1944 USN WATCH CAP - Yellow

The 1944 USN Watch Cap from Pike Brothers is a classic knit hat inspired by the original watch cap worn by the US Navy during World War II . The cap was the standard headgear for sailors working on deck, where wind and cold made warm wool garments essential.

The model is developed based on an original garment from the Pike Brothers archive. The design follows the historical specifications from the 1940s, including the characteristic US Navy label on the front.

The simple construction allows the hat to be worn with a large or double brim , just as it was often worn by sailors in historical photographs from the period.

The hat is produced in Portugal.

About merino wool

The Watch Cape is knitted from 100% merino wool , a fine type of wool known for being both warm and comfortable. The merino wool fibres are thinner than traditional wool and therefore feel softer against the skin while the material effectively insulates against the cold.

The dense knit structure means that the hat retains heat well and protects against wind – properties that were crucial for sailors who stood long watches on the decks of ships.

The natural properties of wool also mean that the material:

• insulates well against cold

• transports moisture away from the skin

• retains heat even when it is humid

• is naturally odor and dirt repellent

The result is a warm and durable hat that works equally well in everyday use as in more demanding weather.

Details

• Classic US Navy watch cap

• 100% merino wool

• Tightly knitted construction

• One size

• Authentic USN label

• Can be used with single or double fold-over

• Inspired by original from Pike Brothers archive

• Made in Portugal

• Article number: P0603-23-0012

Size

The Story Behind the USN Watch Cap

The watch cap was developed as part of the US Navy's cold weather equipment in the early 1900s. Sailors on watch on deck were often exposed to strong winds and low temperatures, and a tightly knitted woolen hat therefore became an important part of the uniform.

The simple construction made the cap robust and easy to manufacture, and after the war many sailors continued to wear it in civilian life. As a result, the watch cap has become one of the most iconic types of hat in both military and workwear-inspired clothing.