Hand Knit Wool Beanie | Classic Rib Knit | The Southlander

From the rolling hills of Southern Norway.

The Southlander

Norwegian Heritage Wool Beanie

 
 
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95.00

  • Hand knit over the course of 4 hours.
  • 80% sheep wool.
  • Knit in Norway.
Red
Charcoal
Gray Speckled
Green
Honey Mustard
Ink Blue
This color is not in storage, and you should expect 2–3 weeks of extra knitting time, depending on current demand.
This variant is sold out. Contact us below with a heart warming letter, and we might produce a new batch.
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Story

Knit in the Peace and Quiet of Norwegian Living Rooms

Beanies being knit by hand

Making You Part of a 400 Year Old Heritage

Keeping with the four centuries old tradition of Norwegian hand knitting, we knit every piece with patience and attention to detail. Our family have done so since grandma began knitting in 1932.

We are here to share with you the experience of growing up with hand knit wool, right off the needles. No gimmicks, just the wool, the honed skill, and the patience.

Hand knit classic wool beanie being worn by the sea

Inspired by the Rolling Hills of Southern Norway

Our Southlander was an attempt to hone in on simplicity and create a classic. Norwegian culture’s deeply rooted love for the outdoors is seen in us naming our beanies after the four winds.

The Southlander is round and mellow, just like the South Coast of Norway, where it also happens to be made. It is knit using a classic knitting technique with alternating right and wrong stitches, resulting in a simple, timeless pattern, that makes for a very stretchy one-size beanie.

Naturally sustainable, hand knit wool beanies

Old Fashioned Sustainability

Norwegians already knit for pleasure, in their own houses, and we used this existing culture, to offer a secondary income for passionate knitters. We don’t employ anyone, but pay per beanie.

The Norwegian yarn mill that supplies us has been around since 1888, and are outspoken and detailed about their care for animals and humans along the entire line of production, whether its imported raw wool, or from Norway.

Leftover yarn from knits is gathered, and used first for Mom’s Market custom knits, then the final leftover stubs are used for pillow stuffing.

Free Worldwide Shipping

Free Worldwide Shipping

No minimum order value

60 Days Money Back Guarantee

60 Days Money Back Guarantee

You only pay for return shipping

10 Years Guarantee

10 Years Guarantee

Patch it rather than discarding it

Details

About The Southlander

The Southlander is a hand knit wool beanie, knit the old fashioned way, with two knitting needles and a whole lot of patience. It is knit in Norway, on the South Coast, by a variety of knitters. No matter which knitter, each beanie goes trough the same quality control, and each knitter is selected through a few (paid) test knits. Each Southlander comes with signed Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the knitter of your particular beanie.

We knit with wool, the Southlander being 80% sheep wool. Sheep wool is by far the most common knitting material in Norway, historically and in modern times alike. The 20% other percent are nylon, which strengthens the thread, and makes the Southlander an all-round beanie, as opposed to the thickness of pure wool, which produces more of a pure winter beanie.

About Wool

Hailed by Norwegians for centuries, sheep wool is the number one choice among knitters. Along with choosing wool because of its historical significance in Norwegian knitting history, there are timeless features associated with wool.

  • Wool is great at insulating in moist conditions.
  • Wool has a rough and natural look, aside from the fact that it is natural.
  • Wool is naturally flame resistant, adding an extra layer of security around the campfire.

About Red Hat Factory

Red Hat Factory is a company started by mother and son on the Norwegian South Coast. Emerging out of childhood memories of wearing hand knit goods and a love for red beanies, found in adulthood, we've built a network of knitters that can deliver the genuine hand knit experience to all beanie lovers across the world.

  • Wool Percentage 80% Sheep Wool
  • Optimal Temperature
    0–15°C 32–59°F
    Optimal Wear Temperature
  • Size One-size Size
  • Required Knitting Hours 4 Hours of Knitting
  • Guarantee 10 Years Guarantee Read More

FAQ

Do you ship with tracking

Yes we do. We ship for free worldwide with tracking.

