Beanie Styles 101: How to Wear a Beanie?
The beanie is a timeless and versatile accessory that has remained a staple in wardrobes for years. Whether you're braving the winter chill or adding a stylish touch to your outfit, the beanie effortlessly combines warmth and fashion. Its popularity spans across various seasons, making it a go-to choice for both casual outings and cozy indoor moments. From chilly fall days to the coldest winter months, the beanie is not only practical but also a key element in elevating your personal style. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to wear a beanie and how to style it to match any occasion or outfit.
How to Choose the Right Beanie for Your Face Shape?
Your face shape plays a key role in determining which style will flatter you best when choosing the perfect beanie. Certain hat styles can help balance and enhance the overall look of different face shapes. To help you choose the right beanie based on your face shape, here's a guide:
Round Faces
Adding height and creating angles that elongate the face is the goal for those with round faces. This face shape works best with a slouchy or oversized beanie. The extra fabric at the top adds volume and creates vertical lines. This helps to balance the softer, rounder features. When wearing a slouchy hat, allow it to sit slightly higher on your head to create the illusion of height and structure, which will help define the jawline and elongate your face.
Tip: Avoid wearing a tight-fitting hat, as this can actually accentuate the roundness of your face.
Oval Faces
Oval faces are often the most versatile in terms of their choice of accessories. If you have an oval face, almost any style of hat will look good on you. However, a fitted hat will enhance the natural symmetry of your face. A snug, close-fitting hat that sits comfortably over your eyebrows will enhance the balance between your forehead and chin, creating a sleek and polished look. A fitted hat will complement the natural curves of an oval face without overpowering the proportions, whether it's a simple, cuffed style or a smooth, uncuffed design.
Tip: To avoid crushing your hair or creating a harsh line on your forehead, keep the fit snug but not too tight.
Square Faces
Square faces need to be softened to soften the strong jawline and forehead. To balance the sharp features of a square face, a hat with a bit of a slouch is the perfect choice. The addition of fabric at the top of the beanie allows the hat to fall naturally, creating a rounder, softer silhouette. The slouchy look contrasts with the structured nature of a square face and helps to break up the angular lines.
Tip: Beanies with a loose, relaxed fit add softness and dimension to your look.
Heart Shaped Faces
The key is to choose a beanie that sits closer to your hairline if you have a heart-shaped face, where your forehead is wider than your chin. A beanie that sits a little higher on your forehead will help to balance the proportions of your face. It will draw attention away from the wider top half of your face and towards the narrower chin. Complementing the angles of the cheekbones and chin, a tighter fit around the forehead creates a more cohesive look. A simple cuffed or fitted hat that hugs the hairline is ideal for this face shape.
Tip: Avoid hats that sit too low on your head or are too slouchy, as they can draw attention to the widest part of your face.
How to Wear a Beanie with Different Hairstyles?
Beanies are incredibly versatile. They can be styled with different types of hair, whether short, long or curly. Finding a style that complements both your hairstyle and the beanie itself is the key to rocking a beanie with your hair. Below is a breakdown of how to wear a beanie with different hair lengths and textures.
Short Hair
If you have short hair, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to styling it with a beanie. Because the hair is already shorter, you don't have to worry about tucking everything under the hat. This makes it easy to achieve a stylish look in just a few steps.
Messy look: Simply pull on your hat and let your hair peek out from underneath for a carefree, relaxed look. To achieve a messy look, you can give your hair a light tousle before you put the beanie on. This works particularly well with a slouchy hat. It allows the hat to sit loosely on your head while adding volume and texture.
Smooth look: Smooth your short hair back or to the side before placing the hat on your head for a sleeker look. A fitted beanie will work best for this as it will give you a smooth, sleek finish. To give your style a cleaner look, make sure the hat fits snugly around the hairline. This look is ideal for a minimalist, modern approach to wearing a beanie.
Tip: For both of these looks, make sure the hat does not sit too low on your forehead, as this can hide too much of your hair and create a heavy look.
Long Hair
If you have long hair, beanie styling options are endless. A beanie can complement your long locks while keeping you warm and stylish, whether you wear your hair up or down.
Ponytail or bun: Pull your long hair into a high or low ponytail or bun and place the hat on top for a chic and practical style. What is nice about it is that it gives a cool contrast to neat hair. A slightly slouchy hat works well with a high ponytail, while a fitted hat looks sleek with a low bun. This style works particularly well with an oversized or slouchy hat, as it will sit comfortably around the top of your bun or ponytail.
