, so the brim stays in place on windy days. Many skiers like the extra sun protection on bright slopes.

• Fit: Snug, with a short brim
  
• Best for: Skiing, hiking, and outdoor jobs
  
• Common materials: Wool, acrylic, and fleece
  

9. Earflap Beanie

An earflap beanie has extra fabric that hangs down over each ear. Many styles add ties or braided cords so you can fasten the flaps under your chin. The flaps block wind and keep your ears warm when a standard beanie is not enough.

This style works well for snow days, winter camping, and cold commutes. Some earflap beanies also add a fleece lining for more insulation.

• Fit: Snug, with flaps over the ears
• Best for: Freezing and windy weather
• Common materials: Acrylic, wool, and fleece

10. Chullo Beanie

The chullo comes from the Andes in South America. It has earflaps, colorful knitted patterns, and often tassels at the ends of the flaps. People in the Andean region wear it to protect the head and ears from cold mountain air, and the style is now popular around the world.

Traditional chullos use alpaca or sheep wool, while many modern versions use acrylic. It brings a bright, cultural touch to winter outfits.

• Fit: Snug, with earflaps
  
• Best for: Travel, festivals, and casual wear
  
• Common materials: Alpaca, wool, and acrylic
  

11. Ponytail Beanie

A ponytail beanie, also called a messy bun beanie, has an opening at the back or top. You pull your ponytail or bun through the hole, so the hat sits comfortably and does not crush your hair.

The opening also lets some heat escape, which helps during runs and winter workouts. Women wear this style most often. It pairs well with athleisure, leggings, and puffer jackets.

• Fit: Snug, with an opening for hair
  
• Best for: Runs, hikes, and long hair
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, stretch knit, and fleece blends
  

12. Fleece-Lined Beanie

A fleece-lined beanie combines a knit outer shell with a soft fleece layer inside. The lining traps more heat and blocks wind better than a single knit layer. It also feels softer against the skin, which helps people who find wool itchy.

This style works well for outdoor jobs, winter sports, and very cold climates. Port & Company and Sportsman both offer cuffed versions with fleece linings.

• Fit: Snug and warm
  
• Best for: Outdoor work and harsh winters
  
• Common materials: Acrylic shell with polyester fleece
  

13. Cable Knit Beanie

A cable knit beanie has a raised pattern of twisted, braided stitches. The cables make the fabric thicker, so this beanie holds more warmth than a plain knit. Its textured look feels classic and cozy, and it pairs well with wool coats, scarves, and sweaters.

You can find cable knits in both cuffed and pom-pom versions. It is a popular choice for gifts and holiday outfits.

• Fit: Snug to slightly relaxed
  
• Best for: Classic winter outfits and gifts
  
• Common materials: Wool, acrylic, and cashmere blends
  

14. Rib Knit and Waffle Knit Beanie

Rib knit beanies have vertical lines of raised stitches that stretch and hug the head. Waffle knit beanies use a grid pattern that adds texture and traps a little extra air for warmth. Both styles hold their shape well and look neat with or without a cuff.

They give a plain outfit some texture without being loud. The Richardson 146R is a good example of a cuffed waffle knit beanie.

• Fit: Snug and stretchy
  
• Best for: Neat everyday style
  
• Common materials: Acrylic, cotton, and wool
  

15. Patterned and Camo Beanie

Patterned beanies use color and print to stand out. Popular choices include camo, stripes, Fair Isle designs, and tie-dye. Camo beanies suit hunters and outdoor workers who want to blend into nature, while striped and tie-dye styles add color to casual outfits.

Most patterned beanies come in a classic cuffed or cuffless shape. Kati makes camo knit beanies in 8-inch and 12-inch lengths.

• Fit: Usually cuffed or standard
  
• Best for: Hunting, outdoor work, and casual color
  
• Common materials: Acrylic and cotton blends
  

Beanie vs Toque: Is There a Difference?

No, a beanie and a toque are the same knit hat. The only real difference is where you live. Most Canadians call a knit winter hat a toque, while many Americans call it a beanie. The word toque comes from Canadian French and first appeared in this sense around 1870.

In France, the word toque refers to other hats, such as the tall white hat a chef wears, so the word can confuse people outside Canada.

The name also changes from region to region. Here are the most common ones.

Toboggan is the most surprising name on the list, since most people know it as a type of sled. Our beanie vs toboggan guide compares the two terms in more detail.

How to Choose the Right Beanie

The best beanie depends on how and where you plan to wear it. Keep these four points in mind.

• Weather: Pick wool, merino wool, or a fleece-lined beanie for freezing days. Choose cotton for mild weather.
• Activity: A skull cap works best for sports, a visor beanie suits snow, and a ponytail beanie fits workouts.
• Fit: Most beanies come in one size, but some brands also offer S/M and L/XL. A snug fit stays in place and holds more heat.
• Hair: Slouchy and ponytail beanies flatten your hair less than a tight skull cap.

Once you pick a style, the way you wear it matters just as much. Our guide on how to wear a beanie covers outfit ideas and the best styles for each face shape.

Where to Buy Wholesale Beanies

Teams, schools, uniform programs, and clothing brands often buy plain beanies in bulk and add their own logo. Embroidery gives the cleanest and most durable finish on knit hats. Patches also work well, while screen printing can struggle on stretchy knit fabric.

Our wholesale beanies range includes cuffed, cuffless, pom pom, and fleece-lined styles from brands such as Sportsman, Big Accessories, Cap America, and Holloway. For warmer months, our wholesale hats range covers caps, trucker hats, and visors.