Topic summary
Knit cap

Headwear A knit cap A knit cap is a piece of knitted headwear designed to provide warmth in cold weather. It usually has a simple tapered shape, although more elaborate variants exist. Historically made of wool, it is now often made of synthetic fibers. Found all over the world where the climate demands warm clothing, knit caps are known by a variety of local names. In American English, this type of hat may be known as a beanie or a watch cap, while in Canadian English, a knit cap is known as a toque, touk, or tuque (pronounced /tuːk/). Construction The only known example of an original "Monmouth cap", dating from the 16th century Most knit caps are tapered at the top. The stretch of the knitting itself hugs the head, keeping the cap secure. They are sometimes topped with a pom-pom or loose tassels. Knit caps may have a folded brim, or none, and may be worn tightly fitting the head or loose on top. A South American tradition from the Andes Mountains is for the cap to have ear flaps, with strings for tying under the chin. A special type of cap called a balaclava folds down over the head with openings for just the face or for the eyes or mouth only. Some modern variants are construc