Festive knitwear has a reputation for being worn twice and then retired, and most of the time that is the knit’s fault rather than the wearer’s. There are three things to check before you buy.
Knitted In, Not Printed On
Turn the piece inside out. A reindeer band worked into the round leaves floats of the second colour across the back; a printed one leaves a rubbery patch. The knitted version survives a wash, keeps its stretch and does not crack at the fold line after a season in a box.
The Pom-Pom Test
Hold the hat and tug the pom-pom firmly. If it moves independently of the crown it has been stitched to the outer fabric only, and it will come away. A pom-pom sewn through the lining moves the whole hat with it.
Look for a Lined Brim
- Wool against the forehead is the single most common reason a hat is never worn twice.
- A fleece-lined band costs very little and changes the hat completely.
- Deep enough to fold once is the right depth – it covers the ears without riding up.
