The fisherman beanie is shorter than the slouchy beanies most of us grew up with. It was made for working on boats, where a hat needs to keep the cold off without getting in the way. Today it's the neatest way to wear a beanie, and it's the shape we chose for Capenza.
What is a fisherman beanie?
A fisherman beanie is a short, close-fitting knitted hat with a turned-up cuff. It sits high on the head, usually just above the ears, rather than pulled down over them. Our Essential Beanie is a short fisherman cut in a stretch rib knit (52% recycled polyester, 47% acrylic, 1% elastane), so it keeps its shape all winter.
How it should sit
- On top of the head, not pulled down. The bottom of the cuff should rest just above your ears.
- Straight or slightly back. Wear it level for a neat look, or tip it back a little to show your hairline.
- Snug. The rib knit should hold it in place without needing to pull it down.
With short hair or no hair
Short hair is the classic look: wear the beanie level and high. With a shaved head, pull it a touch lower so the cuff sits just above the ears and keeps you warm.
With longer hair
Push the beanie slightly back and let your hair fall out at the front and sides. If your hair's up, wear the beanie a bit further forward so it sits in front of a bun or ponytail.
What to wear it with
A fisherman beanie works with almost anything, from a heavy coat to a heavyweight hoodie. For an easy outfit, pick a beanie colour that matches your shoes or jacket. Neutral colours like Black, Graphite Grey, Oatmeal and Walnut go with everything; Fire Red, Mustard and Luminous Blue add a bit of colour to a dark winter coat.
Looking after it
Hand wash your beanie in cold water and dry it flat. Don't tumble dry it, as the heat can stretch the knit. Our care guide has more tips.
Make it your own
Want your initials or a name on the front? Our Custom Text Beanie is the same fisherman beanie with your words embroidered in our Brighton studio.
Shop the Essential Beanie in 12 colours
Questions
Should a beanie cover your ears?
A fisherman beanie is designed to sit just above the ears. If you want to cover them on a cold day, pull it down a little: the stretch knit allows for it.
Is a fisherman beanie one size?
Ours is one size, with enough stretch in the rib knit to fit most adults.
Do fisherman beanies suit everyone?
Yes. Because it's short, it doesn't add height or bulk, so it suits most face shapes. Wear it further back if you want a softer look.