A good beanie should be warm, comfortable and easy to wear. But once you start looking at different styles, you'll quickly realize that not every beanie fits the same way.
Some sit close to your head. Others have a little extra room at the top. Some have a folded cuff, while others are designed to sit higher on the head. And then there are pom-pom beanies, which bring a little more personality to the whole thing.
So how do you know which one is right for you?
At 4T2D, we make a range of beanies in Burlington, Vermont, including cuffed, midi, skully and pom styles. Each has its own fit and feel, and the best choice ultimately comes down to how you like to wear your beanie.
Here's a closer look at the different styles and what to consider when choosing one.
Start With How You Like Your Beanie to Fit
Before worrying about color, pattern or pom-poms, think about fit.
Do you like your beanie to sit snugly against your head? Do you prefer a little extra room? Do you like the classic look of a folded cuff, or would you rather have something that sits a little higher?
There's no right answer. Beanies are personal, and the best one is the style you'll actually want to wear.
Your hairstyle can also play a role. Someone with longer or thicker hair may prefer a little more room, while someone looking for a low-profile everyday beanie may prefer a closer fit.
That's why we offer several different silhouettes rather than trying to make one beanie work for everyone.
Cuffed Beanies: The Classic Everyday Choice
If you're looking for a beanie that works with almost anything, start with a cuffed beanie.
The folded cuff gives this style its classic shape and creates a clean, familiar look. It's the kind of beanie you can throw on for a morning coffee run, wear around Burlington or take with you on a weekend trip without thinking too much about it.
Cuffed beanies are also easy to pair with different styles. They work with a winter jacket and boots, but they don't feel out of place with jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers.
For many people, a cuffed beanie is the best everyday beanie because it's simple, versatile and easy to wear.
Best for: Everyday wear, classic style, casual outfits and anyone who wants a versatile go-to beanie.
Skully Beanies: Low Profile and Close Fitting
If you prefer a beanie that stays close to your head, a skully beanie may be the better choice.
Skullys are generally designed with a lower-profile fit, making them a simple option when you want warmth without a lot of extra material.
They're particularly easy to wear when you're active. Whether you're walking around town, heading out for a hike or spending a day outside, a low-profile beanie can feel less bulky underneath a hood or jacket.
There's also something inherently understated about a skully. It doesn't need a lot of styling to work.
Best for: Low-profile wear, outdoor activities, layering under hoods and a simple, understated look.
Yarn Pom Beanies: Add a Little Personality
Sometimes you want your winter gear to be functional. Sometimes you want it to be fun.
That's where a yarn pom beanie comes in.
The pom adds a little extra character to an otherwise straightforward winter essential. Depending on the color and pattern, a pom beanie can be playful, classic or somewhere in between.
They're especially at home during the colder months in Vermont, whether you're heading to the mountain, walking around town or spending a Saturday outside.
If most of your winter wardrobe is fairly simple, a pom beanie can also be an easy way to add some personality without changing the rest of your outfit.
Best for: Winter, outdoor activities, adding personality to an outfit and anyone who likes a little more detail.
What About Faux Fur Pom Beanies?
For an even more distinctive take on the traditional pom, there's the faux fur pom beanie.
The silhouette is familiar, but the fur pom gives the hat a different look and a little more visual impact. It's an easy choice if you want your winter accessories to stand out or you're looking for something that feels a little more elevated.
Like our other beanie styles, it's designed to be worn regularly rather than saved for a special occasion. The right beanie should become part of your everyday winter wardrobe.
Best for: A more elevated winter look, statement accessories and adding texture to your outfit.
How to Choose the Right Beanie for You
Still not sure which style makes the most sense? Start with these four questions.
Do you like a snug or relaxed fit?
If you like your beanie close to your head, a skully may be your best bet.
Do you want a classic look?
Go with a cuffed beanie. It's probably the most versatile silhouette and works across a wide range of outfits.
Do you want your beanie to stand out?
Try a yarn pom or faux fur pom. The added detail gives you more personality without requiring a complicated outfit.
Will you wear it for outdoor activities?
Think about how you'll actually use it. A low-profile skully can work well under a hood, while a cuffed or pom beanie can be a great everyday choice for walking, hiking and spending time outside.
What About Color and Pattern?
Once you've decided on the right silhouette, choosing a color or pattern is the fun part.
A solid black, navy or neutral beanie is easy to wear with almost anything and can become the one you reach for every day.
If you already have a fairly neutral wardrobe, though, don't be afraid to choose something with a little more color or pattern. A beanie is a relatively easy place to experiment.
At 4T2D, our collection includes a mix of solid colors and more distinctive patterns, including nature-inspired, floral, animal and geometric designs.
The right choice really comes down to what you want your beanie to do.
Blend in with everything? Choose a neutral solid.
Add some color? Try a brighter shade.
Make more of a statement? Look for a distinctive pattern or pom.
Why We Make Different Beanie Styles
We don't think there should be one "perfect" beanie.
Different people want different fits, and the way you wear a beanie can change depending on the day. A skully might be your favorite for a hike, while a cuffed beanie becomes your everyday choice around town. A pom might be the one you grab when you want a little more personality.
That's why we make several silhouettes.
Our beanies are designed and manufactured in Burlington, Vermont, with an emphasis on comfort, quality and everyday wear. They're made to be part of your wardrobe, not something you only pull out when the temperature drops below freezing.
And because we're based in Vermont, we know a thing or two about changing weather. A cool September morning can turn into a warmer afternoon, followed by a surprisingly chilly evening. Having a beanie nearby is rarely a bad idea.
The Best Beanie Is the One You'll Actually Wear
There's no universal answer to which beanie is best.
If you want something classic and versatile, start with a cuffed beanie. For a low-profile fit, go with a skully. And if you want to add some personality to your winter wardrobe, a pom or fur pom might be the right choice.
The important thing is finding a fit you like and a style that works with the way you actually dress.
That's what we're trying to make at 4T2D: beanies that are comfortable enough for everyday life, versatile enough to wear anywhere and made right here in Burlington, Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cuffed and skully beanie?
A cuffed beanie has a folded section around the bottom that creates a defined cuff and classic silhouette. A skully is generally more low-profile and designed to fit closer to the head.
What is a midi beanie?
A midi beanie has a slightly roomier, more relaxed silhouette than a traditional low-profile beanie. It's a good choice if you prefer a bit more space through the crown.
Which type of beanie is best for everyday wear?
A cuffed beanie is one of the most versatile choices for everyday wear because its classic shape works with a wide range of outfits and activities. Ultimately, the best everyday beanie is the one that fits comfortably and suits your personal style.
Are pom-pom beanies still in style?
Yes. Pom-pom beanies are a classic winter style that still works across casual and outdoor wardrobes. The pom adds visual interest and personality while still providing the warmth and function of a traditional beanie.
What type of beanie is best for hiking?
The best choice depends on the weather and how you prefer your beanie to fit. A low-profile skully can be convenient under a hood, while a cuffed or midi beanie can work well for everyday hiking and cooler-weather activities.
Are 4T2D beanies made in Vermont?
Yes. 4T2D designs and manufactures its beanies in Burlington, Vermont.