1944 USN WATCH CAP - Olive

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 the decks of ships, where strong winds and low temperatures made warm wool garments essential.

The model is based on an original garment from the Pike Brothers archive and follows the historical specifications from the 1940s. The watch cap is known from many photographs from the period, where it was worn as part of the standard equipment of American sailors.

The design is simple and functional, with a tightly knit construction and an authentic US Navy label on the brim. The hat can be worn with a single large brim or double brim, just as it was often worn by sailors in the 1940s.

The hat is produced in Portugal.

About merino wool

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

The dense knit structure creates a compact fabric that protects against wind and retains heat – properties that were crucial for sailors who stood long watches on the decks of ships.

Merino wool also has natural properties that make the material very suitable for winter garments:

• effectively insulates against cold

• transports moisture away from the skin

• retains heat even when the material is damp

• is naturally odor and dirt repellent

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

Details

• Classic US Navy watch cap

• 100% merino wool

• Tightly knitted construction

• One size

• Authentic Navy spec label

• Can be used with single or double fold-over

• Inspired by original from Pike Brothers archive

• Made in Portugal

• Article number: P0603-23-0013

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 . The dense wool knit provided effective protection against wind and cold during long watches on deck.

After World War II, many sailors took the hat home with them, and the simple construction meant that the watch cap quickly became popular in civilian life as well. Today, it is considered one of the most iconic types of hat in both military and workwear-inspired clothing.