Jacquard vs. Ribbed Knit Beanies: Which Style Is Right for You?
When it comes to designing custom beanies, it’s not just about picking your colors and slapping on a logo. The way your design comes to life—how it's integrated into the hat—makes all the difference in both style and functionality. That’s where the choice between jacquard and ribbed knit beanies comes into play.
So how do you choose the best fit for your team, brand, or event? Let’s break down the differences between jacquard and ribbed knit so you can make a decision that feels as good as it looks.
What is a Jacquard Beanie?
A jacquard beanie is made by knitting the design directly into the fabric. That means your pattern, text, or logo isn’t sitting on top—it’s literally woven into the DNA of the hat.
At Fourbital Factory, we use state-of-the-art knitting machines right here in Burlington, Vermont, to create jacquard beanies that are bold, durable, and built for everyday wear.
Key Features of Jacquard Beanies:
Pattern woven into the knit (no raised stitching or added layers)
Long-lasting and fade-resistant
Ideal for high-contrast graphics and repeating text
Stretch-friendly without distortion
If you’re imagining those classic ski lodge-style hats with your brand name repeating around the cuff, that’s a jacquard design in action. It's a popular choice for teams, schools, and brands that want a bold and seamless look.
Want to see what’s possible? Start your custom beanie project here.
What is a Ribbed Knit Beanie?
Unlike jacquard, ribbed knit involves a textured knitting pattern that adds stretch and structure to the beanie. These beanies are often a blank canvas—great for simplicity, comfort, and subtle branding like sewn-on tags or minimalist accents.
At Fourbital, our ribbed knit styles are crafted with care (and a whole lot of experience). It’s a great option when you want a more traditional, cozy look that pairs well with any wardrobe.
Key Features of Ribbed Knit Beanies:
Ribbed texture provides elasticity and comfort
Great for classic styles and minimalist looks
Ideal for everyday wear, uniforms, or merchandise
Versatile fit for most head sizes
Want to dive deeper into our capabilities? Check out our post on tariff-proof custom beanies, where we talk about why domestic production matters—especially for U.S.-made knitwear.
Pros & Cons: Jacquard vs. Ribbed Knit Beanies
Jacquard Beanies
Pros: Durable, built-in design, perfect for high-impact branding
Considerations: Limited to knit-friendly graphics and bold text
Ribbed Knit Beanies
Pros: Comfortable, classic texture, versatile for many styles
Considerations: Less graphic customization; works best with tags or accents
Choosing the Right Style for Your Needs
Still not sure which to go with? Here’s a breakdown based on use case:
→ You’re designing for a sports team or school?
Can’t go wrong with either one! Jacquard is great through - it handles bulk orders well, and the design will never peel or fray.
→ You want a classic beanie your customers will wear daily?
Choose ribbed knit. It’s timeless, cozy, and pairs with any outfit.
→ You’re planning branded giveaways?
Either style can work, but ribbed knit beanies offer more universal appeal.
→ You want something timeless and minimal?
Ribbed knit beanies offer a clean, textured design that’s both modern and classic.
Need help deciding? Reach out to our team and we’ll help you weigh your options.
Customization Capabilities at Fourbital Factory
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you're going with jacquard, ribbed knit, or a hybrid of both, our team will guide you from concept to final stitch.
Customization options include:
Beanie height & fit (standard, slouchy, cuffed)
Pom or no pom
Yarn colors (solid or heathered)
Sustainable yarn choices
Custom tags & labels
Personalization (names, teams, events)
Made in Vermont. Designed for Impact.
Every hat we make is knit in-house at our Vermont facility—not outsourced. That means faster turnaround times, tighter quality control, and a more direct line between your idea and your finished product.
We also prioritize ethical production and low-waste manufacturing. So whether you choose jacquard or ribbed knit, you’re getting a beanie made with purpose.
Learn more about why we’re committed to domestic manufacturing in our blog post on American-made beanies.
So… Jacquard or Ribbed Knit?
At the end of the day, both styles are winners—it just depends on your priorities. Think about how the beanies will be used, what kind of visual impact you want to make, and how you want your brand to be remembered.
And if you’re still on the fence, we’re here to help you pick the perfect path forward.