How much should a kippah cost? Online, most single kippot sell for about $5 to $25, while bulk satin and suede kippot for events cost about $1 to $5 each.
The material and the amount of hand work set most of the price, and shipping can add a large extra cost.
Two kippot that look similar in a photo can differ a lot in price. A machine made satin kippah and a hand crocheted kippah with a name stitched into it are very different products.
This guide explains the main kippah types and what each one usually signals. It then compares typical online prices by type. The last sections cover sizing and bulk orders for events, with tips on keeping a kippah in place.
What are the main types of kippah?
Kippot are grouped by material and shape. Each type has its own look, and some are closely linked with particular communities. Many people wear whatever style they like.
- Knitted or crocheted (kippah srugah): Made from thin yarn in many colors and patterns. In Israel it is widely associated with the Religious Zionist community, and abroad with many Modern Orthodox Jews.
- Black velvet: A classic style common in Haredi and yeshiva communities, and worn by many other Orthodox men as well. It is often worn under a hat.
- Suede: Soft and durable, often in black or dark colors. It is popular for daily wear and is one of the most common materials for printed wedding and bar mitzvah kippot.
- Satin: Light and smooth, often white or in event colors. It is the traditional guest kippah in many synagogues and at many simchas.
- Linen: Lightweight and breathable, which makes it comfortable in warm weather. It is not tied to any single community.
- Leather: Sturdy and casual, often with a printed or tooled design. Many people choose it for everyday wear.
- Bukharian: A taller, rounded cap that covers more of the head, usually with colorful embroidery. It comes from the Bukharan Jewish community of Central Asia and is now worn by many people outside that community, including children.
How do kippah prices compare across online shops?
Prices across online Judaica shops and general marketplaces fall into fairly consistent ranges by type. The figures below are typical retail prices in US dollars for a single kippah before shipping, based on a review of current online listings.
- Satin: about $5 to $15 for one kippah, or about $1 to $3 each in bulk.
- Suede: about $8 to $18 for one kippah, or about $2.50 to $5 each in bulk.
- Machine knitted: about $8 to $16.
- Hand crocheted or personalized knitted: usually above the machine knitted range, depending on the maker and the design.
- Black velvet: about $8 to $25.
- Linen: about $8 to $20.
- Leather: about $10 to $25.
- Bukharian: about $13 to $35, with more embroidery usually costing more.
Shipping can change the real price a lot. Some sellers that ship single kippot from overseas add more than $10 in delivery fees, which can double the cost of a low priced kippah. Compare the total price at checkout, including delivery.
Embroidery and hand work also add to the price. A kippah with embroidered Hebrew text or a design usually costs more than a plain one of the same material.
What size kippah should I buy?
Kippot are measured across the diameter in centimeters. Most adult kippot fall between about 14 cm and 21 cm. Smaller sizes sit toward the back of the head, while larger sizes cover more of the crown.
A larger kippah stays on more easily, and a smaller one is less visible. Children's kippot are sized smaller, and Bukharian caps are usually sold by head size.
How do you buy kippot in bulk for a wedding or bar mitzvah?
Families often hand out matching kippot at weddings and bar mitzvahs, printed inside with the names and the date. Guests usually take them home, so they also serve as a keepsake.
- Pick the material. Satin is the lowest cost option, and suede feels more substantial.
- Choose colors that match the event, and decide on the printed text for the lining.
- Count your male guests and order more than that number, since some guests take extra kippot.
- Order early. Many bulk sellers quote a lead time of four to six weeks, and rush orders often cost extra.
- Ask about printing fees. Some sellers include printing above a minimum quantity and charge a fee for small orders.
How do you keep a kippah on your head?
A small metal clip is the most common solution. You slide the clip through your hair and attach it to the edge of the kippah.
Bobby pins work well for people with longer hair. If you have very short hair or little hair, a larger kippah that sits on the crown stays on better, and some people use small pieces of double sided hair tape.
Which kippot can you buy at The Israel Store?
The Israel Store carries linen kippot designed for daily wear and gift giving. For families preparing for a bar mitzvah, a matching prayer shawl is also available.
- High Quality Linen Kippah with Star of David, $14.99. Made of natural linen in a 19 cm size, with an embroidered blue Star of David and a silver clip. It suits warm weather and anyone who wants an Israel themed kippah.
- Blue Linen Kippah with the Priestly Blessing, $14.99. Made of soft blue linen in a 19 cm size, embroidered in white with the Hebrew words of Numbers 6:24. It comes with an optional silver clip and works well as a bar mitzvah or baby naming gift.
- Acrylic Tallit from Israel, Traditional Prayer Shawl, $59.99. Made in Israel by Talitnia, with black stripes on white, tzitzit and an embroidered atarah. It pairs well with a kippah as a bar mitzvah gift.
Both linen kippot fall in the middle of the typical linen price range and include a clip.
Orders from The Israel Store are processed in 1 to 3 business days. US delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days. International delivery takes 7 to 21 business days, and returns are accepted within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kippah usually cost?
Most single kippot sell online for about $5 to $25 before shipping. Bulk satin and suede kippot for events can cost about $1 to $5 each.
What is the cheapest type of kippah?
Satin is usually the least expensive, especially in bulk. That is why it is the most common kippah handed out at weddings and in synagogue lobbies.
What does a knitted kippah mean?
A knitted kippah, or kippah srugah, is widely associated with Religious Zionist and Modern Orthodox Jews. Many people outside those groups wear one too.
Is a yarmulke the same as a kippah?
Yes. Kippah is the Hebrew word and yarmulke is the Yiddish word for the same head covering.
How far ahead should I order kippot for a wedding?
Order personalized kippot about four to six weeks before the event. This leaves time for printing and shipping without paying a rush fee.
What size kippah fits an adult?
Most adults wear a kippah between about 14 cm and 21 cm across. A 19 cm kippah covers a good part of the crown and stays on well with a clip.
The right kippah fits your head and your budget, and it suits the community you pray with. You can see every style and price in the kippah and yarmulke collection. To understand the tradition behind the head covering, read why Jews wear a kippah.
