A yarmulka, also called a kippah, is worn by Jewish men and boys as a constant reminder of Hashem's presence above. At Eichlers, we carry velvet, suede, knit, leather, and custom yarmulkas in every size and community style, so you can find exactly what fits your minhag, your age, and your everyday wear.
Velvet yarmulkas are the most widely worn style across Ashkenazi communities in the United States. They're the standard in yeshivos, shuls, and Chassidish communities throughout Brooklyn, Lakewood, Monsey, and beyond. The fabric holds its shape well, sits flat on the head without pinning, and gives a clean, dignified appearance for davening and everyday wear.
Velvet kippahs come in a range of depths and diameters. A deeper, larger velvet yarmulka is the standard in most Chassidish and yeshivish communities. A smaller, flatter style is common in many modern Orthodox circles. Sizing is measured by diameter in centimeters, with most adult men wearing between 18cm and 22cm depending on head size and community custom.
Suede kippahs are a popular choice in modern Orthodox and Zionist communities, and they're widely worn by boys and teenagers as an everyday style. Suede sits comfortably on the head, tends to stay in place without clips, and holds up well through daily activity. They come in a range of colors, from classic black and navy to burgundy, brown, and grey.
Six-panel suede kippahs are the most common cut, giving a rounded shape that fits naturally on most head sizes. Flat suede styles are also available for those who prefer a lower profile. Suede yarmulkas are a practical and popular choice for school, camp, and everyday wear for boys of all ages.
Knit kippahs, also called kippot srugot, are closely associated with Religious Zionist and modern Orthodox communities. They're lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for all-day wear in warmer months. Crocheted styles come in solid colors as well as striped and patterned designs depending on community custom and personal preference.
Knit kippahs generally stay in place well without clips, especially on shorter hair. They're a durable, easy-care option that holds up through regular washing without losing their shape. For boys who are active throughout the day, a knit kippah is often one of the most practical everyday choices.
Leather kippahs offer a sleek, structured look that works well for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and more formal occasions. They're popular in Sephardic communities and among men who prefer a firmer, flatter kippah that sits close to the head. Leather styles tend to be smaller in diameter and are often worn with a kippah clip to keep them in place throughout the day.
Custom yarmulkas are one of the most popular keepsakes for bar mitzvahs, upsherin celebrations, weddings, and other meaningful Jewish occasions. A personalized kippah with the child's name, date, and event printed inside or on the lining is a gift every guest takes home and remembers. Our custom yarmulka options are available in velvet and suede in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Planning a bar mitzvah? Browse our full bar mitzvah gifts collection for more meaningful keepsakes and gifts. For upsherin celebrations, our upsherin gifts collection has everything you need to mark the occasion properly.
The most important factor in choosing a yarmulka is your community's custom. In most Chassidish and yeshivish communities, a large velvet yarmulka is the standard. In modern Orthodox and Religious Zionist communities, suede and knit are widely worn. Sephardic men often wear smaller leather or suede styles. Follow what your shul and family wear, and ask your Rov if you're unsure.
Adult yarmulkas are sized by diameter, typically ranging from 16cm to 24cm. Most men wear a 18cm to 22cm depending on head size and how much coverage their community standard requires. Children's yarmulkas come in smaller diameters, usually 14cm to 18cm, and should be replaced regularly as children grow. When in doubt, size up slightly. A yarmulka that's slightly large can be adjusted with a clip; one that's too small sits high on the head and looks out of place.
Velvet yarmulkas hold their shape well but can flatten over time with daily wear. Rotating between two or three keeps them looking fresh. Suede is more durable for active daily wear and cleans easily with a soft brush. Knit kippahs are machine-washable and the easiest to maintain. Leather is the most structured and formal, but requires the most care to avoid cracking or stiffening over time.
This depends on the style and how well it stays in place on your particular hair type. Velvet yarmulkas typically grip well on most hair and stay without a clip. Suede and leather styles, especially smaller ones, often need a clip to stay secure during activity. Knit kippahs generally grip well on their own. If you're buying for a young boy who's active, a clip is usually a good idea regardless of style.
A quality yarmulka is always a welcome and thoughtful gift for any Jewish occasion. Custom velvet kippahs are especially popular for bar mitzvahs, where they double as a meaningful keepsake and a practical gift every male guest can use. A first yarmulka is also a special upsherin gift for a boy turning three.
Pair a yarmulka with items from our tallis and tefillin bags collection for a complete and practical bar mitzvah gift set. For a younger boy, our upsherin gifts section has coordinating options that make the occasion even more special.
A yarmulka is part of a larger daily wardrobe for frum men and boys. Eichlers carries everything alongside it.
They are the same item. Yarmulka is the Yiddish term used in Ashkenazi communities. Kippah is the Hebrew term used in Israeli and Sephardic communities. Both refer to the head covering worn by Jewish men and boys.
Children's yarmulkas typically range from 14cm to 18cm in diameter. Buy slightly larger rather than smaller. A yarmulka that's a little big can be clipped; one that's too small looks out of place and won't sit properly.
Velvet is standard in yeshivish and Chassidish communities. Suede and knit are common in modern Orthodox and Religious Zionist communities. Leather is popular in Sephardic communities. Follow your shul's custom and your Rov's guidance.
Rotate between two or three yarmulkas to let each one recover its shape between wears. Store them upside down or on a rounded surface. Avoid sitting or lying on them throughout the day.
Yes. Custom velvet and suede yarmulkas are available with personalized text for bar mitzvahs, upsherin, weddings, and other occasions. Browse our bar mitzvah gifts collection for full details.
Usually not. Velvet grips most hair types well and tends to stay in place on its own. Smaller or flatter styles may benefit from a clip, especially for younger children who are active throughout the day.
Knit kippahs can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and air dried. Suede should be spot-cleaned with a soft brush or damp cloth. Velvet is best spot-cleaned only. Leather should be wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth and kept away from moisture.