An animal hat is a novelty hat made to resemble an animal or other character.[1] It is often similar to a beanie, with facial features, added ears and sometimes details such as whiskers, although versions made from fake fur are also known by this name.[1] While they were known before 2010,[2] animal hats became an American fashion trend in the winter of 2010-11.[1] Despite ongoing criticism, including the animal hat being listed as a 2012 fashion faux pas despite also being a "serious fashion statement," they stayed popular into 2013.[3][4] Books dedicated exclusively to knitting and crocheting various styles of animal hats have been published.[5][6]
^Mooncie, Vanessa (3 January 2013). Animal hats : frog hats, elephant hats, cat hats, and more : 15 patterns to knit and show off. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press. ISBN9781600859540.
^Goble, Fiona (14 February 2013). Knitted animal hats : 35 wild and wonderful hats and more for babies, kids, and teens. London: Cico Books. ISBN978-1908862549.