Loose waves: Let your long hair flow loosely and naturally under your hat for a more relaxed, bohemian look. Loose waves look great with both a fitted hat and a floppy hat, although a floppy hat will give the style a more effortless, relaxed feel. Keep the hat slightly higher on your head to avoid flattening the waves, and don't be shy about letting some of your hair peek out underneath for extra texture.
Tip: Use a light hold hairspray or gel to hold your hair in place before you put the beanie on if you want to avoid the beanie messing up your hairstyle.
Curly Hair
Curly hair can be tricky to style with a beanie. But with the right techniques, you can rock a hat while keeping your curls defined and bouncy.
Keep your curls defined: When wearing a beanie with curly hair, the key is to avoid flattening or smothering your curls. To enhance the shape and texture of your curls, start by gently styling them with your fingers or a curl cream. When putting the hat on, make sure it's not too tight around your curls. A slouchy hat or a slightly oversized hat will work best, as it will give your curls enough room to breathe without flattening them out.
Avoid frizz: Consider using a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum before wearing your beanie if you have frizz-prone curls. This will help keep your curls smooth and defined under the hat. A tight-fitting hat can sometimes cause static electricity to build up, so a looser fit will reduce the friction and prevent your curls from losing their shape.
Tip: Avoid pulling the beanie down too far on your forehead to keep your curls intact. Instead, let the hat sit comfortably and leave some room for your curls to stay natural.
How to Style Beanies for Different Occasions?
Beanies are versatile accessories. They can be styled in many different ways to suit different occasions. There's a way to incorporate a beanie into your outfit, whether you're heading out for a casual day, an athletic workout or a chilly evening. Let's take a look at how you can style a beanie for a variety of settings and occasions:
Casual Day Look
Any casual day outfit is perfect with a beanie. Pair your beanie with classic staples like jeans, T-shirts, jackets or hoodies for a laid-back vibe. This combination is perfect for running errands, meeting friends for coffee or just strolling around town for a relaxed, comfortable look.
How to style it with:
Jeans & T-shirt
A simple jeans and T-shirt combo looks great with a fitted beanie. To make the beanie work with any outfit, opt for neutral colours like black, grey or beige. Without overpowering the simplicity of the look, the beanie adds a touch of casual cool.
Jacket or Hooded Sweatshirt
If you're layering with a jacket or hooded sweatshirt, an oversized beanie can provide a stylish contrast to the more bulky layers. For an effortlessly cool look, you can even let the hat sit slightly slouchy or let a few strands of hair peek out.
Tip: To avoid looking too 'polished', keep the beanie slightly loose. The key to a casual look is to keep it comfortable and relaxed.
Sporty Look
Beanies, especially when paired with activewear or athleisure pieces, are also a great accessory for sporty outfits. A beanie can add an extra layer of functionality while keeping you stylish, whether you're going for a run, hitting the gym or just embracing the athleisure trend.
How to style it with:
Activewear
Pair your beanie with a sporty hoodie, leggings or tracksuit bottoms. To stay in place during your workout or run, choose a fitted or cuffed beanie. Match the colour of your beanie to your workout gear for a coordinated look.
Athleisure
The athleisure look is all about comfort with a touch of style. A beanie paired with a stylish sweatshirt, trainers and leggings is the perfect complement to this style. Choose a beanie in a neutral colour to balance out bold activewear prints or make a statement with a bright with a bright or patterned beanie.
Tip: Look for breathable materials such as cotton or wool blends to keep your head cool when you're active, especially during outdoor workouts.
Chill Evening Look
When the temperature drops, your beanie becomes more than a fashion statement. It becomes a necessity. On a chilly evening, a beanie can be paired with a warm winter coat, scarf and gloves to keep you toasty warm and still look chic. Whether you're grabbing a bite at a restaurant, attending a winter event or strolling through a snowy city, this combination is perfect for an evening out.
How to style it with:
Winter Coat & Scarf
To complement the bulk of a thick winter coat or jacket, choose a chunky, slouchy hat. For extra warmth, pair a wool or knit beanie with a scarf and leather gloves. Choose neutral tones like grey, black or camel for a sophisticated look. Or go for bold colours for a pop of fun.
Layering
Layer your beanie over your hair. Let it peek out from under a cosy scarf. Wear it lower on your head when wearing a high-collared coat for a snug fit that keeps your ears warm.
