WHEN the winter rolls around, there really is only one hat for the job. The beanie is the warmest there is, and has long been offering protection with its easy-to-wear design, and comfortable, insulating fabrics.
In short, when you need the best protection from the elements, one of the best beanies is the only hat that will do. Whether you need one purely for function, or you want to add a bit of winter flair to a workwear-inspired wardrobe, the humble beanie has got your back.
If you’re in the market for workwear staples, Carhartt is the place to start. The Detroit-based brand has been producing menswear classics for decades, ranging from hoodies and work shirts through to headwear.
The Carhartt beanie is a fairly ubiquitous item – walk down any UK high street in winter and you’re bound to see one or two.
But there’s a good reason for this: it’s a simple, classic design that performs well. It’s extremely warm with its 100% acrylic fabric, while the understated branding features Carthartt’s wave logo, which contrasts with the solid colour way.
The North Face has long produced adventure-ready, cold-weather essentials. The brand’s puffer jackets are among the most popular of any brand with their colourful panelled designs, while its parkas have accompanied plenty an explorer to the world’s toughest (and coldest) environments.
The brand’s headwear has long been relied upon too for its classic designs, impressive warmth and soft, durable fabrics, For its beanies, The North Face tends to keep things simple, with easy-to-wear colours, hard-wearing polyester blend fabrics and subtle branding.
Levi’s is all about hard-wearing, everyday essentials. It’s been making some of the world’s best jeans for over a century and applies the same attention to detail to the rest of its range too.
For its beanies, expect simplicity and a focus on soft fabrics ranging from wool to cotton. Popular styles include ribbed designs, which can be folded back for a shorter look, while its iconic red tab is never far away.
Available in a range of vibrant and monochrome shades, from bright blue and orange to grey and beige, Wax London’s fisherman beanie is one of the best of the lot.
It comes without a fold line so it can be folded and worn as you please, while its responsible wool standard certified lambswool is as warm as it gets.
Organic Basics does what it says on the tin. You can expect simple, classic pieces which are made from organic and recycled fabrics.
The brand’s beanie is no different and is made from pre-consumer wool waste, which has been recycled into a soft, warm yarn.
Uniqlo’s Heattech technology is often applied to its winter essentials, from its thermals through to its beanies. For the latter, the soft acrylic-wool blend is designed specifically to lock as much heat in as possible, making it a no-brainer for autumn and beyond.
As far as wardrobe staples go, M&S is up there with the best. The high street staple’s beanies are incredibly affordable, and are often made from soft wool or recycled acrylic, offering plenty of warmth.
Similarly, John Lewis is an underrated stop for anything menswear. Expect minimal designs and durable polyester, cotton and wool fabrics which are typically woven in ribbed, fisherman-style beanies.
If you need a warm, functional beanie on a budget, you could do worse than turn to Next. The brand stocks a wide range of easy to wear styles, from simple ribbed designs through to textured, fleece-lined takes.
Finisterre offers an excellent balance between classic, functional design and accessible pricing. For its fisherman beanie the brand has opted for a chunky ribbed design and a soft 100% merino wool fabric, which has been sourced sustainably for a lower impact on the planet.
Style
Like every hat style, beanies can vary drastically. There are small fisherman-style beanies, woven patterned ones and taller turn-up styles which all offer vastly different looks.
If you’re after pure function though, stick to the tried and tested turn-up beanie, which folds back on itself, giving an extra layer of fabric around the forehead, sides and back. The classic beanie often comes with a simple brand logo up front, as well as a slightly taller finish, ensuring it can be pulled down over the ears for ultimate warmth.
For a slightly more fashion-forward look though, turn to the shorter fisherman-style beanie, which can often be rolled back a couple of times so that it finishes at the top of the ears. Avoid going too high though, as a beanie that finishes above the ears is practically pointless and serves little purpose.
Fabric
Beanies are most commonly made from some kind of wool, cotton or acrylic fabric. Lambswool is a popular choice, while merino wool can also be used for lighter-weight designs.
For ultimate warmth, look for a chunky wool fabric, which will help lock in as much heat as possible. Be aware of the fact that wool can be itchy though. Chunky lambswool for example isn’t always the softest, and when woven into a beanie it can rub and make your forehead uncomfortable.
If this is an issue, try and find a beanie made from a cashmere blend. Cashmere is far softer than regular wool, and when the two are blended, you might find it to be less itchy. For something more luxurious still, seek out a pure cashmere beanie, which will still be impressively warm, but its softness will ensure you can wear it all day without a problem.
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