How does your patching guarantee work?

If your beanie unravels under reasonable circumstances, within the first 10 years of its life, we will patch it for you for free. But you have to pay for shipping both ways. This is a fun way to maintain the beanie as long as possible, making it a keepsake.

Why hand knit beanies? Why not just use machines?

Hand knitting is the genesis and the core of our company. We hand knit because we are here to honor and tell the story of our Norwegian heritage. Generations after generations hand knitting wool apparel to keep their families warm. And the tradition is still alive and well. Also hand knit beanies comes with a personal touch and history that machine-knit goods just can't match.

The beanies seem so small when I open them

Many of our beanie models look very small when you unpack them. That is because of wool's nature — it's not "pre-stretched", and has to start out tight. It shapes itself around you head after little time. If you lend it to someone, and it get's stretched out too much, you can dip it in warm water, and after drying, it's back to where it started.

Why are all the beanies knit with wool?

We did not choose wool — hundreds of years of Norwegian tradition chose that for us. It is an amazing insulator, with the special feature that it pulls moisture away from your skin. Norwegians have sworn to wool both historically, and in modern day outdoors apparel. You just can't beat the natural fiber that is wool.

Why are there loose threads in my beanie?

When a beanie is finished, the thread is attached by sowing it into the finished product several rounds. Sometimes that end thread comes poking out — most often on the inside, as we try attaching it that way. It doesn't mean it is coming loose. If it comes out on the outside, try pushing it back in — use a needle if needed. The beanie will not unravel — and if it does, please refer to our guarantee.

Does your mom and grandma really knit all the beanies?

It all started with my mom, then my grandma joined the team. My mother designs all the beanies (sometimes with input from me), and we recruit as many knitters as we need from around Norway. But it is always hand knit, the traditional way, and quality controlled by my mom.

How much of a pay cut does the knitter get?

We are not sharing numbers, because that would require giving you an understanding of our entire production cycle, including admin time, marketing, recruiting, packaging, shipping and so on.

But every knitter is happy with the pay (otherwise they wouldn't have worked with us), and they know the brand, the website, and the final price.

Why are the beanies rolled up above the ears

Our beanies are knit without a tag, so you may fold it once, twice, or even roll it up. We personally like the twice-folded style the best, and push that look most often in our marketing.

The history of the fold is, in short, that the laboring man would need some flexibility in headwear. When you need to hear, or if the sun pokes out, you fold it up. When the weather roughens, you fold it back up. It's sort of like zipping down your jacket when the sun peaks out.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 28 reviews)

Best hat ever

Rated 5 out of 5
December 3, 2023

Have this hat for little under two years and use it all weather conditions. Has still retained its shape.

Aidan
Verified

Great Hat

Rated 5 out of 5
November 22, 2023

I have been looking for a quality hat like this for some time. Very well made and fits just right .

David
Verified

Well worth it!

Rated 5 out of 5
November 21, 2023

I order the Southlander and I’m ecstatic about it! I love how low it sits on my head. I’ve been looking for a beanie like that forever and I didn’t realize how difficult the search would be. I wanted to avoid Temu and Shein because I knew the quality would be horrible. Don’t second guess ordering from Red Hat Factory. Its well worth it.

Jason Flint
Verified

This is the best hat I’ve ever worn. No cap.

Rated 5 out of 5
October 26, 2023

I was surprised how small my beanie was when I first got it, but it has grown to fit my giganteus head perfectly – without losing its grip! This is an unique experience for me, unlike all other sport-store beanies I’ve worn out in the past. It still feels new 4 months in.

It is also very sturdy and keeps warm! If you’re looking for a high quality beanie, this is the one for you 👍

One problem I have experienced is that my scalp becomes a bit dry. Worth noting is that I have this problem either way, with or without the beanie. I think it’s because the wool is very water absorbent.

