How to Wear a Yarmulke

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: September 10, 2023 Approved

A yarmulke, also known as a kippah in Hebrew, is a Jewish head covering traditionally worn by men that symbolizes there’s something between you and God.^{[1]
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Research source} While it’s not required by law for you to wear one, having a yarmulke on shows how observant you are of your religion. Yarmulkes come in many different designs and materials, so choose one that’s comfortable for you and wear it proudly!

Things You Should Know

Position a yarmulke on the crown of your head and secure it to your hair with bobby pins to help it stick.
Orthodox Jews wear them always; otherwise, wear it for synagogue, holidays, and saying blessings—and you don't have to wear it if it’s not safe to.
A white or multicolored yarmulke is more modern, while dark colors like black, navy blue, and grey are more traditional.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Positioning the Yarmulke on Your Head

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Set the yarmulke on the crown of your head. Unfold your yarmulke and set it on top of your head. Make sure it covers the crown, the area near the back center of your head, completely. Don’t let your yarmulke come too far forward or cover any of your forehead.^{[2]
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- If there’s a design on your yarmulke, make sure it’s right-side up.
Once you have the yarmulke in place, press lightly down on it so the fabric contacts your hair. The fabric should catch on your hair and keep the yarmulke on your head. This helps the hold your yarmulke in place so it doesn’t move around throughout the day.^{[3]
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Secure the yarmulke to your hair with bobby pins if it falls off. Smaller yarmulkes may slip more than larger ones. Slide a bobby pin onto one side of the yarmulke and secure some of your hair underneath it. If 1 bobby pin isn’t enough to keep your yarmulke in place, put another pin on the other side as well.^{[4]
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- Wear bobby pins if you plan on being active, such as playing sports or exercising.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing When to Wear the Yarmulke

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Wear your yarmulke at all times if you’re an Orthodox Jew. Although it’s not required by law, Orthodox Jews wear yarmulkes throughout the day. When you start your morning, put on your yarmulke right away. You may cover your yarmulke with another hat, such as a fedora if you’d like, but it’s not required.^{[5]
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Chabad.org
Online resource for information related to Chabad-Lubavitch and Jewish culture

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- You don’t have to wear your yarmulke while you’re bathing or sleeping.
If you don’t want to wear your yarmulke throughout the entire day, put it on during special ceremonies or holidays. Keep it on your head whenever you attend the synagogue or recite prayers as a sign of respect for God.^{[6]
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Tip: Fold your yarmulke in half and keep it in your pocket whenever you’re not wearing it.
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Don’t wear your yarmulke in public if it’s not safe to in your area. Some areas and countries aren’t safe to wear a yarmulke in public due to antisemitic attacks.^{[7]
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Research source} If you live in one of these areas, keep your yarmulke on at home and take it off when you go out unless you’re going to the synagogue.^{[8]
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- Try wearing a yarmulke underneath another hat if you still want to have one on.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Picking a Yarmulke Style

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Pick a white or multicolored yarmulke if you follow modern Jewish practices. Many modern Jewish people choose yarmulkes that are white or have designs sewn onto them. Look for a design you like and choose a yarmulke that fits your head well. Try a suede, knit, or leather yarmulke to see what material you prefer.^{[9]
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- Silk yarmulkes tend to denote the lowest level of observance since they’re usually given out during ceremonies if you don’t already own one.
Darker colors, such as black, navy blue, or grey, usually mean you follow more traditional Jewish practices. Pick a yarmulke that’s leather, crocheted, or suede that fits well on top of your head.^{[10]
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Pick a black velvet yarmulke if you’re a Haredi Orthodox Jew. Haredi Orthodox Jews are conservative socially, politically, and religiously and oppose secular lifestyles.^{[11]
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Research source} Look for a yarmulke that’s made of black velvet that’s about the size of a salad plate since this is the most traditional style. Make sure the yarmulke doesn’t slip or fall off your head while you wear it.^{[12]
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- Avoid wearing a black velvet yarmulke if you don’t want to be confused as a Haredi Orthodox Jew.
While women don’t need to cover their head with a yarmulke, you can choose to wear one if you want. Many yarmulkes designed for women are made with wires and beads to look feminine. Look for a design that you like and try it on to see if it fits your head well.^{[13]
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Tip: If you don’t want to wear a yarmulke, you can also cover your head with scarves, hats, or headbands.

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Do Jewish men and women wear wedding rings?

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Yes, if they want to, just like any other married people.

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Why do Jewish men have long hair?

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There is a commandment in Leviticus (19:27) against a male cutting off certain portions of hair on their head and beards. Due to concern about violating this commandment, different Orthodox groups keep their hair (typically around their temples) unusually long.

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When do Christians wear a Yarmulke?

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There is no religious reason for a Christian to wear a Yarmulke.

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