Check out these expert-approved picks for cozy style, guaranteed.
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When the chilly season rolls around, a good beanie is essential for protecting your head and ears from the cold, whether you’re touring historical cities or heading up north on a once-in-a-lifetime quest to see the Northern Lights. There are many different styles to choose from, from sleek, no-frills watch caps made from durable acrylic to patterned, pom-pommed extravaganzas in soft cashmere or merino wool. You can also look for special features such as a satin lining (for preventing breakage and preserving curl definition) or a shearling lining for keeping out extreme cold.
With so many options out there, we decided to ask Travel + Leisure editors and travel experts to name their favorite beanies they personally own and give insight into what makes it stand out from the crowd. We sorted through results from a survey asking them to rate their chosen beanie for fit, warmth, and durability, resulting in category winners for everything from most warm to best oversized.
This is an affordable beanie that performed well in terms of durability and comfort, and comes in an impressive array of colors.
One of our team members experienced some itchiness while wearing it but attributes this to their already dry and sensitive skin.
The one-size-fits-all Carhartt Knitted Cuff Beanie is made from 100 percent acrylic rib knit for just the right blend of stretch and comfort. This beanie had more survey responses than any other on this list, meaning more of our team members personally own this beanie than the others. More than one of us agree that the fit is excellent and love that it hasn’t changed shape or stretched out in the years they’ve owned it. The simple, universally stylish watch cap aesthetic looks as good in the city as it does on a winter hiking expedition, while the fold-up cuff and contrasting Carhartt patch add interest.
Opinions on warmth vary: one of our team members claimed it was too warm to wear indoors, while another (based in Colorado) said it was the warmest beanie they’d ever owned. The breathability suggests that it could be a good option for active pursuits in colder climates, too. This is one of the most affordable on this list, yet feels far more expensive and holds up well to continuous in-season wear and washing. It comes in a rainbow of colors from utilitarian black or Carhartt brown to statement-making pink or lime.
This beanie scored perfectly across the board for fit, durability, and warmth with a faux-shearling lining to enhance its cold-weather credentials.
We have never washed the beanie, so we can’t say how well it holds up to that process.
With its chunky acrylic knit and faux-shearling fleece lining, the C.C. Women’s Sherpa Lined Pom Beanie is made for cold weather. In fact, we scored it five out of five for warmth, plus top scores for durability — it hasn’t snagged or pilled even after owning it for multiple winter seasons. Plus, like other faux-shearling travel accessories, it's a more sustainable way to stay warm and cozy.
This beanie is more than a practical pick, however. We love how cute it is and that it comes in a wide choice of colors to match every taste and outfit, from dark gray to candy pink or sky blue. A pronounced cuff, an embroidered logo, and an oversized faux fur pom-pom add extra style points. It’s one size fits most: we labeled the fit as excellent and found that it holds its shape well after time.
The Details: Acrylic, faux shearling, faux fur | Hand-wash only
This is a close-fitting beanie that provides plenty of warmth for extended hours of outdoor wear.
Although our team members liked the fit, several online reviews mention that it can come up a little tight.
If you’re looking for an everyday winter companion, The North Face’s classic TNF Logo Cuffed Beanie is a great option. It’s made from soft, stretchy, 100 percent acrylic rib knit — a material that more than one of our team members found super warm yet breathable (though you may find yourself having to take the beanie off during strenuous hikes.) It looks good, too, with a subtle cuff and a woven logo patch.
Choose yours in one of many diverse colors ranging from summit navy to brandy brown. The beanie comes in short and regular lengths. One of us has owned and hand-washed it for two years and noticed no change in the fit, while another has owned it for more than five and says that it's a little stretched after years of machine-washing and drying. Both agree that the beanie is extremely durable.
The Details: Acrylic | Hand-wash only
Lightweight and moderately warm, this versatile beanie can be worn both indoors and out.
It may not be warm enough for extended outside wear in colder climates.
This Anthropologie beanie features a delicate blend of polyester, polyamide, and viscose to deliver lightweight warmth that’s ideal for casual, all-day wear. We love that the beanie can transition seamlessly from outdoor to indoor situations without causing overheating. One size fits all, and we gave it top marks for fit.
