The history of headwear dates back to 3200BC. Humans have found it necessary to protect their hair and scalp from environmental factors for millennia. While headwear still fulfils that need, today, it comes under the broad classification of fashion. Professional headgear like construction helmets mostly don’t count as a fashion product, but all other headwear are a fashion accessory. A recent trend in headwear is the beanie. A beanie is truly versatile apparel that lends itself to all kinds of personalisation. For example, people can have embroidery on beanies, or stick pins into them or sport badges; the possibilities are endless.
While beanies may seem like a recent trend, they have been a part of everyday wear for many decades, though their form has undergone considerable changes. The beanie is originally a skull cap, meaning it falls closely on the scalp covering it, unlike a hat or a baseball cap. Today, the beanie is available in various styles and designs and is a beloved fashion accessory for both women and men of all ages.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Similar to the origin of jeans, beanies were also intended for blue-collar workers. Essentially, the beanie’s primary function was to keep the hair out of the eyes of workers. The traditional hat (the early 1910s or 1920s) was considered useless for labourers, and the brim would have probably gotten in the way. The main objective was to do away with the brim, and thus the beanie was born. Beanies did have a small visor at the base, which was the inspiration behind the baseball cap people know and love today. It was initially made of panels of leather stitched together in a circular form. Each panel could sport a different colour for a visual effect. While workers did use beanies, they were more popular among the youth. Around the 1940s, several college youngsters could be seen sporting beanies with their outfits.
The beanie also caught the imagination of Ray Nelsen in 1947, when he added a propeller to the top of the beanie in one of his science fiction works (published much later). This idea soon caught on and was popular in the media under the tagline “time for beanie”. The propeller beanie’s popularity grew until it became a part of the lead’s costume in Beany and Cecil (worn by Beany). The propeller beanie became an exceptional hit amongst sci-fi fans.
THE BEANIE TODAY
Today, the beanie represents different styles of fashion depending on its design and pairing. Beanies that resemble the skull cap are thought to belong to street fashion and pair well with those outfits. A slouchy beanie, where the top hangs off the head, is more urban and contemporary and thought to exude a sophisticated vibe. They are a staple winter wear globally, with pom poms or embroidery on beanies for a personal touch. The woollen beanie or knit beanie is a unisexual trend that enjoys global enthusiasm. They allow for ventilation, lowering the chance of sweat build up and itchy scalps, allowing people to wear them at all temperatures and climates. Additionally, beanies also proclaim belonging with merchandise beanies having sport team names or names of universities. Like the hoodie, the beanie is also merchandising apparel with sports insignia, logos, taglines and any other image or words.
PERSONALISING A BEANIE
Several people around the globe have at least one beanie. This versatile headwear complements most outfits, making it a staple in the wardrobe. It also allows for personalisation like badges, pins, iron-on stamps, and embroidery on beanies are commonplace. People with basic fashion work knowledge can also attach other embellishments like rhinestones or fabric flowers to elevate its charm.