If you have dandruff like me then maybe this helped you!😊 All in all I am very happy with my purchase.

Felix Ingfors
Verified

The perfect red beanie!

Rated 5 out of 5
October 26, 2023

Got my Southlander years ago and it holds up very well, looks almost brand new still! And I’ve been wearing it hard, in the swedish rain, exposed to the elements and underneath a bike helmet on the daily commutes (a shure killer for badly made wool hats), but it really just keeps on looking and feeling great!

Good job Benjamin & co!

Sebastian
Verified

Best beanie I own

Rated 5 out of 5
October 2, 2023

Probably the best beanie I’ve owned. I own a lot of beanies from Carhartt to Maybe Tomorrow and I must say it’s the best one. The wool is not itchy and very soft. I will buy more in the future

Ralph R.
Verified

LOVE IT

Rated 5 out of 5
July 31, 2023

Just received it. Love the material, love the design, love how it fits onto my head. Perfect colour. Will definitely buy more. I lived in a very hot climate country. BRUNEI!!!

ZUL
Verified

Finally found the beanie I’ve searched for for so long!

Rated 5 out of 5
June 22, 2023

It’s just amazing! Fits perfectly, you can really feel the amazing quality of the wool and they are just great if you love wearing something on your head!

I’ve ordered 2 (a red Ona and an olive one) but the sizing is a bit different! The red one fits me better. Maybe that’s a little point of critique for the cool people behind this awesome brand!

Mitchel
Verified

Love it!

Rated 5 out of 5
January 24, 2023

Beautiful hand knit beanie that expands to fit your head. Can’t recommend more and communication was fantastic.

Jenny
Verified

Really good quality, i love it!

Rated 5 out of 5
January 4, 2023

I am looking for this hat for a long time, finally i found it here! So great hat!

Eddie
Verified

Great beanie hat

Rated 4 out of 5
October 26, 2022

The hat is pretty great, the fit is what you would expect from this style, that it is not so easy to find online.

I wish it would’ve been made 1oo% of wool, rather than just 8o%.

The only negative aspect is the long delivery time for international orders, as postal service is used and import duties are applicable.

Bogdan
Verified

Response from Red Hat Factory

Thank you for the review! I am happy to say that we have now moved our entire storage over to Sweden to offer better shipping times, and tracking on all shipping, including free.

The only beanie you’ll need!

Rated 5 out of 5
October 15, 2022

This is the only beanie you’ll ever need! I’ve used mine a lot – and its quality is impeccable! Beautiful handcraft that is made to last<3

Aleks Grey
Verified

Love it!

Rated 5 out of 5
May 16, 2022

I ordered the red southlander; stylish, warm, comfortable, high quality and love the fact that it’s traditionally handcrafted what really makes it a bonus!

Have been using it almost every day now, especially with my outdoor activities (hiking, camping, …) but it goes perfectly in the city as well.

Just love how the red color stands out 🙂

It looks small when you first see it but it stretches to a comfortable fit with no itching after a while.

Definitely will get another in a different color!

Manu
Verified

Surpassed all expectations!

Rated 5 out of 5
April 16, 2022

I expected this to be a good quality hat when I ordered it. But it is so much more! When it first arrived I was worried it would be too small (I have a really big head). But it fits perfectly (so long as you understand this is an on-top-the-ears hat). The color is fantastic – I got the yellow/orange, and the yarn is vibrant and beautiful. The knitting is extremely well done, and it’s a tight enough knit pattern that when it stretches, it not only keeps a good form, but it also stays really warm. I’ve been wearing it every day for two weeks now, there are no stitches out of line, and it’s gotten more comfortable with every wear. Can’t recommend these hats enough!

