A global pandemic can have a lot of unexpected side effects, but one that experts likely didn't forecast is crocheting becoming a fashion phenomenon.
This not only included people picking up knitting needles as they were stuck at home searching for entertainment within their own four walls but high fashion labels getting in on the craze with everything from bucket hats to trail running sneakers. Old-school crochet knits have entered our wardrobe and they don't look like they're going anywhere any time soon.
And while small-scale labels such as SSU or Paulushkaa continue to pop up with the ability to make every item in your wardrobe from crochet, the technique lends itself best to hats. More, specifically beanies. And even more specifically, the checkered ones that are dominating Instagram explore pages this winter.
If, like me, you've been scratching your head wondering who is turning everyone's heads into walking chess boards, there's not one specific label dominating the trend.
The main brands to look out for if you're in the market for this style of beanie are: Sundays.xyz who specialize exclusively in checkered hats available every Sunday from its online store, STORY mfg. which has the hand-knitted "easy beanie" in countless colorways, and Stüssy as its crocheted design is selling out almost instantly.
But the checkered beanie phenomenon is not only limited to handmade-looking crochet knits, there are a host of other designs out there on the market.
From the small niche labels to established high fashion brands, we've gone shopping and picked out some of the best that are available now.
Scroll down to find the best checkered beanies available online.
Pauluschkaa Checkered Beanie
Hailing from Berlin, Pauluschkaa is a brand you want to hit up if you're on the hunt for a full crochet 'fit. And if you're not so much of a fan of beanies, they also have loads of checkered crochet bucket hats.
Acne Studios Jacquard Knit Beanie
Shop more checkered goodness from Acne Studios.
It doesn't always have to be crochet, this knitted hat goes for a more typical beanie style but then adds Acne Studios' deadpan face logo into the pattern for a touch of fun. And if you're really dedicated to the look, it comes with matching socks, gloves, and a cardigan.
Story mfg. Easy Beanie
Handmade from super soft cotton chenille yarn, Story mfg. offers this beanie in kid's sizes so you can have matching outfits for the whole family.
Stüssy Checkered Beanie
The black and green version of this hat selling out like hotcakes but, if I'm being honest, you're probably best off supporting the smaller brands listed above for those colorways. For a more eye-catching red and grey number, on the other hand, this is where you want to be looking.
Butter Goods Checkered Beanie
Rounding things off with another colorful option, the combination of orange and peach hues are bound to spice up any dull winter outfit.
Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.
