Unisex Beanie

One Size and How It Stretches

A one size beanie fits by stretch and by slouch working together. The knit opens around a larger head and the spare length shortens; on a smaller head the same length simply gathers more at the back. That is why a slouchy cut is the kindest shape for a hat that has to fit different people. A tighter cuffed style leaves far less room for that give.

• Stretch. The knit opens to fit.
• Slouch. Spare length adjusts on its own.
• Sharing. One hat can pass between heads.

Neutral Shades Anyone Can Wear

Black, charcoal, gray and beige carry no gender signal, which is exactly what makes them good shared hats. Choose the shade by the coat it will meet most often, since a hat that clashes with that coat tends to stay in the closet. Texture adds personality without changing that neutrality: a plush loop, a speckle or a plain smooth knit.

• Black or charcoal. Sharp with dark coats.
• Heather gray. Easy with almost anything.
• Beige. Warm with camel and brown.

Styling It Higher or Lower

Worn high with the brim at the hairline, a beanie reads sporty and suits short hair; pulled lower toward the brows it looks cozy and suits longer hair. Try it high and low in a mirror before deciding a hat is not for you, because the same beanie can look completely different set an inch higher.

• High. Sporty, shows the forehead.
• Low. Cozy, covers the ears.
• Pushed back. Relaxed slouch for mild days.

For the fiber behind these hats, see the alpaca wool page, and for every knit style side by side, the knit beanie page.