The beanie’s simple yet elevated style is another highlight, making it easy to dress up or down. It has no obvious branding, which is a plus for those looking for an understated look. We also found it impressively durable, remaining soft and holding its shape despite our team member ignoring manufacturer recommendations and washing the beanie in the machine. Colors are fun and bright, ranging from lime to red or mint.
The Details: Recycled polyester, polyester, polyamide, viscose | Hand-wash only
This is a premium quality beanie that can’t be beaten for softness, and it looks good with every outfit.
Special care is required when cleaning; this is not a good option for those that prioritize machine-washable convenience.
At almost nine times the price of our overall winner, there’s no doubt that the White + Warren Cashmere Beanie is a splurge. However, it’s crafted from ultra soft, 100 percent cashmere and is of such high quality that multiple T+L editors that own it expect it to last forever with the proper care. This means hand-washing and air-drying only, but as long as care guidelines are respected, it keeps its shape perfectly.
The ribbed, double-layered construction is meant to insulate and, indeed, we found it to be extremely warm. It’s also breathable, with a level of soft coziness that makes it feel like a sweater for your head. It’s super stylish, complimenting any outfit (including matching White + Warren sets) whether you wear it cuffed and fitted or long and slouchy. Color options are predictably gorgeous, ranging from neutral camel heather to bright pink.
The Details: Cashmere | Hand-wash or dry clean only
Although it’s made from 100 percent cashmere, this beanie is affordable enough that you can relax a little when it comes to caring for it.
Those with larger heads should bear in mind that one of us found the fit quite snug.
The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Beanie is made exclusively from Grade-A cashmere yet is also one of the most affordable options on this list. Our team member that recommended this beanie loves that this allowed them to buy it in multiple colorways without “freaking out” about care guidelines. In fact, they even machine-washed it without any adverse effects (though hand-washing is recommended by the manufacturer.)
The quality is excellent compared to other cashmere beanies we’ve owned, with a thicker fabric and a tighter knit. It hasn’t stretched out so far, and looks great with its fitted, unisex design and adjustable, folded cuff. We found it extremely warm and relatively breathable, but we’d recommend it for casual rather than active wear. Choose from two sizes and a host of neutral and jewel-toned shades including charcoal and Everglade green.
The Details: Cashmere | Hand-wash only
Made from premium merino wool, this beanie is as durable as it is soft and comfortable.
Color options are fairly limited, although there are many neutrals to choose from.
The U.S.-made Prometheus Design Werx A.G. Watch Cap draws inspiration from the headgear issued to servicemen to keep them warm on watch during WWII. It’s made from A-grade merino wool, which we found supremely comfortable and delightfully easy to care for. Not only is the beanie machine-washable and dryer-safe (on a cold cycle), but this is actually the best way to return it to its original size and shape if it gets a little stretched.
This beanie adds classic style to any outfit, with a medium rib knit and a three-inch fold-up cuff. Colors are mostly subdued, with options including black, stone gray, and terra. if you prefer a little brightness, opt for the Cousteau-inspired red Team Z version. We love how warm this beanie is while still being very breathable — making it the ideal choice for active pursuits from hiking to cycling.
The Details: Merino wool | Machine-washable
This beanie combines a cute, retro aesthetic with a comfortable fit and long-lasting durability.
If you prefer solid colors, you might want to look elsewhere; this hat is only offered in triple-shaded colorways.
Also made from merino wool but with added recycled nylon for the perfect blend of softness, warmth, and durability, the Smartwool Isto Retro Beanie is an instant favorite with pom-pom fans. In addition to its multicolored, oversized pom-pom, the hat scores style points with a heavy cable knit, a ribbed cuff, and tricolor designs with stripes in shades ranging from orange to purple.
We found that in addition to looking cute, it fits well without being itchy. And although we rated it as extremely warm, we also thought it was sufficiently breathable. The quality is similar to that of a handmade garment with zero signs of wear and tear after more than four years of use. The beanie is one size fits all and machine-washable on a cold cycle, after which it should be laid out flat to dry naturally.
The Details: Merino wool, recycled nylon, recycled polyester | Machine-washable
A relaxed fit, premium materials, and a choice of gorgeous colors make this beanie a great option for dressing up or down.
