1944 USN Watch Cap - Olive

The 1944 USN Watch Cap from Pike Brothers is a classic knitted hat inspired by the original watch cap used by the US Navy during World War II. The cap was standard headwear for sailors working on ship decks, where strong winds and low temperatures made warm wool garments essential.

The model is based on an original garment from 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 used as part of the standard equipment for American sailors.

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

The cap is produced in Portugal.

About Merino Wool

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

The tight knit structure creates a compact fabric that protects against wind and retains warmth – properties that were crucial for sailors on long watches on ship decks.

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

• effectively insulates against cold

• wicks moisture away from the skin

• retains warmth even when wet

• is naturally odor and dirt resistant

The result is a durable and warm cap that works equally 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 worn with single or double cuff

• Inspired by original from Pike Brothers' archive

• Produced in Portugal

• Article number: P0603-23-0013

Size

History behind the USN Watch Cap

The watch cap was developed as part of the US Navy's cold weather gear in the early 1900s. The tight wool knit provided effective protection against wind and cold during long watches on deck.

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