Tip: Don't be afraid to match your hat with your outerwear for a coordinated look, but don't be afraid to add a contrasting scarf for a little personality.
Street Style Look
Beanies, especially when paired with oversized and trendy pieces, are a key element of street style. A fashion-forward look that's both comfortable and chic is created by combining a slouchy beanie with a relaxed, oversized outfit. Perfect for those who like to make a statement and play with proportions in their wardrobe.
How to style it with:
Oversized Jackets and Sweaters
Oversized jackets, parkas or chunky jumpers look great with a baggy, slouchy beanie. For a more street-style look, try pairing your beanie with an oversized bomber jacket or a long, oversized coat. The loose fit of the beanie should match the relaxed vibe of the outerwear.
Chunky Sneakers
To complete the street style look, pair your beanie with a pair of chunky trainers or boots. For a stylish, balanced look that exudes confidence, layer your beanie with a bold graphic tee or oversized hoodie.
Tip: Don't worry about matching everything perfectly - street style is all about creativity and individuality. Go for contrasting textures and bold colours to stand out.
Step-by-Step How to Wear Different Types of Beanies?
Beanies come in a variety of styles. Each one offers a unique way to express your personal style while keeping you warm. Knowing how to wear each type can help you master the art of beanie styling, whether you're a fan of the classic cuffed beanie, a slouchy, relaxed style, or something more trendy like a fisherman style. To help you find the perfect fit and style for every occasion and outfit, we've taken a step-by-step look at how to wear different types of beanies.
1. Standard Way (Classic Fit)
Step 1: Place the beanie on your head so that it comfortably fits just above your ears.
Step 2: Ensure the brim of the beanie is sitting evenly across your forehead, creating a smooth, fitted look.
Step 3: Adjust the fit to make sure it feels snug but not too tight. The beanie should sit just above your eyebrows for a clean, classic look.
Tip: This style works well for any face shape and is perfect for casual everyday wear.
2. Single Cuff (Folded Edge)
Step 1: Place the beanie on your head like the standard way, but this time, fold the brim up once.
Step 2: Adjust the fold to your preference. The cuff should be thick enough to add texture, but not too bulky.
Step 3: Position the beanie slightly higher on your forehead for a more structured, neat look.
Tip: This style is perfect for adding a bit of flair and works great with fitted jackets or casual outfits.
3. Fisherman Style (Rolled Brim)
Step 1: Put the beanie on your head and let the brim sit loosely above your eyebrows.
Step 2: Roll the brim up once or twice, allowing it to hug the top of your head while leaving a little room for slouch.
Step 3: Let the body of the beanie drape naturally around the top of your head for a relaxed, effortless look.
Tip: The fisherman style gives a laid-back vibe, ideal for colder weather and casual street style.
4. The High-Top (Tall Beanie)
Step 1: Place the beanie on your head, but leave a little extra length on top for a taller, more dramatic effect.
Step 2: Let the excess fabric bunch up at the top, giving the beanie a "high-top" look with extra height.
Step 3: Adjust the fit around your head so that the beanie feels snug but the extra height stays in place.
Tip: The high-top style adds volume and is great for those who want to stand out or create a more fashion-forward look.
5. The Robin Hood (Slouched Back)
Step 1: Place the beanie on your head, but leave it a bit loose and draped toward the back.
Step 2: Adjust the brim to sit just above your eyebrows while letting the rest of the beanie slouch slightly toward the back.
Step 3: For a true Robin Hood look, make sure there’s a noticeable slouch or extra fabric hanging loosely.
Tip: This style gives off a relaxed and adventurous vibe, perfect for casual, bohemian, or outdoor outfits.
6. The David Beckham (Rolled with Slouch)
Step 1: Put the beanie on your head and fold the brim once, creating a snug fit just above your ears.
Step 2: Let the body of the beanie slouch toward the back of your head, creating a relaxed, cool look.
Step 3: Adjust the fit so the slouch is not too tight but still gives the beanie a bit of character.
Tip: This style is a great choice for adding a bit of edge to your outfit, especially when paired with a leather jacket or urban attire.
No matter your personal style or occasion, beanies are the perfect accessory to complete any look while keeping you cozy. With the right choice of style, fit, and pairing, you can elevate your outfit and showcase your unique fashion sense. At VELO, we believe in helping you redefine your style and make a statement. Ready to step up your beanie game? Visit veloyou.co.uk today and discover a curated collection of beanies and washed caps designed to take your style to the next level.