Editing The Kneitch Hat (section)

== Background ==
From the beginning, Chabad chassidim wore a hat as a second head covering. In the early years, Chabad chassidim wore a round hat without brims called a Kazirak, and on special occasions they wore a Shtreimel. Following the clothing decree by Czar Nicholas in 1844, they replaced the Shtreimel and the hat they wore until then with a cap.

The Kneitch first arrived in Chabad during the time of the Rebbe Rashab, though some say it began during the time of the Rebbe Maharash. Until then, hats in general, and the Kneitch in particular, were considered modern dress by the elder chassidim, which is why most Chabad chassidim preferred to wear the cap.

Some say that Reb Nissan Nemenov wouldn't allow Temimim wearing a Kneitch to enter the yeshiva in Brunoy, claiming they were too modern, until they told him that the Rebbe wears a Kneitch hat.