The beanie hat's origin dates back to the early 20th century slang term 'bean' meaning head. Beanie hats were popular amongst school age boys from the 1920's to the 1940's. They fell out of popularity by the mid-1940 in favor of baseball cap styles. In the early 1990's, beanie hats became popular again due to the 'grunge' clothing trend as well as the popularization of cold weather sports activities.
The original basic version of the beanie hat was done in knit fabric. Beanies are great for when extreme weather resistance and breathability are musts as it provides exceptional protection against the elements. They are also worn as a fashion accessory. There are many beanies available and are also now made in different materials. No matter what your reason for needing a beanie there is one on the market for you.