While we loved everything about this beanie and believe it to be worth the cost, it is one of the pricier options on this list.
Made from super soft, lightweight cashmere, this beanie from Jenni Kayne offers a slouchy fit for a casual yet effortlessly classy look. You can roll it, cuff it, or leave it long for pairing with just about any outfit. In fact, it’s so versatile that one of our team members has worn hers almost constantly for two winters now. It’s never stretched or pilled and still looks virtually brand new, suggesting that this is a durable buy that lives up to its high price tag.
One downside is that you can’t wash it at home: you’ll have to bring it to a dry cleaner. But we also think it passes the test for sensitive skin, according to our team member who otherwise struggles with itchiness when wearing a beanie. With just the right balance of warmth and breathability, she also says it’s as comfortable on a cool fall day as it is on a cold winter one. Colors include charcoal, olive, and rust.
The Details: Cashmere | Dry clean only
This beanie has been one of our team member’s go-to winter hat for more than 10 years and still looks and feels as good as new.
It’s only available in a Nordic pattern that may not suit every aesthetic.
In the words of our team member that recommended this beanie, the Dale of Norway Moritz Merino Wool Hat is “a tank” that has proven to be unfailingly durable through more than 10 years of hard wear. The unisex, one-size beanie is designed and made in Norway for a life spent out in the elements. It fits as expected and features a breathable, sweat-wicking merino wool liner for multi-season use.
Nevertheless, we think it is so cozily warm that it’s best suited for truly cold weather. If it gets dirty, don’t worry: the white part of the Nordic pattern trim is stain resistant and the beanie itself is machine-washable. Just don’t forget to air dry it rather than throwing it in the tumble dryer. All colorways feature the Nordic trim in off-white and raspberry, with base colors ranging from off white to navy or dark charcoal.
The Details: Merino wool | Machine-washable
This beanie’s satin lining helps to prevent hair breakage and lock in moisture, especially for curly hair.
We’ve never washed this beanie, so we can’t comment on the effect cleaning may have on the fit or feel of the materials.
The gender neutral Cuffed Satin Lined Beanie from The Wrap Life is the curly-haired person’s best friend, with an ultra-soft satin lining that prevents frizz and breakage, reduces shedding, and locks in curl-defining moisture. The exterior is made from durable, soft cotton and there’s plenty of stretch to accommodate thicker hair and bigger styles.
We’d describe this beanie as moderately warm with no overheating issues. This makes sense since it’s expressly designed to be breathable. The fit is excellent and in the year our team member has owned it, it has never stretched or lost its shape. With narrow ribbing, a folded cuff, and a contrasting label, the style is simple yet complimentary for everyday use. Choose yours in green, gray, white, red, or yellow.
The Details: Cotton, satin | Hand-wash only
As well as adding a touch of Nordic style to your outfit, this beanie offers lightweight warmth and quality construction.
There’s nothing we dont love about this beanie, but the all-over print may not be for everyone.
If you’re a fan of patterned winter wear, you’ll love the Kari Traa Rose Beanie with its eye-catching, all-over snow crystal pattern. It comes in five colors including forest green, fuchsia, and taupe to match the brand’s base layers for a chic, put-together look on the slopes. One size fits all, and indeed the fit is one thing our team member raves about, saying that the beanie is secure enough to keep her warm without flattening her hair.
It’s made from 100 percent merino wool with a jacquard knit exterior and inner lining. Warm even when wet and naturally breathable, it’s never too hot — making it our team member’s go-to winter hat for the last five years. It still looks brand new and she says that while she’d definitely go out and buy another if her current one wore out, she doesn’t think that’s likely to happen. The beanie is machine-washable on a cool cycle.
The Details: Merino wool | Machine-washable
Although these didn’t make it onto our main list, our team members own some other beanies worth considering.
Timberland Women's Tonal Flat Embroidery Beanie: We love this beanie for its excellent fit, flattering style, and durability. We wish it came in a few more colors and feel that it’s better suited to moderately cold climates than more extreme ones.
Everlane The Cashmere Fine Rib Beanie: This beanie is one of our team members’ favorite of all time: she loves it for its soft coziness and minimalist style. However, lighter colorways are prone to pilling.
