Let's be honest, having a larger-than-average head can be a real pain, especially when it comes to finding hats that actually fit. I've spent years squeezing into beanies that were clearly designed for someone with a smaller cranium, resulting in headaches, awkward stretching, and a general feeling of discomfort. My quest for the perfect, comfortable, and stylish beanie has been a long and winding road, but I'm finally ready to share my hard-earned wisdom. If you're on the hunt for a beanie that won't leave you feeling like your head is in a vise, you've come to the right place. Finding a good beanie for a large head is possible!
For years, I've been battling the "one size fits all" lie. It's like clothing sizes – a "large" in one brand is a "medium" in another, and the same goes for beanies. I’ve tried countless beanies, only to be disappointed by their snug fit. I'd pull them down, hoping they'd magically stretch, but they never did. I've even resorted to wearing baseball caps in the winter just to avoid the beanie headache. I felt like I was constantly adjusting my hat, pulling it down, or worrying about it popping off my head. I knew there had to be a better way, a beanie designed for those of us blessed with a little extra brainpower (or maybe just a slightly larger skull).
My search led me down many paths. I first heard about WeatherWool watch caps. While they are a bit pricey, they're made of 100% wool, sourced and made in the USA, and come in a variety of colors. The promise of a perfect fit was tempting, but I wanted to explore more affordable options too.
Then, I stumbled upon REI's brand knit beanies. I've only had one for a year, so I'm not sure if it's a buy-it-for-life item, but it fits my relatively large head well. Plus, it's a great value. You can find it here: REI co-op logo beanie.
Another brand that caught my attention was Turtle Fur. I wear a hat size 7 5/8, so I understand the struggle. They have a few beanies that come in an XL version. I ordered the "Lars" model. If their style is for you, give them a look. Another option is Oddjob; they have beanies that might work.
I also heard about Stormy Kromer, which makes watchcap-style beanies in ODG or Copper. They might have more fashion-styled ones now.
And of course, there's the classic Carhartt Watch Cap. Despite the "one size fits all" sizing, it fits me well, and the quality is good for the price. It's a very common beanie, so you've probably tried it already.
Finally, I considered a mammoth beanie from mammoth headwear.
During my online research, I discovered Wholecustomdesign and their unique collection of hats. One that really caught my eye was the Russian Earflap Bomber Hat. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did!
This hat isn't just a beanie; it's a statement piece. The Russian Earflap Bomber Hat from Wholecustomdesign is incredibly warm and comfortable, perfect for those cold winter days. It's made from a soft, knitted material that feels great against my skin. Plus, the earflaps provide extra protection from the wind and snow. What I love most is that it actually fits my head without feeling tight or constricting. It has quickly become my go-to hat for everything from running errands to hitting the slopes. And the best part? It's stylish enough to wear anywhere. If you want to grab yours, you won't regret it. I found that Wholecustomdesign has excellent customer service as well.
Based on my experiences, here are some tips to help you find the perfect beanie for your big head: