1944 USN Watch Cap - Dark Red

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

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

Its simple construction allows the cap to be worn with a large or double fold-up, just as it was often worn by sailors in historical photographs from the period.

The cap is produced in Portugal.

About Merino Wool

The Watch Cap is knitted from 100% merino wool, a fine type of wool known for being both warm and comfortable. Merino wool fibers are thinner than traditional wool, providing a softer feel against the skin while effectively insulating against the cold.

The dense knit structure ensures the cap retains heat well and protects against wind – properties that were crucial for sailors on long watches on ship decks.

The natural properties of wool also mean that the material:

• insulates well against cold

• wicks moisture away from the skin

• retains warmth even when damp

• is naturally odor and dirt repellent

The result is a warm and durable cap that performs equally well in daily use as in more demanding weather.

Details

• Classic US Navy watch cap

• 100% merino wool

• Densely knitted construction

• One size

• Authentic USN label

• Can be worn with a single or double fold-up

• Inspired by an original from Pike Brothers' archive

• Produced in Portugal

• Article number: P0603-17-0002

Size

The Story Behind the USN Watch Cap

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

Its simple construction made the cap robust and easy to produce, and after the war, many sailors continued to wear it in civilian life. Therefore, the watch cap has become one of the most iconic cap types in both military- and workwear-inspired clothing.