David Rappenecker
Verified

Southlander toque red

Rated 5 out of 5
March 30, 2022

Awesome toque, I have a lot of different toques but this one is very comfortable, looks good, feels awesome, Even my wife likes it on me

Craig
Verified

Quality and Comfort

Rated 5 out of 5
December 31, 2021

The moment you feel the hat you know that it is a high quality piece of gear. It looks small when you first see it but stretches to comfortably fit your head and keeps your head warm the entire time you are outdoors. I couldn’t be more pleased with the purchase.

James
Verified

Great!

Rated 5 out of 5
December 28, 2021

Stylish and comfy!

Yiannis Fryds
Verified

My favourite beanie

Rated 5 out of 5
December 22, 2021

I have Southlander blue hat and I like it. It’s well made, stylish, cosy and very warm. Probably will get another one in different colour!

Grega
Verified

Perfect wool hat!

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

In a perfect world, my own mother would have knitted this hat for me, but none of the hats I have gotten from her has had this style and look (don’t tell her that). To be able to buy a hat, this good looking, that someone elses mother has hand-knitted, is as close to perfect as I can get. No itching, perfect size and shape, it only looks better with use, and of course the beautiful red color! (Yes, you need to get the red one first!)

Christian
Verified

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

I love this cosy hat, really comfortable and warm. And of course it’s an added bonus that I look like a character from the life aquatic!

Karen
Verified

My go to hat

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

Hands down my fav. I personally own 4 of this model. Which says a lot about the product. The only way to get your hands on a hat of this quality, is to find yourself a Norwegian grandmother or just buy for RHF. Seriously the best.

Billy Chester
Verified

Handmade excellence!

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

This traditionally handcrafted knit cap is a true gem! The red color provides a nice pop of color and goes very well with everything from raw denim to outdoorsy clothing. And what I personally like very much with this particular model is it’s small size, which is perfect for us with quite small heads 😏.

Highly recommended!

Sebastian Cronholm
Verified

A must have

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

Stylish, classic. Iconic

André Batista
Verified

love my beanies (both)

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

I got one southlander, as well as a custom knit beanie in merino wool and dyed with tumeric from mom’s market. I love them both, though they do have a very different feel. The yellow merino wool one feels like a looser knit and the yard is a bit thinner, which is honestly nicer in slightly warmer northern california days. The regular is a bit thicker and not quite as loose a knit. When I got them I was suprised, they’re a little looser knit than other hats of the same style that I’ve gotten and also seemingly a little smaller, but they stretch and look great. They’re a bit pricey, but I totally get that they’re handmade, which I think is great and is worth the knowledge that real people are actually making them.

marcos sanchez
Verified

It only gets better

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

I’ve owned my Red Southlander for a bit more than two years now, and the longer I have it, the more I fall in love with it.

Not to say I didn’t love it immediately, cause that would be a lie, but the more I wear it, the more it just feels like an extension of myself. The way it fits perfectly to my head is unlike any other beanie I’ve ever owned, I sometimes even forget it’s up there!

I’ve realized this hat only gets better with time and is versatile like no other. My favorite memories while wearing it range from days spent in the mountains to cutting hair at the barber shop I work at and some hearty urban exploring. It’s meant for every adventure.

If I haven’t said enough yet, my friends really like it too 🙂

Ethan Thompson
Verified

True to description

Rated 4 out of 5
October 20, 2021

The Southlander has a great shape, it is not too thick, yet still warm. Mine is still a bit tight, but I expect it to expand the more I use it. Would have liked it to be a bit longer because I like to have it over my ears, while now it is just partly covering. True to color on website (I have Olive color).

Frida Carlsen
Verified

Made of wool and really cool!

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

This was a gift, and absolutely loved the feel and look of it. Would definitely get more in other colors.

David
Verified

Go-To Beanie

Rated 5 out of 5
October 20, 2021

This has become my go-to beanie. Super comfy, keeps my head warm (obviously) and as a photographer, it’s great for making my subjects pop and stand out in the photos.

Morten
Verified