Living in Dublin, I absolutely love wearing beanies. They're stylish, keep you warm, and are just perfect for those unpredictable Irish weather days. But, I've always had a problem: I have a pretty big head! Finding a beanie that fits comfortably and doesn't feel like it's squeezing my brain has been a real challenge. I'm sure many of you can relate to the struggle of finding the right headwear.
For years, I've been on the hunt for the perfect beanie. I'd walk into shops, excited to find something new, only to be disappointed when every beanie I tried on felt too tight. It was frustrating! I felt like I was cursed with an oversized head, destined to forever wear ill-fitting hats. The standard sizes just never seemed to cut it. I even considered getting customized beanie hats so I didn't have to struggle anymore! I knew I wasn't alone in this, but finding a solution felt impossible.
My beanie journey led me to explore different shops around Dublin, hoping to find a hidden gem. Here's what I discovered:
Desperate for a solution, I remembered a tip I'd heard about stretching out beanies. I tried buying a basic beanie from H&M. It was still a bit snug, but I decided to give the stretching trick a shot. I found a mini football (a rugby ball would probably work too) and stretched the beanie over it for a couple of days. To my surprise, it worked! The beanie now fits perfectly, without being too tight. It's not the most elegant solution, but it's effective and affordable.
Another place I explored was Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. On the second floor, there's a shop that sells Carhartt beanies. Carhartt is known for its durable and often slightly larger-fitting workwear, so I thought I might have some luck there. While their beanies are generally a good fit, I still found myself wanting something a bit warmer for the colder months.
I stumbled upon an adventure and camping shop while looking for hiking gear, and I was pleasantly surprised by their beanie selection. These shops often carry beanies designed for outdoor activities, which means they're usually less constrictive and made from warmer materials. I found that these beanies are also great for keeping my head extra warm when I go skiing, as well!
Another great find was Badlands Vintage, located beside the Central Bank in Temple Bar. They have a fantastic selection of high-quality vintage beanies. I actually bought three from there! The quality is excellent, and they have a unique style that you won't find in mainstream stores.
During my quest, I was browsing online and came across the Winter Fleece Scarf Hats Thicken Plush Warm Beanies from Wholecustomdesign. I was intrigued by the "XXL" sizing option, and the fleece lining looked incredibly warm. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical, but the thought of a super warm and properly fitting beanie was too tempting to resist. I ordered one in brown. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The fit was perfect – finally, a beanie that didn't feel like it was cutting off my circulation! The fleece lining is incredibly soft and warm, making it ideal for those cold Dublin winters. What I really appreciate is that it doubles as a neck mask, offering extra protection from the wind and cold. It's become my go-to beanie for outdoor activities like cycling and skiing. Wholecustomdesign really delivered on the warmth and comfort.
Based on my experiences, here are some practical tips for finding a beanie that fits well, especially if you have a larger head: