How to Buy a Beanie

The versatile beanie adds color and pizazz to any outfit. Beanies keep the head warm and help keep hair in place on windy days. Although similar to stocking caps, beanies are not limited to cold weather and are made of various weights of materials.

Instructions

1. Determine the general use of the beanie. If the beanie is for cold weather, the weight of the material is a greater concern than if the beanie is a fashion accessory. Heavy knitted beanies are best suited for winter wear, so stow away the light-weight funky beanie until warm weather returns.

2. Select the style of beanie. Beanies with soft brimmed visors are good for sunny weather. Beanies with dangling pulls strings give the wearer some options for windy days, and colorful accessories can easily be attached to the strings for added flair. Unisex beanies work well for couples who like to wear matching accessories.

3. Decide on the basic color. Dark colors can be worn with every outfit from the most casual jeans and t-shirt to formal evening wear. Dark colors also work best for most guys. Brightly colored beanies add a vibrant splash to any outfit.

4. Choose the beanie's material. Wool beanies are very popular on college campuses but the wool requires hand washing. Synthetic materials offer more variety and can be thrown into the laundry. Beanies made from more exotic materials, such as silk blends, should be worn with care as stains are difficult to remove.

5. Try on several beanies before buying. Due to differences in elasticity of the various materials and the round shape, beanies of the same size have different fits.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a hair net if trying on hats in public seems unhygienic.