Beanies have long been a staple of cold-weather fashion but have you ever wondered why these cosy, snug-fitting hats are called ‘beanies’? Let’s dive into the history of beanies and where this name originates from.
Origins of the Beanie
The term ‘beanie’ is thought to originate from the American slang word ‘bean’ meaning head. So quite literally, a ‘beanie’ is a hat for your ‘bean’ (head)!
This term emerged in the early 20th century when simple, brimless hats were often worn by blue collar workers like mechanics, labourers and welders. These people needed functional headgear that kept their ears warm and their hair out of their eyes while working. These early beanies were usually made from wool or cotton and featured a simple, no-nonsense design, perfect for situations where practicality was key.
In universities in the US, freshmen sometimes wore ‘dink’ hats that resembled beanies to distinguish them from the older students. This is where the association of beanies with youth and collegiate culture suspectedly arose.
Some academics even believe the term comes from a type of headgear worn in medieval universities known as ‘bejaunus’, but we do not know the origin of the word for certain.
Transition to Fashion
As with many practical clothing items, the beanie eventually evolved into a fashion accessory. By the mid-20th century, beanies had evolved into knit caps made from wool or synthetic fibres and were adopted by those in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
By the 1990s, beanies had become associated with counterculture movements, particularly skateboarding, grunge music and urban street fashion.
Beanies Today
Beanies have evolved from their humble beginnings to become a global fashion item and cultural classic. Whether you’re hanging out at the skate park or taking your dog on a winter walk, beanies are worn by just about everyone!
At My Printed Clothing, we stock a wide range of beanies that can be embroidered with your logo or custom design. With cold weather due to hit the UK soon, custom beanies are a great way of promoting any business or event - so get in quick to have your custom embroidered beanies ready for the winter months!
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