Nike Terra: We love the fit of this beanie, which keeps cold out without pinching when wearing sunglasses. It’s durable and machine-washable and would make a worthy alternative for several categories on this list as long as you like tie-dye.
AE Bestie Beanie: This is a cute, cozy beanie that has held up well to constant use and machine-washing and drying. It’s perhaps better for dry snow than rain or sleet, though
For this article, we decided to utilize the long-term insights of T+L’s expert travel team. We sent each of them a survey asking for details about their favorite beanies — the ones that they wear time and again in their everyday lives. Each expert was given the same set of questions and asked to rate their beanie from one to five for fit, durability, and warmth. A few beanies on this list were recommended by several people on our team. We looked at the highest scores and most enthusiastic feedback to choose our category winners.
No matter which style of beanie you prefer, your main reason for buying one in the first place is probably to keep warm. To achieve this goal, look for a hat made from insulating materials such as merino wool or its synthetic alternative, acrylic wool. A close knit is key for retaining heat, as is a snug fit. If you’re planning on wearing your beanie in very cold temperatures, look for one with a secondary lining made from soft merino, fleece, or shearling, and make sure that the fit fully covers your ears. Of course it’s also important to choose a beanie in a style and color you like, because the warmest hat is the one you’ll actually wear.
Not all beanies are made equal, so it’s important to think how you’ll use yours and shop for one that meets those requirements. For example, if you live somewhere with relatively mild winters or only plan on being outside for short periods, a lightweight knit may be more comfortable while offering a sleeker, more stylish aesthetic. If you’re traveling to somewhere with an extreme winter or routinely spend hours outside working in the yard or on the sidelines of your kids’ winter sports games, you’ll want something thicker with an insulative lining. The best beanies are made from materials like merino wool that provide plenty of warmth but are also breathable when working up a sweat on the hiking or jogging trail. Choose these for multi-season use, too.
Care instructions vary widely from one beanie to the next, depending on materials and construction. To avoid ending up with a hat that’s completely stretched out or misshapen, be sure to check yours before washing it. Some (usually those that are designed for athletic use and made from merino or acrylic) are machine-washable on a cool cycle, while others (especially cashmere) are strictly hand-wash or even dry clean only. There are beanies that you can tumble dry on a cool setting, but more often than not you should reshape your hat when damp and then lay it out flat to dry naturally.
The warmest hat fabrics are those that are naturally insulating and their synthetic alternatives, including wool, acrylic wool, fleece, and faux shearling. All of these fabrics help to ward off cold by trapping air that’s been warmed by your body heat close to the skin. In terms of types of wool, two of the most popular choices for beanies are merino and cashmere.
Merino is the gold standard for outdoor wear, offering unparalleled heat retention and thermoregulation while also wicking moisture and resisting odor. It’s both warm and breathable, making it ideal for active pursuits in cold weather. Cashmere is a more luxurious alternative with amazing softness, warmth, and breathability. It’s less durable and more expensive, making it more suited for fashion purposes.
There are several ways to wear a beanie, especially if you choose one with an adjustable cuff. You can wear it uncuffed so that it fully covers your ears and sits just above your eyebrows. This is the best option if your main priority is keeping warm. For a more stylish look, you could cuff the beanie once or even twice so that it sits fisherman-style on the top of your head (great for showing off your hairstyle while also rocking a beanie.) You could also uncuff it, but wear it further back so that the top of the beanie perches above your head rather than sitting flush to your scalp. Or choose an oversized beanie for a slouched, casually cool look that drapes down at the back. There’s no wrong way to wear it, so experiment to see which style suits you best.
It’s a popular misconception that wearing hats (and especially beanies) can cause hair loss but a 2020 article from McGill University explains that this isn’t the case. Most cases of male and female baldness can be attributed to genetics and, in particular, androgenic alopecia or pattern hair loss. The article does say that wearing close-fitting hats may speed up the process for those who are already experiencing hair loss, since the act of putting the hat on or taking it off can cause loosely attached hairs to pull free.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel and outdoor gear for more than 10 years. As an avid hillwalker, birder, and nature photographer living in the Scottish Highlands, she knows firsthand the importance of a really great beanie. Products in this article were chosen according to survey results based on the personal insights of the T+L team.
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