Is Wearing Beanie Hats Making a Comeback?

I remember the days when I used to see baseball caps as the choice of casual headwear in young and old men alike. However, I’ve noticed over the past few years that beanies seem to be making a comeback with the male population--even during the summer months! I see them more and more on men, and I'm starting to see them more often on women as well.

A beanie is called other things, such as a skully, probably because it fits so close to the skull. A Canadian term for a beanie is a tuque.You will also see the term spelled "toque," but the pronunciation is still with the long "u" sound.

Traditionally, beanies were knit caps that stuck close to the head to keep in warmth. You see them all the time in the Olympics—on skaters and skiers—but now they are expanding their popularity to be just an accessory for casual dress rather than a cold weather need.

Beanies aren’t just a practical head covering anymore. They make their own fashion statement. What statement that is I’m not sure. Is it just fashion recycling itself as it always does? Is it like the leggings and big shirts of the 1980s that are now running amuck again in the 21^st century?

Whatever the reason for the comeback of the beanies, they are making their way to Hollywood. Here’s a photo of U2’s guitarist in a beanie. Does he look cold? No, he’s just fashionably sporting his plain knit beanie. Do you ever see Justin Beiber without a beanie? Brad Pitt and David Beckham wear them. I've seen Ashton Kutcher even wearing a beanie hat with a suit! Beanies aren’t just for cold weather anymore. They are a fashion statement, a style that many folks embrace!

And what about the female celebrities? Oh, yeah, they are wearing the beanies, too. The women’s beanies might be a little fancier, with buttons or studs, or long ties on the sides. Women wear beanies for fashion, but also as a great cover-up for a bad hair day. Check out these photos of female celebrities, including actress Drew Barrymore and model Heidi Klum covering up their hair with beanies. Miley Cyrus also stylishly camouflages what might be greasy locks with a cute beanie. Reese Witherspoon wears one, and singer Pink even wears one on the beach with her bikini. Definitely not a cold weather beanie! Check out all these beanies, including Paris Hilton’s leopard beanie.

Come to think of it, I have several beanies myself. Although I never thought of myself as joining in the trend, I guess I am to some extent. I just love hats, and if beanie hats are to be part of my growing collection, then I guess I’m in good—at least famous—company.

I’m amazed at all the options out there for beanies these days in terms of color and style. Surfstitch is a store based in Australia, where beanies are big! I was amazed at their online selections of beanies for men, women, and children.Surfstitch has some of the coolest beanies around. Have fun checking out beanies and more!