Beanies are a staple in many people’s wardrobes. Due to their versatility and variety of colors, materials, and patterns, beanies are ideal for individuals of any age and gender.
Table of Contents
Beanie market overview
Trending beanie hat styles
Materials used
Conclusion
Beanie market overview
A report from Grand View Research notes that the winter hats market (which includes beanies) is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2022 to 2030. The segment was valued at USD 25.7 billion in 2021. Much of this rise stems from beanies’ fashion popularity, weather conditions, and consumers’ disposable income.
Of the winter hats market, beanies dominated the field with 40% of the market share. In terms of location, North America is the fastest-growing market, while Asia Pacific has the largest segment of buyers. Regardless of the location, beanies are a unisex fashion choice that can be replicated in large quantities and personalized to suit consumers’ or small businesses’ needs.
Another driving factor to the popularity of beanies is the materials used to manufacture them, which are predominantly cotton and wool. These materials stave off frigid temperatures and come in various styles, colors, and sizes meant to reach young and older consumers. Even beanies with organic materials are becoming a big seller. To stand out, manufacturers (even luxury retailers) have started to produce limited edition styles of beanies and launch celebrity sponsorships to draw the market’s attention. Let’s review some of the common beanie trends and materials used.
Trending beanie hat styles
Embroidered skull hat
This style features embroidered skull designs onto a fitted beanie hat. The use of a skull makes this beanie hat stand out from the other styles, and the embroidery can vary in size and intricacy.
Embroidered skull hats can be designed in a slouched, pom-pom, or cuffed style, and most manufacturers offer an array of colors to suit consumers’ fashion needs. Depending on the brand, some skull designs are not embroidered. Instead, they’re applied with silk screens or constructed with appliques.
Custom-woven logo beanie
Consumers looking for personalized beanies can order custom-woven logo styles. This option is ideal for organizations, sports teams, or businesses seeking a customized accessory for their brand. The basic ordering process includes submitting a logo or design, approving a digital proof, and waiting for the order.
These custom winter hats are made using a jacquard knitting technique, which combines two colors of yarn in the same row for a unique design. Traditional beanies are made using one color at a time. Manufacturers of custom-woven logo hats need a special knitting machine to create them, but the result is a one-of-a-kind design that’s woven directly into the fabric.
Although custom woven logo beanies require a special design process that takes a lot of skill and precision, this makes them particularly durable, as they last longer than hats that are simply printed or embroidered. Look for hats with cuffed, pom-poms, or slouchy styles.
Custom knitted beanie
Custom knitted beanies are another type of hat that can be personalized with a logo or design. These hats can be made from cotton, wool, or acrylic, and can come in pom-pom, cuffed, or slouchy styles.
A special knitting machine that can be programmed to fit different designs is needed because these beanies are made from individual needles working together, row by row. Like the custom woven beanies, the knitted hats tend to last longer because they won’t fade or have a label peel off.
Materials used
Most beanie hats are made from cotton, wool, acrylic, or a blend of materials, but there are alternatives that are becoming widely sought after.
Organic
Beanies made from organic materials still satisfy the basic goals of staying warm, being comfortable, and being fashionable. As consumers get more environmentally conscious, organic materials like hemp, organic wool and cotton, and recycled materials are creeping into the marketplace.
Organic wool and cotton are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and use organic farming methods. Hemp is a natural fiber that is often blended with other organic materials for durability and texture. Some manufacturers are making beanie hats made from recycled plastic bottles or polyester because it’s more sustainable.
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendly beanie hats also use organic materials to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. It’s common for some companies to use natural, plant-based dyes, incorporate ethical manufacturing practices, and use sustainable packaging.
If buying eco-friendly beanies is important, look for certifications from organizations like the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Organic Content Standard. Organizations like these ensure that there’s fair treatment of workers and that the environmental impact meets specific standards.
Conclusion
The beanie hat is a popular fashion accessory that’s a mix of practicality and style. It provides warmth in the cold weather, but it also serves as an accessory for a range of outfits despite the temperature. Wholesalers should know that beanies will always be on trend because they accentuate casual outfits, provide warmth, and are customizable. Head to Alibaba.com to check out a variety of options for your business.
