How to Wear/Style a Beanie

Running short on time in the morning? Growing your hair out and currently at that awkward inbetween stage? Or do you just simply fancy adding an accessory to your look? There can be plenty of reasons why you might want to chuck a hat on, and there’s not many hat styles as versatile as the classic beanie. While the baseball cap may be a more popular option, once you’ve mastered styling a beanie you’ll wonder what you ever did before.

Plenty of men and women report difficulty when incorporating beanies into their outfits, whether that’s to do with styling them or even finding the perfect option in the first place. Here at The Sole Supplier we’re here to help out those who’ve been struggling, as we’ve experimented with countless different options over the years and like to think that we can lend a helping hand or two. So let’s jump right in at the deep end and walk through it step-by-step!

Now the first thing you’re going to want to do is find the correct type of beanie for your personal style. While they’re often one-size-fits-all, there’s a variety of different cuts and fits that all offer differing aesthetics as well as functions. The traditional cuffed beanie is a popular choice for streetwear fans, as it offers a combination of multiple styles to form a look that’s going to act as the perfect finishing touch for those on-trend outfits. Those with smaller heads might want to take a look at the fisherman’s beanie style, as it’s much smaller in length, leaving less empty space above the head - this is a style preferred by many, although it offers a very different look to more traditional varieties.

For those looking to tap into the gorpcore trend, cuffless beanies are all the rage right now. This style features the same length and fit as the cuffed beanie, although it is indeed cuffless, providing a more streamlined aesthetic that’s popular with hikers and trail runners. There’s plenty of other styles on the market such as earflap beanies for colder weather and also sports-specific beanies, although these aren’t generally preferred by a fashion-driven audience.

When first venturing into beanie-land, it’s also worth considering how you’re planning to position it on your head. This can make a huge difference as to how the hat looks as part of the outfit, even though you might think of it as a minor touch. A popular option right now is to leave plenty of extra space at the top of the beanie, pulling the brim down to just above your eyebrows and leaving most of the ears exposed. While this might sound unnatural at first, it will actually prove more comfortable in the long run, as having a beanie tight on your head can feel restrictive after more than several hours.

The age-old debate when wearing beanies is whether or not to let the tops of your ears stick out from the beanie. At the end of the day, this really comes down to personal preference. It won’t affect the look too much either way, so just go with whichever makes you feel more comfortable. If you’re aiming for a more sportswear-driven look, you may want to wear the beanie so it completely covers your ears. If this is the case, make sure the beanie you choose is a looser fit, avoiding too much pressure - this will likely cause discomfort after extended periods of time.

Once you’ve carefully selected the beanie type you’re happy with, it’s time to work it into outfits that you can create from your existing wardrobe. Many people assume that beanies are strictly to be worn in the colder months, although this is simply incorrect. They can make the perfect finishing touch to your outfits all year round with a touch of styling expertise. If you’ve opted for a looser fitting beanie with space at the top, try and pair it with a muted and relaxed streetwear outfit - think baggy denim and an oversized T-shirt, with a varsity jacket if necessary. Of course, this combination wouldn’t be complete without the addition of a pair of kicks, so we’d recommend something along the lines of the New Balance 550 to inject the final touch of flair.

On the other hand, if the tight-fitting athletic beanie is more your bag, you’ll want to go with a more outdoor-inspired outfit, so a pair of tapered cargo pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt will likely be an effective combination. If the weather requires it, complete the look with an Arc'teryx jacket or similar and a pair of Salomons on foot.

If you’ve followed these steps and tried out a few different options along the way, then congratulations and welcome to the world of beanies. This humble yet powerful accessory will add a brand-new layer of depth to your existing wardrobe, so whether putting together outfits is your favourite hobby or simply a necessity, don’t be afraid to throw a beanie into the mix when picking out your clothes for the day.

Make sure to keep it locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest sneaker and fashion updates, as well as style guides and so much more. Be sure to check out the rest of our website while you’re here.

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