What Is a Kippah? A Buyer's Guide to Materials, Cuts, and Style

A kippah is the head covering worn by Jewish men, and increasingly by Jewish women, as a sign of respect for what is above. The word kippah comes from the Hebrew for "dome." In Yiddish-speaking communities the same head covering is called a yarmulke. The piece is small, but the tradition is dense, and what you choose to put on your head says quite a bit about who you are and where you come from.

This guide answers the questions our customers ask most, in plain language, and points to specific pieces from the David Roytman atelier when relevant.

Who wears a kippah, and when

The most common practice is for an observant Jewish man to wear a kippah at all times. In communities that follow this practice, a man covers his head from the moment he wakes until he goes to sleep, and during sleep some wear a smaller "sleeping kippah" as well.

Less observant men wear a kippah specifically when entering a synagogue, eating, praying, studying Torah, or attending a Jewish life-cycle event such as a brit milah, a bar or bat mitzvah, a wedding, or a funeral.

In Reform and progressive communities, women may wear a kippah as a personal expression of religious identity. In Orthodox communities, this is not the norm.

The two main cuts

Across the David Roytman atelier we work primarily with three traditional cuts. Knowing which one suits you is the first decision a buyer makes.

Classic. The traditional dome shape with a soft circumference. Sits broadly on the crown. Worn by men in most Modern Orthodox communities. Hat sizes apply, you measure the circumference around the head about a finger above the ears.

Modern. A flatter, smaller crown with a tighter shape. Often associated with the Religious Zionist and Modern Orthodox communities in Israel and abroad. Lighter on the head, sits closer to the scalp.

770. Named after 770 Eastern Parkway, the world headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch in Brooklyn. Six panels, the distinctive Chabad shape, often in dark colors or with subtle ornamentation. Worn by Chabad-affiliated men around the world.

The atelier also produces baby and newborn cuts in the same shapes at smaller circumferences. See Baby Kippah.

The materials

This is where most of the price difference lives. Kippot range from a few dollars at a synagogue gift table to a few thousand dollars when set with diamonds. Here is what the materials mean.

Velvet. The traditional Chabad and Modern Orthodox material. Soft, deep color, hand-finished construction. The David Roytman velvet pieces use long-staple cotton velvet that holds shape over years. See Velvet kippot.

Suede. A modern take. Slightly more contemporary, lighter than velvet, often used in younger Modern Orthodox communities. See Suede kippot.

Linen. Lightest material, breathes well in summer climates. Common in Israel. See Linen kippot.

Denim. A signature David Roytman material. Hand-finished cotton denim with leather, suede, or contrast stitching. Bridges traditional shape with modern aesthetic. Strong in our diaspora customer base. See Denim kippot.

Italian leather. Smooth-grain calfskin leather. Often the choice for groom's kippot, ceremonial occasions, and gift pieces. See the Brooklyn collection.

Exotic leather. Python, crocodile, ostrich. The David Roytman atelier sources these from the same Italian tanneries that supply major European fashion houses. Each piece is individual, each pattern unique. Highest material tier in the atelier short of precious metals. See Exotic Leather kippot.

Velour. A short-pile velvet alternative, slightly less formal, popular in the United States. See Velour kippot.

Symbol and ornamentation

Beyond material, the surface of the kippah carries meaning.

The Star of David. The most universal Jewish symbol. The David Roytman atelier embroiders, paints, and inlays Stars of David into kippot in dozens of variations, from simple silver thread to Swarovski crystals.

Hebrew letterforms. Several pieces in the atelier use Hebrew letters as a decorative motif, sometimes spelling Tanakh passages. This is the visual signature shared with the David Roytman Couture sister brand.

Lion of Judah. The royal symbol from the Tribe of Judah, associated with King David. Common on wedding and ceremonial pieces.

Hamsa. The protective hand. Traditionally worn for protection, often given as a wedding gift.

The David Roytman x Valentin Yudashkin collaboration. A series of kippot produced with the late Russian couturier. Limited edition. Italian leather, python, crocodile, set with Swarovski crystals and the Star of David. See the Yudashkin collaboration.

Occasions and what to give

People come to the atelier for specific moments. The most common:

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah. A serious gift kippah is one that a young person can keep for life. Suede or fine velvet is the safe choice in a Modern Orthodox setting. For Chabad-affiliated families, a 770 cut in dark velvet. For a Yeshiva-bound boy, plain Italian leather works.

Groom's kippah. Often white suede or white Italian leather, sometimes with subtle Star of David in silver. The David Roytman Wedding Kippah collection covers this.

Hanukkah gift. A second kippah for someone who already has a daily one. Material upgrade is the safe instinct, exotic leather or hand-painted Art Collection.

Diplomatic gift. Pieces from the David Roytman atelier have been worn by Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Groisman, and the Russian-language artist Alisher Morgenstern. For a high-status gift, the Yudashkin collaboration or the Exotic Leather collection.

Sizing

Measure the circumference of the head about a finger width above the ears. Standard adult sizes:

• 18 cm to 19 cm: small
• 20 cm to 21 cm: medium, the most common
• 22 cm to 24 cm: large

For baby and newborn, measure the actual head and pick the next size up.

For a custom size, contact the atelier directly at sales@davidroytman.com or visit the 11 Greene Street showroom in SoHo, New York.

How long a luxury kippah lasts

A well-cared-for velvet or Italian leather kippah lasts a lifetime. Exotic leather kippot age beautifully and develop patina. Diamond and gold settings can be reset by the atelier if a stone needs replacement.

The pieces in the atelier are stocked but each is hand-finished. Production lead time is typically 3 to 14 days before shipping. Worldwide shipping is standard.

Questions we hear

Is a kippah religious or cultural? Both. The practice is religious in origin and cultural in expression. Different communities wear different kippot, and the difference signals affiliation.

Can a non-Jew wear a kippah? A non-Jewish guest at a Jewish service is typically offered a kippah out of respect for the space. Wearing one outside that context is not a custom of the tradition.

Why are some kippot so expensive? The materials, the labor, and the maker. A hand-finished velvet kippah from a single atelier in Israel takes hours to construct. Exotic leather is sourced from regulated tanneries. Diamond and gold settings require certified gemological work. The David Roytman pieces are at the upper end of the range because every piece is hand-finished by the atelier.