Answers to Questions by Yair Davidiy
If you could wear any sort of yarmulke, which yarmulke would you consider the most professional (e.g. black velvet, knitted, suede) in your opnion?
A yarmulke is a Jewish skull cap also known as a "kippa," in plural "kippot."
In lieu of a kippah other types of head covering are also possible.
"Yarmulke" is an Aramaic word connoting "Fear of the King." The "King" in this case means God. In Israel the Hebrew term "kippa" is used.
I assume you are asking for social reasons and wish to know which type would probably be the most acceptable.
The answer depends on which Jewish social circle you are interacting with.
In general I would say black velvet is best. It looks good, and is compatible with whatever else one may wear. Most importantly it is acceptable to all social circles, as explained below.
Knitted kippot are associated with the National Religious, Modern Orthodox, and Traditional but not-necessarily-so-observant communities. They also come in all shapes and designs. This too complicates matters. The color red for instance should be avoided.
Suede kippot have a complicated structure and could suggest the wearer is not so serious.
So too, leather kippot are like leather jackets and not something worn every day.
Black velvet kippot are worn mainly by the Ultra-Orthodox but are also acceptable to all other groups and are worn by some adherents of all of them. This, when no other information is available, is what makes them the best choice.