Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Say what you will about watch caps — they’re boring, ugly, or itchy — but the truth they’re just as much a piece of heritage wear as selvedge denim or traditionally constructed shoes. They’re built for one purpose: to keep your head warm and dry when the weather is anything but and isn’t that what workwear is all about?
Whether you a traditional wool watch cap like those from branches of the United States military or a more modern one made from brightly colored synthetics, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to find exactly what you are looking for.
1) Filson: Wool Watch Cap (Navy)
You don’t always have to spend a lot in order to get a quality product, especially for something as basic as a beanie. Filson’s Wool Watch Cap epitomizes this. It’s constructed from 100% virgin wool that is dyed in two tones to create a unique look. Seen here in navy and yellow, but it is available in five colorways.
Available for $36 from Danner.
2) Howlin’ by Morrison: Steely Hat (Speckled Burgundy)
Howlin’ by Morrison is a favorite among knit wool enthusiasts, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has handled their Steely Hat. It’s made in Scotland from a beautifully dyed wool, which features colorful, tonal specks throughout. With its fully ribbed knitting pattern and small rounded hem, this cap will definitely keep your head warm this winter.
Available for $44 from Need Supply.
3) SNS Herning: Torso Hat (Grey)
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Danish brand SNS Herning is famous for their Fisherman sweaters, which have a knitted bobble pattern designed to maximize warmth and water resistance. And lucky for us, they’ve taken these bobbles and knitted them into the perfect watch cap. It may be a little bit different from other beanies on the market, but it’s just as (if not more) functional than other watch caps. It features a warm, knitted lining and double headband, which can be worn flat or folded.
Available for $78 from Unionmade.
4) Buzz Rickson x William Gibson: Wool Watch Cap (Black)
Both Buzz Rickson’s and William Gibson are known for their obsession with high quality repros, so you better believe that this collaboration is something special. This particular watch cap is based off those worn by the United States Army Air Force in the 1940s, which was thicker (and warmer) than its Army counterpart.
Available for $100 from Self Edge.
5) Engineered Garments: Cashmere Beanie Cap (Sweater Grey)
For those of you who like the warmth of wool but not its itchy texture, Engineered Garments might have the answer for you in their Cashmere Beanie Cap. This watch cap is quite a bit longer than most, as it’s really intended to be worn with a rolled bottom, but hey, weren’t you planning to anyway? It’s constructed out of elastic ribbed cashmere in good ol’ New York City, so the quality is definitely on point.
Available for ~$104 from Haven Shop.
Plus One – Jelado: AB03704 “Athletic Brand” Watch Cap (Indigo)
We may not be Rawr Denim anymore, but that doesn’t mean that Heddels doesn’t love indigo, especially when it comes in a unique form! Jelado’s Athletic Brand Watch Cap is certainly that, but there is more to love than just the fact that it’s indigo dyed. It combines several different knitting patterns, so that it is cable-knit on top but ribbed at the brim. Just don’t hold me liable if your hair has a slight colored tinge to it after a long day.
Available for $58 from Denimio.
