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Custom beanies · Category

Sports & Performance Beanie Manufacturer

A sports beanie keeps the head warm during activity without overheating: fine, breathable knits, a close fit that stays in place and a low profile that fits under a helmet. Mr Balaclava knits sports beanies, skull caps and helmet liners to order for teams, clubs and sports brands, from 50 pieces per design with a standard lead time of about 14 days.

Updated

Brown knitted sports beanie with a folded cuff
  • 50 pcsMinimum order
  • 14 daysStandard lead time
  • 100K pcsMonthly capacity
  • ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
  • SedexMember (Eco Jersey Limited)

Specifications

Sports beanie specifications

What we can build into a sports beanie, and the terms that apply to every order.

KnitFine jersey or rib at 12–14GG, single or double layer
YarnsMerino, moisture-wicking synthetics, recycled polyester, acrylic and wool blends
ShapeSkull cap, cuffed, ponytail or pom-pom styles, with a low profile for helmets
OptionsFleece lining, contrast trims, team colours and stripes
BrandingWoven and printed labels, flat and 3D embroidery, jacquard knit logos, leather, rubber and PVC patches, screen printing and heat transfer
SizesBaby, kids and adult, as one size or graded to your own size chart
Minimum order50 pieces per design
SamplesPre-paid physical samples in about 5–7 days, paid 100% in advance; or a free pre-production sample approved by photos or video after the order
Lead timeApproximately 14 days after sample approval as standard; the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order

Focused guides

Looking for something specific?

Three related requests have their own page with the details buyers ask about.

Buyer's guide

What makes a beanie a sports beanie?

A sports beanie is built for movement. It uses fine, breathable yarns that move sweat away from the skin, fits close so it stays in place, and is thin enough to wear under a helmet. Merino and moisture-wicking synthetics are the usual choices.

For fans and supporters rather than athletes, a warmer cuffed or pom-pom beanie in team colours usually works better.

  • Running and training

    Fine merino and synthetic beanies for running, trail and fitness brands.

  • Winter sports

    Low-profile beanies that fit under ski and snowboard helmets.

  • Teams and clubs

    Beanies in club colours with embroidered crests for players and staff.

  • Events and races

    Branded beanies for race packs, sponsors and finisher gifts.

Compare

Sports beanie, skull cap or lightweight beanie?

Four close-fitting styles for active and mild-weather use.

StyleShape and fitTypical knitBest for
Sports beanieClose fit that stays in place during activityFine jersey or rib at 12–14GG, single or double layerRunning, training, teams and clubs
Skull capClose fit, no cuff, sits flatFine jersey or rib, 12–14GGSport, helmet liners, uniforms
Helmet linerVery thin, with a low crown and flat seamsFine merino or synthetic jersey, 14GGSki, bike and motorcycle helmets
LightweightThin single layer for mild weatherFine jersey or rib at 12–14GG, single layerSpring, autumn, running and travel

Skull caps

What is a skull cap beanie?

A skull cap beanie is the simplest beanie shape: a short, uncuffed knit that follows the shape of the head. It is also called a low-profile or uncuffed beanie.

Because it sits flat, it fits under helmets and hoods and layers well for sport. We knit it in fine gauges so it stays thin. For a folded band that carries a label, see our cuffed beanies.

Plain dark grey knit skull cap beanie with a rounded crown

Lightweight beanies

What is a lightweight beanie?

A lightweight beanie uses fine yarn on a high-gauge machine, usually 12GG or 14GG, and a single layer of fabric. It covers the head without trapping heat, so it can be worn in spring and autumn, indoors or during sport.

Cotton and bamboo blends breathe well for fashion and everyday wear; merino and moisture-wicking synthetics suit running and cycling. For the warmest option, see our wool beanies.

Woman in a black slouchy beanie and a cream knit scarf on a snowy day

Customization

Build your sports beanie

Every part of the design is yours. Our design team sends a mockup of each logo and label placement, and every detail is confirmed in a tech pack before sampling.

  • Choose the yarn

    Merino for comfort, moisture-wicking synthetics for high-intensity sport, acrylic for team basics.

    Fabrics and yarns

  • Set the fit

    A close, low-profile fit for helmets, or a cuffed fit for fans and staff.

  • Team colours

    Stripes, colour blocks and club colours dyed to your references.

  • Brand it

    Embroidered crests, heat-transfer logos and woven labels, placed clear of helmet straps.

    Customization and branding

How ordering works

Three steps to your order

Every order starts with your brief and ends with tracked delivery.

  1. Send your brief

    Tell us the style, yarn, quantities, branding and deadline. We reply with a quote and suggest a suitable yarn and gauge.

  2. Approve the sample

    We confirm every measurement, yarn, colour and logo placement in a tech pack, then knit your sample. Samples are paid 100% in advance.

  3. Production and delivery

    Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval. Every piece is inspected, packed to your specification and shipped with tracking.

Request a beanie quote See the full manufacturing process

B2B catalog

Sports beanies from our B2B catalog

Developed styles you can order with your own branding, or use as the starting point for a custom design.

Browse all sports & performance beanies in the B2B catalog

More categories

Other beanie categories

See the other beanie categories we make, or compare the whole range on the custom beanies page.

FAQ

Sports and performance beanies: frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order for sports beanies?

The minimum order is 50 pieces per design. Larger runs are made on the same lines, with a monthly capacity of around 100,000 pieces.

Which yarns are best for sports beanies?

Merino and moisture-wicking synthetic yarns. They move sweat away from the skin and dry quickly, so the head stays warm without overheating.

Can sports beanies be worn under a helmet?

Yes. We knit low-profile sports beanies in fine 12–14GG yarns, so they sit flat under ski, bike and snowboard helmets.

What is the difference between a skull cap and a cuffed beanie?

A skull cap has no cuff and sits close to the head. A cuffed beanie has a folded band that doubles the fabric over the ears and carries the label.

Can lightweight beanies be worn in summer?

Yes. Cotton and bamboo blends in a fine, single-layer knit are breathable enough for mild and warm days.

Can you make beanies in our club colours with our crest?

Yes. We match your club colours, knit stripes or colour blocks, and add your crest as embroidery, a patch or a jacquard logo.

How long does sports beanie production take?

Standard production lead time is approximately 14 days after sample approval. Actual lead time depends on the product, quantity, customization and material availability, and the confirmed schedule is agreed for each order. Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS then takes 3–6 working days.

Buyer guides

Further reading

Guides from the Journal on sports, running and skullcap beanies.

Product quick view

Product quick view

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