What are the different types of Hasidic Jewish hats? There are many types of hats that Hasidic Jews wear, such as the Shtreimel, Spodik, Kolpik, Hoiche, Biber, Up-Hat, and Chabad Fedora. Here is a brief guide to the various Hasidic hats.
What Is a Shtreimel Hat?
The Shtreimel is a fur hat worn on Shabbos (the Sabbath), Yom Tov (Jewish Holidays), and other special occasions like weddings. Most Hasidic Jews only wear a Shtreimel after marriage, so you won’t see single Jewish men wearing them (except for Toldos Aharon Hasidim). The Shtreimel isn’t required by Jewish law, but wearing one is an accepted custom amongst Hasidim. Plus, wearing one is considered to be a zechus (merit). The Shtreimels are a status symbol, and they’re made by Shtreimel Machers (Yiddish for Shtreimel makers). Shtreimelekh are often made from fox fur.Interestingly, some Litvish Jews also wear Shtreimels on Shabbos.The man on the left is wearing a Shtreimel, and the one on the right is wearing a Platchige Biber Hat:
Here are the main times that Shtreimels are worn:
- ShabbosYom Tov (plus Purim and Shushan Purim)WeddingsVorts (on Motsei Shabbos)Sheva Brachos (worn by Chosson and Machutanim)Bris Milah (worn by the father and grandfathers)
What Is a Spodik Hat?
Similar to a Shtreimel, a Spodik is a tall, fur hat that Hasidic Jews wear on holidays, the Sabbath, and festive occasions. In particular, many Hasidic sects that were once centered in Poland wear them, such as Gur, Aleksander, and Amshinov. Spodiks are black, tall, and have a cylindrical shape.Here’s an image of a Spodik Hasidic hat:
What Is a Kolpik Hat?
A Kolpik is a light brown, fur hat that’s worn by Hasidic Jews on the Sabbath, Jewish holidays, and special events, such as weddings. The Kolpik hat is tall and cylindrical and looks very similar to the Spodik.In some Hasidic sects, the unmarried sons and grandsons of the Rebbe will wear a Kolpik on Shabbos and Yom Tov (I believe this is the case in Viznitz and Belz). Hasidic Rebbes will also wear Kolpiks on certain occasions, such as a yahrzeit.Here’s an image of a Kolpik hat:
What Is a Hoiche Hat?
Hoiche hats are also known as high-crowned hats, and they’re worn by Hasidic Jews during the week. Platchige hats have a lower crown and are worn by fewer Hasidic sects.While a fedora is flexible, the Hoiche Hasidic hat is more stiff. Plus, the resting line is much further on the head. There’s a ribbon on Hoiche hats that almost looks like a belt. The side that the ribbon appears on is one way to tell which Hasidic sect a Hasid is from.Here is an image of a Hoiche Biber hat (the two men in the center are wearing Hoiche Biber hats):
What Is a Platchige Biber Hat?
Also known as a flat beaver hat, the Platchige Biber Hasidic hat is worn during the week by Hasidic Jews. It has a flat style and is worn by members of the Toldos Aharon, Shomrei Emunim, and Satmar sects.The man standing furthest to the left is wearing a Platchige Biber Hat (flat Hasidic hat):
For above image, here’s what they’re wearing, starting from furthest left: Platchige Biber Hat, Hoiche Biber Hat, Borsalino Fedora, Classic Kippa, and Bent-Up Hat.
What Is an Up-Hat?
An up-hat is a black hat typically worn by Rosh Yeshivas (heads of Rabbinical academies) and some Hasidim. They’re called up-hats because the hat brim faces up rather than down. Most Litvitsh/yeshivish Jewish men, on the other hand, wear black hats called Borsalino Fedoras, which have brims that face down. Here’s an image of a Rosh Yeshiva wearing an up-hat:
What Is a Chabad Fedora?
Most Chabad Hasidim wear a fedora because the 7th Rebbe wore one. However, some wear a simple Beret or Casquette.Here’s an image of Lubavitcher Hasidim wearing Chabad Fedoras:
What Is a Kashket Hat?
A Kashket hat is a felt cap that’s commonly worn by Hasidic children, especially those in the Belz sect. This type of hat was commonly worn by Jews in Eastern Europe and Russia before WWII, but today it’s almost exclusively worn by Hasidic children. The Kashket Hat became especially popular in Russia after the Tsar prohibited Jews from wearing traditional Jewish hats; it was a practical alternative.Here’s an image:
Which Types of Hasidic Hats Do Satmar Hasidim Wear?
Most Satmar Hasidim wear either a Platchige Biber Hat (flat beaver hat), or a Shtoffen Hat (high felt hat, without a bent brim), which is also worn by members of Vien. Some Satmar Hasidim—especially those from Rabbinical families—wear the Hoiche Biber Hat, which is common in other Hasidic sects.Unmarried Satmar Hasidim who wear a Shtoffen Hat during the week, will wear a Platchige Biber Hat on Shabbos, unless they are Sephardim or from South America.Here is a Satmar Hasid wearing a Shtoffen Hat:
Several Other Types of Hasidic Hats
A few more types to note: a Gerrer/Breslov Up-Hat, a Hamburg, a Winter Kuchma, Toldos Aharon White Knitted Yarmulke, and a Sadigura Shtreimel.Here is a Breslov Up-Hat (Rabbi Shalom Arush):
The Rebbes of Chortkov (and sects that come from Ruzhin) wear unique pointed Shtreimels. Here’s an image of a past Chortkov Rebbe:
And here’s one of the Boyaner Rebbe (Boyan is related to Ruzhin):
Toldos Aharon Hasidim (and other Hasidic sects mainly in Meah Shearim) wear unique White Knitted Yarmulkes:
Hasidic Hat Terms to Know
Platchige – Flat.Biber – Beaver. The original version of Hasidic Biber hats were made from short-haired beavers. Now, the material on cheaper ones is a knock-off alternative.Hoiche – High-Crowned.An interesting video about Hasidic hats:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEq0EpXqJaoIf I missed any hat types, please comment below.
