The beanie is an easy-to-wear hat that looks amazing on almost anybody. It’s no wonder why beanies have become the most stylish way to stay warm in fall and winter. Beanies are available in many styling options that can easily overwhelm anyone planning their winter hat assortment.
This article will highlight the most relevant beanie hats for men and women that retailers should understand. Read on to learn how to leverage this valuable information to boost winter hat sales.
Table of Contents
Overview of the global winter hat market
The best men’s beanie styles
The best women’s beanie styles
How to leverage this insight to maximize sales
Overview of the global winter hat market
The global winter hats market was valued at US $25.7 billion in 2021. The growth of the winter hats market shows no signs of slowing down. Analysts forecast this to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2022 to 2030.
Several factors contributed to this growth, such as the powerful influence of social media, changing consumer lifestyles, the impact of street style on fashion, seasonal climate change, and the convenience of online and mobile shopping.
Interestingly, beanies stood apart from the pack and dominated the winter hat market in 2021. No longer is the beanie just a winter hat as consumers have started to embrace beanies in various fabrications all year long as a fashion statement. As a result, beanies accounted for a considerable revenue share of over 40% in 2021.
The best men’s beanie styles
Men have more beanie hat choices than ever to fend off winter weather in style. Beanies made of wool, cotton, and acrylic fabrications are ideal for wearing all year round. Read on to discover the most popular variations of beanie hats in the men’s market that are ideal for everyday and outdoor activities.
1. The cuffed beanie is a forever stylish classic hat
The cuffed beanie is a traditional no-frills beanie. The wearer can easily roll the cuff on this beanie up or down. Men can pair this beanie with everyday and dressier looks.
2. The fisherman beanie is a short fashionable beanie
The fisherman beanie is also known as a short beanie or a skullie. It has a shallow crown with a shorter fit and is closer to the head. The fisherman beanie hugs the head and sits above or on the tip of the ears.
3. Slouchy beanies pair well with off-duty looks
The slouchy beanie features a relaxed fit. Sometimes referred to as a baggy beanie, it has a longer silhouette that drapes behind the head for a laid-back look. The edge of these beanies can usually be folded up and down or pulled further down over the head and ears for more coverage.
4. Pom-pom beanies top off any outfit with flair
Pom-pom beanies are also known as bobble hats. They feature a fluffy pom-pom made of genuine or faux fur. Consumers who crave a beanie with more style options can reach for one with detachable or multiple pom-poms.
5. High-top beanies are a bold and daring type of beanie
High-top beanies are the complete opposite of slouchy beanies. Instead of draping down the back of the head, these bold statement beanies sit high atop the head. The gravity-defying beanie is usually made of a thick knit to help it stand tall. The depth of the high-top beanie determines how high it towers. So the longer the depth, the higher this beanie will stand.
6. Wool beanies are a great defender against cold frigid weather
Wool is one of the most popular natural fibers often used in winter apparel and accessories because it is a reliable natural insulator. Thin wool fibers allow tiny air pockets in the fabric to trap body heat. As a result, wool beanies are ultra warm. In addition, beanies made of wool are breathable and naturally water-resistant.
7. Twisted beanies are a timeless wardrobe staple
Twisted beanies feature a classic design that looks like braids or ropes. Sometimes they feature a mix of various cable-knit stitches. They add fantastic texture to an otherwise basic beanie. Consumers will look stylish wearing this classic beanie for years to come.
The best women’s beanie styles
Beanies are the go-to hat for staying warm on chilly nights and brisk mornings. Read on to learn about the most popular variations of this hat in the women’s winter hat market.
1. Crochet beanies are having a significant homespun moment
In recent years the craftcore trend has become popular in apparel and accessories. Consumers who crave the handcrafted look can opt for a crochet beanie to keep the head cozy and warm.
2. Oversized beanies are a statement hat
Oversized beanies are a popular way to top off an over-the-top outfit. These exaggerated beanies command attention and stand out in a crowd. They feature a larger-than-life silhouette of thick yarns and a chunky knit design.
3. Slouchy beanies are a relaxed hat
Slouchy beanies feature a relaxed and loose fit. Slouchy beanies have a longer silhouette with extra fabric that effortlessly drapes down the back of the head. Consumers can wear slouchy beanies pulled down over the ears or forehead for extra warmth. Slouchy beanies pair well with laid-back looks.
4. Wide cuff beanies are an extremely versatile hat
Wide-cuff beanies feature a wide fold-over cuff that consumers can let down to cover more of the forehead or left rolled up. Some wide-cuff beanies are tacked down with a few stitches to keep the cuff perfectly in place.
5. Wool beanies are the ultimate winter hat
Wool beanies are the go-to cold-weather beanie because wool can withstand the coldest winter conditions. In addition, wool is a natural fiber that can help regulate body temperature, making it an excellent fabrication for winter headwear.
6. Twisted beanies instantly elevate any fall or winter look
Twisted beanies have a raised cable knit design that resembles twisted ropes or braids. In addition, a twisted beanie may feature one or more intricate cable knit designs. Twisted beanies offer mesmerizing texture to any look.
7. Pom-pom beanies are a fun fluffy extra added to a beanie
Pom-pom beanies feature genuine fur or faux fur pom-pom on the top of the beanie. Also known as a poof ball or bobble, they can range in size from small to large. Some beanies with pom-poms have double the fluff factor and feature two pom-poms instead of one.
In addition, styles with detachable pom-poms offer consumers more styling options to achieve their desired look.
How to leverage this insight to maximize sales
Retailers aware of the most popular beanie hat styles will be able to make confident and strategic product buying decisions.
Ultimately, offering an up-to-date and on-trend selection of beanies will excite loyal consumers and exceed winter hat sales expectations.
