what is a jewish hat called

The most common Jewish hat today is called a kippah (also known as a yarmulke), a small skullcap worn by many Jewish men as a sign of reverence. Historically, a pointed cone-shaped hat known as the "Jewish hat" or Judenhut was worn in medieval Europe, often mandated to distinguish Jews.

Common Modern Types

Jewish head coverings vary by tradition, community, and occasion, reflecting both religious devotion and cultural identity.

Type| Description| Typically Worn By
---|---|---
Kippah/Yarmulke| Small, round skullcap; materials include knit, suede, or velvet.| Orthodox, Conservative, Reform men; some women. 7
Shtreimel| Wide fur hat from tails (e.g., fox).| Hasidic men on Shabbat, holidays, weddings. 35
Spodik| Tall, black-dyed fur cylinder.| Certain Hasidic groups like Chabad. 3
Kolpik| Tall brown fur hat.| Hasidic leaders on special occasions. 3
Biber Hat| Beaver-fur style fedora-like hat.| Hasidic men daily (e.g., Belz, Satmar). 5

These hats evolved from ancient customs, with the kippah symbolizing awareness of a higher power—tradition encourages covering the head during prayer or meals. Fur hats like the shtreimel trace to 18th-19th century Eastern European fashion, retained by Hasidim amid modernization.

Historical Context

In medieval Europe post-1215, the Jewish hat —a yellow or white pointed cap (pileus cornutus)—was enforced for identification, originating possibly from Persian styles. This contrasts with voluntary modern wear, free from such mandates. Forum discussions highlight curiosity, like Reddit users debating shtreimel vs. everyday black hats by sect.

"Jews have been proudly sporting hats for centuries — and sometimes have worn them under duress."

Cultural Significance

Head coverings remind wearers of humility before God, with customs differing: Ashkenazi favor fur hats; Sephardi might wear a tarboush (fez). In 2026, trends show colorful kippot popular among youth, blending tradition with style—no major news shifts noted recently.

TL;DR: Primarily kippah for everyday; shtreimel for special occasions—rich variety tied to faith and heritage.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.