The 14 Best Beanies Will Pay Dividends for Years to Come
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The classic beanie: an invention that's so practical, nobody even dares questions its place in society. The OG staple is a savior. Bad hair day? Beanie on. Temperature freezing your ears to near frostbite? Beanie it. Simply just want to switch up your look and flex a little headwear? Beanie time. In fact, unless you are on public transportation in the dead of August, it's hard to find a time that's not beanie time. However, the real question is, How do you choose the right one for you?
Our style director, Jonathan Evans, has some advice. "Listen, to some degree, a beanie is a beanie," he says. "If it's comfortable, looks good, and keeps you warm, you're all good. But if you want something that you'll genuinely look forward to wearing, a cashmere version will be luxuriously soft and super warm. One made of acrylic will also be warm and hold up to some serious wear, but it's a synthetic fiber, which is a turnoff for some. Cotton is great if you run hot but like the look of a beanie, and something lined with fleece or jersey will be extra toasty but runs the risk of giving you gnarly hat hair."
If you care about just the top, then maybe you want to opt for a pom-pom cap. Or maybe you want to fly under the radar so you select a camo ribbed-knit hat. Maybe you want a statement beanie that's elegant and versatile, so something with a luxury logo is enough to get you by. Just know that whatever beanie you choose, it's going to stick with you for a while. So take your pick of tips and knits, and choose your head's companion wisely. And if you are having trouble getting started, we've got our 14 best picks to get you on your way.
Ribbed Watch Cap
The perfect beanie to match your favorite pair of work boots. Yeah, it's Timbs season. This one is sturdy and tough, with a ribbed design that our editors love—no more chasing your beanie down the block on a windy day.
One buyer says: "Great gift for anyone really. It’s warm. I like the color. It’s stretchy. Good price. Looks good with many outfits."
(Re)sourced Cuffed Beanie
Go effortlessly cool and sustainable. Madewell's cotton beanie adds a much-needed pop of color to the season. Crafted from an eco-conscious blend of recycled cotton and polyester, this style is a minimalist accessory that suits any look, whether you're dressed down or dressed up.
One buyer says: "I am obsessed with the color and quality of this beanie. It is well made and will keep me warm all winter long."
Cashmere Hat
From the cashmere icons at Falconeri, this is going to keep your ears chicly toasty all winter. Our editors agree: this is one of the softest beanies on the market. The cashmere construction offers plenty of warmth, too, and the ribbed cuff is there for a secure fit.
Classic Cuff Beanie
The chill skate culture of South Central, L.A. knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect beanie. This is a style you'll get use out of year-round—not just in winter. It has a classic look, plenty of colors to choose from, and an acrylic construction that's breathable, yet warm.
One buyer says: "I bought four and have been very pleased with them. I intend to get as many as I can. I would love more bright colors!"
$18.00 at losangelesapparel.net
Cashmere Beanie
J.Crew's cashmere beanie is chic and elegant, with fine ribbing and a classic fit. It's as soft, versatile, and functional as you'd expect from the brand too, with a lightweight feel that's perfect for braving any weather.
One buyer says: "Bought it for my freshman son who loves to wear hats in the winter. He loves the super soft cashmere feel!!"
Chill Beanie
It's in the name—this is a chill beanie. For those nights out at the bar, or for weekends lounging at home, this is a soft, cozy pick that'll keep you warm, with a classic look that you don't have to think twice about styling.
One buyer says: "Great hat...keeps you warm but not over heated."
Warm Winter Watch Cap
Made from 100% wool, this thick, durable watch cap is made in the USA and manufactured to military standards set by the Department of Defense. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.
One buyer says: "It's tightly woven, a great execution of an all-wool watch cap."
Elmer Beanie
Herschel's everyday beanie is versatile and classic. There's no going wrong with this affordable pick, with Herschel's classic patch label, a versatile design, and a whole lot of comfort.
One buyer says: "The beanie is what you expect. It's for the size of an average sized head. If you find your head is on the larger side of the spectrum this will be a stretch, but you could still make it because it's a beanie and it stretches. It's comfortable and adds a very nice look to an outfit. I purchased the heather gray color. I didn't find any imperfections upon receiving."
Saltburn Beanie
Barbour has been making sturdy and stylish outdoorsy gear for well over a century. And this chunky knit beanie—with a furry pom-pom, of course—is the best way to telegraph your approval. It's warm, it's cozy, and it's just damn wintery.
One buyer says: "Great hat—warm, cozy, cute. This is my second Barbour Saltburn Beanie Hat—it is so soft, but so warm, even in really windy, cold weather—love it!"
Mallow Toque
Made from polyester and wool, this beanie is the ultimate in-betweener. Its warm but not too warm, lightweight but not too lightweight. And it's from Arc'teryx, the cold-weather performance gear brand our editors love. Talk about a happy medium.
One buyer says: "The plethora of 5-star reviews speak for themselves. My only ‘problem’ is the burgundy and mustard colors sold-out so quickly last year that I didn’t have the opportunity to get those colors too!"
Arctic Toque Garment Dye
The perfect hat to pair with your favorite parka. Canada Goose's cozy beanie is made with 100% merino wool and a special dye that gives each one a unique, one-of-a-kind finish.
Classic Warm Winter Knit Beanie
Your favorite jeans brand makes a mean beanie, too. This is an option that you keep in your coat pocket and wear on the daily. It's simple, functional, and has a wide cuff that's easy to stretch over your ears for some extra warmth.
One buyer says: "Love this hat!! Wore it all the time this winter. I even ordered a second one!! Was super cute and the color really goes with any hair color I’d say!! Fit great, I have a wider head and it was comfortable."
Salty Lined Beanie
It wouldn't be winter without TNF, now would it? This classic beanie has a patch logo, soft ribbing, and jersey lining—everything our editors love for a chilly winter day, clocking in at just 28 bucks.
One buyer says: "Love the fit and warmth of this beanie. Definitely recommend."
Eclipse Reversible Beanie
Not one, but two beanies! Well, two in one. Change it up however often you want with Adidas' lightweight, cozy style.
What To Look For
In addition to the fabric options we talked about above, pay attention to the fit of your beanie, too—for reasons that are not only functional, but fashionable, too.
"Just make sure your beanie is big enough that it can cover the tops of your ears when needed," says Jonathan Evans. "Those super tiny ones that perch on the top of your head don’t do much, functionally, and they’re past their prime."
How We Chose
The 14 beanies above have been tried, tested, and reviewed by Esquire editors. We've put them to the test in cold, windy, and snowy New York City winters, and they've held up in terms of fashion and function. Plus, we read thousands of online reviews to ensure we aren't the only ones who love the beanies we picked out for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beanie brands?
While we love all 14 of the brands listed above, we do have a few favorites. For something chic, soft, and enduring, the cashmere options from J.Crew and Falconeri are great bets. For true wintery, protective styles, brands like The North Face, Arc'teryx, and Canada Goose know what they're doing.
How should I care for my beanie?
Like with all your clothes, refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how to care for 'em. In general, most cotton, polyester, and acrylic beanies can be thrown in your washing machine, but some might be hand wash only (or even dry clean) due to things like leather tags, embroidery, and smaller design details.
Tips For Styling
Don't overthink it—styling a beanie isn't rocket science. Most styles fit well underneath a hooded jacket, if you want extra wind and weather protection. Otherwise, pairing a beanie with some sturdy outerwear—whether it be a Carhartt jacket or a puffer—is always a good, classic look.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to beanies, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles and brands that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse come winter. With endless options on the market, we’ve had to go through plenty of trial and error, and we narrowed it down to these beanies that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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