The Fisherman's Rolled Beanie by Elbec

We had been dreaming for years of creating the perfect Fisherman's Rolled Beanie, made of pure merino wool, and we finally did it! But we didn't stop there... we made two versions: one made entirely by hand, the other with a restored hand-powered machine. Why? Because our goal has always been one: to offer an authentic, quality, sustainable product that respects the tradition of Italian craftsmanship.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Fisherman's Rolled Beanie is more than just a beanie: it is an icon, a symbol of those who live outdoors, of those who practice mountain sports, of those who explore nature in all its forms. Yet while many prefer the classic baseball cap, the fisherman's model is a true passion for those with an adventurous heart. And we are not immune to the allure of the outdoor culture that comes straight from America's heartland, because yes, we too are victims of the cultural colonisation that took hold after World War II. But what can we do if we live on the fringes of this empire?

The Manifattura Diffusa Project: A New Model of Sustainable Production

We have always believed that a product should not only be beautiful to look at, but also respectful of the environment and tradition. Hence our Widespread Manufacturing Project: an innovative way of conceiving production, combining craftsmanship and sustainability, in which each stage of the production process is designed to reduce the impact on the environment and to support local labour. Our mission is to create products that are not only a pleasure for the wearer, but also for our planet.

The Fisherman's Rolled Beanie is the perfect example of this philosophy. It is made of 100% merino wool, a natural material that is not only completely biodegradable, but also has temperature-regulating and breathable properties that synthetic yarns cannot even dream of. And all this without the use of polyester, recycled polyester or other polluting materials. We want to show that it is possible to do well, respecting nature and people, without compromise.

An Authentic Product, Made with Passion and Tradition

Our Fisherman's Rolled Beanie is the fruit of painstaking work, which took time, research and a dose of luck. The first model was made entirely by hand, using circular knitting needles and Italian wool. It is a more fitted cap than the classic fisherman's beanie, with a shape similar to an elongated wool hat, but which can still be rolled up to achieve the typical effect of the model. This product has also been tested in a nautical environment, which proves its versatility and reliability in different conditions.

The second model, the one we want to present to you with great pride, is Elbec's very own Fisherman's Rolled Beanie. In order to make it, we searched for years for the right machine, an old hand-driven tool from the 1980s that we discovered by chance and which, thanks to the invaluable help of a collaborator, we managed to restore. This machinery was destined for the dump, but we gave it a new life, making it the heart of our cap production. A true homage to traditional craftsmanship and local manufacture.

A Product that Makes a Difference

Our Fisherman's Rolled Beanie is not only a high-quality garment, it also represents our commitment to a more sustainable future. We use only natural and recycled yarns, without resorting to polyester or other synthetic materials. Not only that: the entire production process takes place in Italy, with resident labour, and all packaging is compostable and biodegradable. Each cap is handmade with care and attention, guaranteeing not only a high quality product, but also a minimal impact on the environment.

Sustainability is a core value for us, which is reflected in every stage of production: from the use of restored, low-impact machinery, to the choice of natural and biodegradable yarns, to the production of fully recyclable products. The Fisherman's Rolled Beanie is not just a beanie, it is a symbol of a new way of making fashion, where quality and respect for the environment go hand in hand.

And now, that you have seen what is behind our project, we invite you to reflect on the difference between our product and industrial ones, often made with synthetic materials in faraway places. We ask you to make a conscious choice, to try to get off the beaten path and choose a product that respects nature, tradition and local labour.

After all, we don't always have to follow the crowd. Sometimes, making a small choice is enough to make a difference.

P.S. Don't tell anyone... our beanie is really special, but there aren't many of them!