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How to Wear a Yarmulke Download Article Co-authored by Danya Ruttenberg and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: August 31, 2025 Approved
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Positioning the Yarmulke on Your Head
|
Choosing When to Wear the Yarmulke
|
Picking a Yarmulke Style
|
Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Danya Ruttenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author of eight books, a highly sought-after keynote speaker and lecturer, was named by Newsweek and The Daily Beast as one of "ten rabbis to watch," was named a "faith leader to watch" by the Center for American Progress, and has been a Sunday Washington Post crossword clue (83 Down). She has written for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Time, and has been featured on NPR, the Today Show, USA Today, CNN, MTV News, and more. She is the founder of Life is a Sacred Text, a project bringing liberation-forward nourishment for the heart, soul, and noggin for folks of any and no spiritual or religious inclination, filled with essays, text studies, guided discussions, and more, with a vibrant community of over 35,000 people. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 105,673 times.
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]XResearch 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.[2]X Expert Source Danya RuttenbergRabbi and Judaism ExpertExpert Interview 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.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Positioning the Yarmulke on Your Head
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1 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.[3]XResearch source
If there’s a design on your yarmulke, make sure it’s right-side up.
2 Press down on your yarmulke to help it stick. 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.[4]XResearch source Advertisement
3 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.[5]XResearch source
Wear bobby pins if you plan on being active, such as playing sports or exercising.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Choosing When to Wear the Yarmulke
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1 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.[6]X Expert Source Danya RuttenbergRabbi and Judaism ExpertExpert Interview 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.[7]X Trustworthy Source Chabad.orgOnline resource for information related to Chabad-Lubavitch and Jewish culture Go to source
You don’t have to wear your yarmulke while you’re bathing or sleeping.
2 Put your yarmulke on during synagogue, on holidays, or when saying blessings. 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.[8]XResearch source
Tip: Fold your yarmulke in half and keep it in your pocket whenever you’re not wearing it.
3 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.[9]XResearch 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.[10]XResearch source
Try wearing a yarmulke underneath another hat if you still want to have one on.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Picking a Yarmulke Style
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1 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.[11]XResearch source
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.
2 Choose a dark-colored yarmulke if you are a traditional Jew. 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.[12]XResearch source
3 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.[13]XResearch 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.[14]XResearch source
Avoid wearing a black velvet yarmulke if you don’t want to be confused as a Haredi Orthodox Jew.
4 Wear a crocheted or wire yarmulke if you’re a woman. 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.[15]XResearch source
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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Question Do Jewish men and women wear wedding rings? Community Answer Yes, if they want to, just like any other married people. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
Question Why do Jewish men have long hair? Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 18
Question When do Christians wear a Yarmulke? Community Answer There is no religious reason for a Christian to wear a Yarmulke. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 42
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Tips
If you don’t have a yarmulke, you can also cover your head with any other hat. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Avoid wearing a yarmulke if you’re not Jewish since it's considered disrespectful. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 21
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Co-authored by: Danya Ruttenberg Rabbi and Judaism Expert This article was co-authored by Danya Ruttenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author of eight books, a highly sought-after keynote speaker and lecturer, was named by Newsweek and The Daily Beast as one of "ten rabbis to watch," was named a "faith leader to watch" by the Center for American Progress, and has been a Sunday Washington Post crossword clue (83 Down). She has written for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Time, and has been featured on NPR, the Today Show, USA Today, CNN, MTV News, and more. She is the founder of Life is a Sacred Text, a project bringing liberation-forward nourishment for the heart, soul, and noggin for folks of any and no spiritual or religious inclination, filled with essays, text studies, guided discussions, and more, with a vibrant community of over 35,000 people. This article has been viewed 105,673 times. 36 votes - 92% Co-authors: 17Updated: August 31, 2025 Views: 105,673 Categories: Judaism
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Co-authored by: Danya Ruttenberg Rabbi and Judaism Expert This article was co-authored by Danya Ruttenberg and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg is an award-winning author of eight books, a highly sought-after keynote speaker and lecturer, was named by Newsweek and The Daily Beast as one of "ten rabbis to watch," was named a "faith leader to watch" by the Center for American Progress, and has been a Sunday Washington Post crossword clue (83 Down). She has written for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and Time, and has been featured on NPR, the Today Show, USA Today, CNN, MTV News, and more. She is the founder of Life is a Sacred Text, a project bringing liberation-forward nourishment for the heart, soul, and noggin for folks of any and no spiritual or religious inclination, filled with essays, text studies, guided discussions, and more, with a vibrant community of over 35,000 people. This article has been viewed 105,673 times. 36 votes - 92% Co-authors: 17 Updated: August 31, 2025 Views: 105,673 Categories: Judaism 
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1 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.[3] 
2 Press down on your yarmulke to help it stick. 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.[4] Advertisement 
3 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.[5] 
1 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.[6] 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.[7] 
2 Put your yarmulke on during synagogue, on holidays, or when saying blessings. 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.[8] 
3 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.[9] 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.[10] 
1 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.[11] 
2 Choose a dark-colored yarmulke if you are a traditional Jew. 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.[12] 
3 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.[13] 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.[14] 
4 Wear a crocheted or wire yarmulke if you’re a woman. 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.[15] 
Community Answer Yes, if they want to, just like any other married people. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16 
Community Answer 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 18 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.