Let’s settle it once and for all...
What’s the difference between a Toque and a Beanie?
Is it geography? Style? Fibre content? Or just a good old-fashioned case of regional confusion? Whatever the reason, the humble knitted hat has sparked debates over Sunday brunch, on snowy mountain tracks—and probably in a few online shopping carts, too.
So here it is:
A light-hearted but informative guide to knowing your beanies from your toques (and when to wear either without starting an international incident).
Where in the World Are You?
In Canada, it’s a toque (rhymes with smoke, not frook) and every self-respecting Canuck₁ has a drawer full of them. Toques are practically issued at birth and worn from the first frost to the last hockey playoff
In America, it’s a beanie—a word that once described a small skullcap worn by college students and comic strip sidekicks. These days, it’s the go-to term for any knitted cap, especially if you’re standing in line for coffee in Brooklyn or riding your fixie in Portland
Down in New Zealand?
We’re wonderfully indecisive. Some say beanie, others say toque, for others it’s just a woollen hat.
Form Follows Function
Technically speaking, both hats serve the same purpose: keeping your head warm. But dig a little deeper and some distinctions appear:
A toque is usually a bit more rugged (made for real weather, the kind that comes at you sideways). Often lined, occasionally waterproof, and sometimes bearing heroic names like Milford All-Weather Toque, it’s the hat you grab when you’re heading into the storm or across the carpark.
A beanie, on the other hand, tends to be lighter and more widely warn as an everyday piece of clothing no matter what the weather. It might slouch, it might hug, it might have a cuff, but it’s probably not battle-ready for the most inclement weather. It’s ideal for city life, crisp mornings, café patios, or simply looking effortlessly cool while pretending not to notice people noticing your hat.
Okay, now Yarn about yard
No matter the name, the best headwear starts with beautiful fibres. At Aoraki, we don’t mess around with the cheap stuff.
Our toques are crafted from fine natural yarns with the occasional secret weapon like H₂O Stop© waterproof lining (because wet hair is only fun at the beach).
Our beanies cover the spectrum—from soft-as-a-cloud cashmere (hello, Andes Pashm) to bold, youthful slouches in bright Merino blends. They’re knitted for comfort, made to last, and always up for a good walk.
A Hat Full of Culture
If you want to blend in, take note:
In Canada, not wearing a toque in winter is suspicious. Like not liking maple syrup or apologising too little.
In New York, a beanie is a lifestyle choice. Black, rolled once, worn with oversized sunglasses—even at night.
In New Zealand, we’re versatile. Our hats climb mountains, cross cities, and make a dash for the café between rain showers
Whether you're heading for the ski field or the supermarket, there's a style (and name) to suit.
The Final Verdict?
They’re close cousins, really. One might be more fashion, the other more function, but both are stars of the cold-weather wardrobe. So, call it what you like—as long as it keeps your ears warm and your style intact, we’re happy.
At Aoraki, we make toques, beanies and slouchy by hand right here in New Zealand. Crafted from the finest yarns and tested in real weather, they offer the perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort—with just a touch of Aotearoa attitude.
₁ Canuck is a slang term for a Canadian