Patna: As chill hits the state, people are finding fashionable means to beat the cold. The westerlies has made caps, among others, a common sight in Patna.

For girls the traditional scarves are no longer the only option. "Woollen caps with attached mufflers are my favourite as they are like a combo offer in winter," said a customer at Lahasa market.

Pom-Pom caps are in vogue among women. "The fur in these caps gives a snowy look and adds some excitement to the whole idea of dressing up in winter," said Manisha, a customer at Bazar India, Kulharia Complex. Such caps are also found in Vishal Mega Market. Woollen bucket caps are also opted for by fashionable girls. Hena Khan, a resident said: "A bucketcap paired with pants and overcoats gives a smart look."

Ranjit Kumar of Mota Bhai, Hathwa Market, said: "Currently, a 30 per cent offer is there on woollen caps. We sell only simple caps which customers often buy when they come for shopping woollen garments."

Prakesh Mishra, a marketing manager at Jalan Shop, said: "We are offering 20-30 per cent discount on woollen caps." He said they keep very little stock of monkey caps as they are no longer in demand.

Adjustable knitted ear muffs, found in Patna Market, have made an appeara nce this year. Caps with braided strings can also be spotted. "It gives a lively and tender look," said Minoli Singh, a customer at Patna Market.

Smriti, a student of St Joseph's Convent High School, said: "Colourful caps are not allowed in our school therefore I have bought a simple black beanie cap."

The road in front of Bhoomika Vikas Bank Bhavan is a common place where beanie caps at prices ranging between Rs 70 and 80 can be easily found. Skullcaps and caps with braided strings within Rs 200 can also be found here.

Rajesh Kumar of Baby & Baba, Kankerbagh, said: "We only sell caps for men as they are more in demand. The Rs 100 caps are the ones more in demand. We are offering no discount as the demand is increasing and we tend to make the most out of it."

Beanie and slouchy beanie caps are much in demand among men. Abhishek Ranjan, a student, said: "A beanie cap with rings are in trend among boys." Slouchy beanie caps too are a rage for those who want to sport a funky look. Ashok Kumar, a government employee, said: "I prefer wearing Cossacks as they seem professional and formal."

Some prefer going to branded shops like Monte Carlo, Woodland and Adidas to get stylish caps.

Nisha Singh, a customer at Woodland, Fraser Road, said: "The quality of the caps are good, however they do not offer a range of designs. All I can see are beanie caps in same designs in different colours, and they too are limited."