Wool Hats and Beanies: Men and Women

Accessories · Beanies

The beanie is the item in which people most often choose the wrong material, and they realise it too late: everything seems soft in the shop, but the fibre that itches on the forehead is noticeable after ten minutes outdoors, when the tag has already been discarded.

Which wool does not itch

Itchiness does not depend on quality but on fibre diameter: below 19 microns it is almost never felt, while above 23 most people notice it. In terms of labels: cashmere is practically never itchy, merino almost never, while regular wool depends on the batch and how it has been brushed.

Brushed wool - the wool used for Lacoste beanies - is wool treated with fine carding, which lifts the fibres and softens the feel: it is the most common compromise and works for most heads. Emporio Armani works with both ribbed virgin wool and pure cashmere, while Dondup offers a declared wool and acrylic blend that is non-itchy by construction.

The cuff and how much it covers

The ribbed cuffed beanie is the warmest, because there are two layers instead of one over the forehead and ears. It is also adjustable: unfolded, it fully covers the ears; folded twice, it becomes shorter and sits at the nape.

The plain beanie, without a cuff, is lighter and closer-fitting - the style that adidas Originals and New Era bring to the sportswear category. It is less warm but does not disturb the hair, which for many people is the real reason for choosing it.

Scarf and beanie sets

Peuterey offers the cashmere-blend set with a matching scarf, and it is one of our best-selling items in December: it solves the gift in one go, there is no size to guess, and it already comes coordinated. Individual scarves are in women's scarves and men's scarves.

Men's or women's

For this item, the distinction matters little: around ten of the styles we stock are unisex and are bought by both. The two dedicated pages - women's beanies and men's beanies - help narrow the choice rather than divide the catalogue.

The rest of the headwear, including visor and brimmed styles, can be found in women's hats and men's hats.

Frequently asked questions

Can an itchy beanie be softened?

Only slightly, and not permanently. Washing it with diluted hair conditioner makes the fibre smoother for a few wears, but the yarn diameter does not change: if it itches when you first buy it, it will itch afterwards too. The only remedy that really works is a lining - some structured styles have an inner fleece or cotton band across the forehead, where contact is constant.

Is a beanie with a turn-up better than a plain one?

A beanie with a turn-up is warmer because there are two layers of fabric over the forehead and ears, and you can adjust it by unfolding the turn-up. A plain beanie is lighter and closer-fitting, disturbs the hair less and has a sportier profile. For real cold, choose the turn-up; for wearing it all day indoors and out, choose the plain style.

Is an acrylic beanie low quality?

No, it is simply a different choice. Acrylic does not itch, does not felt and retains its colour, but it is less warm than wool at the same thickness. Wool-acrylic blends, such as those by Dondup, combine the two: slightly less warm than pure wool, but much gentler on sensitive skin.

What size is a beanie?

Almost always one size fits all: the elastic knit adapts to a 55-60 cm head circumference, covering the vast majority of adult heads. That is why a beanie is one of the safest gifts you can give.

How do you wash a wool beanie?

By hand in cold water with mild soap, or at 30 degrees on the wool cycle inside a pillowcase. Do not wring it: press it between two towels and dry it flat, preferably resting it on something round to prevent the shape from flattening. In hot machine washes, wool felts and the beanie shrinks by one size.