Above: The original "beardcap" by Icelandic designer Vik Prjonsdottir.
Newsflash: it's still cold out. May I suggest a beard hat?
Back in the UK I would have seen the beard hat as an alluring superfluity: it just didn't get that cold (sorry guys, it didn't!)
But now that I'm back in New York, traipsing around looking for an apartment, the fact that my face might be susceptible to frostbite is suddenly a massive concern.
Above: Beard hats for would-be beardies by Beardo.
Enter the beard hat. Basically a modern, more whimsical version of a balaclava, the beard hat is now - officially - a thing.
Icelandic designer Vik Prjonsdottir is widely credited with its current vogue. An artist and creator of incredible knitwear - her blankets are particularly fab - Vik drew her inspiration for the beard hat from the traditional headgear of Icelandic shepherds.
The original beard hat - or beard cap, as Vik puts it - is still on sale. I've coveted one for ages, but it's a tiny bit pricey (the premium you pay for being able to say your beard hat is made from Icelandic wool!)
Luckily, the internet is there to help all of us to beard hat nirvana. Try this tutorial to knit a beard hat, or this one to crochet one.
Left: momwithahook's beard hat is a temptingly toasty intermediate crochet pattern.
Or simply buy a new model from Canadian company Beardo. Their model comes with a detachable beard for those who might not fancy sporting such a massive amount of knitted facial hair on a daily basis.
Or hit Vik up, for a beard hat which is practically a work of art.
Either way, a beard hat is well within the grasp of any of us.
What's your verdict on the beard hat? Is it just a bit too far to go for winter facial warmth? Comments please!
