Knit cap
A knit cap is a close-fitting, brimless hat constructed by knitting yarn, typically wool, to retain body heat in cold conditions.[1] It is recognized regionally by names such as beanie in the United States, tuque in Canada, watch cap in naval contexts, and toboggan or stocking cap in parts of the American South.[2][3]
The garment traces its origins to the Monmouth caps of 16th-century Wales, where coarse wool was knitted into durable headwear for laborers, sailors, and export markets, often fulled for density and water resistance.[4][5] These early forms evolved into standardized military issue, notably the U.S. Navy's watch cap with its adjustable cuff, prized for functionality under helmets and in maritime environments.[1] In contemporary use, knit caps serve practical roles in winter sports, outdoor labor, and fashion, with synthetic alternatives expanding accessibility while preserving the core insulating design.[6]