The Best Beanies
If hipsters have taught us anything over the last decade, it's that beanies are so much more than just cold-weather headwear. They've entered the canon of year-round accessories, and they're not going away any time soon. We're all for it, especially if it means we can hide an occasional bad hair day or spice up a recycled outfit.
What to Look For
Before you buy your beanie, we suggest considering three factors: material, style, and color. It’s possible to find a balance of all three, but we’d suggest homing in on what matters to you most. Carhartt’s cuffed beanie snagged the top spot on our list thanks to its soft acrylic fabric, classic look, and extensive color options. But we found that other hats, such as Neff’s daily beanie, are better if you’re looking for the messy, slouched style. And while acrylic might be ideal for everyday wear, Smartwool’s merino wool cap provides better protection from the elements. Read on to discover a beanie that feels right for you.
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
Cuffed and tough
Although Carhartt has been churning out durable work clothing for years, the storied brand has only recently entered the limelight of mainstream fashion. It’s no surprise that the cuffed beanie is a fan favorite. Along with a soft, ribbed texture, the hat boasts plenty of extra room, ensuring that heads of all sizes can stay warm during colder months. Carhartt offers the classic beanie in a massive range of colors, too, so there’s no need to limit your wardrobe to black and camel.
Pros:
- This is a great example of a cold-weather hat that can be worn all year round. The thickness insulates well, but the acrylic composition isn’t at all suffocating in higher temperatures.
- We love how versatile this hat is thanks to plenty of extra room and generous stretching.
Cons:
- The Carhartt logo isn’t exactly subtle, so consider other options if you’re looking for a plain, solid-colored hat.
Melasa Unisex LED Beanie Hat with Light
Thinking with your hat
It’s true that beanies have become increasingly popular as fashion statements, but that doesn’t mean it has to come at the cost of function. Melasa’s unisex hat proves that with its soft knit construction and detachable headlight. The LED can give you up to 10 hours of light, and it is rechargeable via a USB connection. Just pop the light out of the frame, plug it into your computer or wall adapter, and retrieve it in two hours. We’d suggest washing it — either by hand or machine — while you wait.
Pros:
- This beanie comes in handy for more than just camping and hiking. Running, yard work, and even car maintenance all become a little easier and lighter with the LED-equipped hat.
- We love the light’s various brightness settings, which can be adjusted by holding the button down.
Cons:
- Unlike a true headlamp, this LED doesn’t angle up or down. This means you have less control over the direction of your light.
C.C Trendy Chunky Cable Knit Beanie (Two-Pack)
Fashionable and functional
When cold weather rolls around, there’s nothing like a thick, cable-knit fabric to keep you warm and cozy. C.C’s beanies are slightly more robust than some of the competition, and they’re mighty fashionable, too. Because they’re designed to slouch a little, they naturally sit further back on the crown of the head. That means you can stay protected from the elements without sacrificing the hard work you put into your hairdo.
Pros:
- Though they’re designed to be slouchy, these hats won’t drown you in saggy fabric. We love the balance between a natural slouch and practical insulation.
- Unlike some beanies, this one is far from suffocating. It’s snug enough to stay on but loose enough to be nearly unnoticeable on your head.
Cons:
- Because of the thicker knit fabric, this hat may be a bit too heavy for hot weather wear.
Neff Daily Heather Beanie
Let it hang
For a while, the brand Neff seemed almost synonymous with all of beanie culture. Not only are they very reasonably priced, but they’re also the ideal balance of weight and stretch, allowing for various stylings. If you’re into the skull-cap look, cuff the hat with a few rolls. Slouching fans can position the hat to rest just below the crown of the head without it slipping off. And even if you do pull the hat all the way down, the flexible acrylic folds naturally to avoid the cone-head conundrum.
Pros:
- Though it’s marketed as a men’s beanie, there’s no doubt that folks of all genders can rock this timeless headpiece.
- We like that you can hide the Neff label with just one cuff, in case you just want a plain, solid-colored beanie.
Cons:
- The fabric is a little thinner than other brands, which can let quite a bit of wind through on a chilly day.
Smartwool Unisex Merino Wool Cuffed Beanie
Wilderness approved
We won’t beat around the bush: this beanie is one of the warmest, most rugged hats out there. Smartwool’s brand name is almost too self-explanatory to expand on, but outdoor enthusiasts will stand by wool as the pinnacle of activewear material. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant and sweat-wicking. And after a few weeks of wear, you can even toss this beanie in the washing machine. Lay it flat to dry and prepare for your next adventure in the meantime.
Pros:
- Even though “wool” gives the impression you’re trading insulation for comfort, this merino wool hat is plenty soft and anything but itchy.
- We like that you can even fit this hat underneath other protective headgear like biking or climbing helmets.
Cons:
- Because of the limited colors and practical style, this hat probably won’t win top marks with the fashion police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my acrylic hat in the washing machine?
It depends on the hat. We always suggest checking the directions on the tag of your beanie first. Though most acrylic beanies can be machine-washed, you do run the risk of shortening their lifespan. Since acrylic is a synthetic fabric, it’s not as durable as cotton or wool, making it more susceptible to overstretching.
I’ve never worn a beanie before. Where do I start?
If you’re trying to bring beanies into your fashion wheelhouse, it’s a good idea to start during a colder month. Get comfortable wearing hats with outfits that lend themselves to headwear. Then, you can experiment by spicing up a t-shirt and shorts combo with a pop of color on top. The possibilities are endless, and the only real limit is how comfortable you are with trying something new.
About the Author
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.