Knitted hoods are trending RN and these are the best ones to buy

best knitted hoods 2023
Knitted hoods are trending RN and here's why Getty Images

Knitted hoods – AKA balaclavas and bonnets, if you're asking the fashion pack – are the surprise accessory we've been obsessing over these last few winter seasons. Ever since they started emerging on catwalks, we've spotted them framing the faces of cool girls all over Insta, popping up in countless street style snaps, moseying around Sunday markets and keeping countless celeb cheeks cosy to boot! Little wonder: they're cute, chic, warm and nicely protective at this time of year too.

First featured on the runway at the likes of Miu Miu, Max Mara, Gucci and Coperni, knitted hoots are certainly one of the must-have accessories of the moment. But we're willing to bet that the recent popularity of all things “craftcore” – from handmade knitted vests to crochet bags found on Depop – has led to the high spike in internet searches for the item too.

So, if you’re looking to snap up a facial warmer to shield you from the biting cold over the coming months, look no further. Below, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best knitted hoods to shop right now so that you too can rep the trend. From high street versions from brands like & Other Stories, Weekday and Arket, to super luxe high-end options, these are our faves to shop right now and wear all season long. Thank us later...


Oversized wool balaclava

A cold-weather winner, this slouchy, premium wool balaclava from Stories is a fave of the edit with its lush copper brown shade and matching drawstring tie. Pair with your fave puffer coat for peak protection whilst temps are dropping.

& Other Stories
& Other Stories

£57.00 at stories.com.uk


Tie neck bonnet in grey & blue stripe

For the absolute cutest stripey hoods look to our fave cult brand Damson Madder. This bow-tie bonnet is winter season's answer to the angelic cottagecore trend and we love it. Lean into the aesthetic with mismatched stripes and even more girly bow accessories.

Damson Madder
Damson Madder

$38.00 at damsonmadder.com


Stripe zip-front knitted balaclava

Speaking of our fave brands, check out this gorge balaclava from Ganni. Crafted from alpaca and merino wool we're head over heals for its retro-style stripes and the unique hardware zip fastening. Obsessed.

Selfridges
Selfridges

£155.00 at selfridges.com


Sparkly wool balaclava

COS is properly treating us this festive season with this sparkly number. Whilst the wool-blend hood will keep you warm during your winter wonderland strolls, it gives us all the party vibes through to the new year.

COS
COS

£65.00 at COS


Kody fluffy knitted hood

We're obsessed with the butter yellow hue of this fluffy knitted hood – and its useful drawstring fastening. The yellow shade compliments brown and beige colours really well, so we suggest pairing it with a beaten-up brown leather jacket, or follow UO's lead and match it with an animal print faux-fur coat.

Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters

£20.00 at urbanoutfitters.com


Handmade fashion balaclava mohair knitted hoods

Try treasure trove Etsy for handmade and unique styles. Etsy shop LilyemKnit creates these made-to-order knitted mohair balaclavas in a range of different colour combos, each one as stylish as the next.

Etsy
Etsy

£75.00 at Etsy


Bonnet in claret

Not only is this bonnet bang on trend with its adorable bow tie front it's also in the official shade of the winter season – declared the new neutral, burgundy is all that we want to wear right now.

Herd
Herd

$145.00 at herdwear.co


Ribbed balaclava

Accessories like this make us actually excited to venture outdoors, even in sub-zero temps. H&M's ribbed balaclava is also a bargain and in go-with-everything black, it's guaranteed to pair with every winter coat you have on rotation.

H&M
H&M

£14.99 at H&M


Women's cashmere merino knitted hood

This hood went viral recently – and it's kinda easy to see why. Made from a super-soft blend of Mongolian cashmere and merino wool, it comes in seven colours, but we've got our eye on this gorge olive green shade.

Rise and Fall
Rise and Fall

$95.00 at riseandfall.co


Cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend balaclava

Thanks to our girl Gigi Hadid for gifting the world with her colourful luxe knitwear brand, Guest in Residence, which offers this stun cable-knit hood in postbox red. The style has a retro skiwear vibe but will look just as good paired with your fave wool coat and fashion trainers on a casual winter Sunday.

Net a Porter
Net a Porter

£180.00 at Net a Porter


Hero ribbed balaclava in grey marl

If designer options are a bit too spenny, Topshop's pull-over grey style is all our winter dreams come true – and you can nab it for £20. Cheers to that!

ASOS
ASOS

£20.00 at Topshop


Hood in cream & choc with pink tie

Another striped stunner from Damson Madder that we're very into, especially in this chocolate brown and bright pink colour combo. Paired with a bomber jacket it makes for the ultimate off-duty weekend 'fit.

Damson Madder
Damson Madder

$40.00 at damsonmadder.com


Lotta hood

Weekday's chic and affordable knitted hoods are a total fave. In classic wintery black and a softer oatmeal beige shade they're an accessory staple.

Weekday
Weekday

$24.00 at weekday.com


Knitted bonnet hat

We love this bonnet from Monki. The winter white neutral shade will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. Pair with a fluffy cardi, leather trench coat and lashings of silver chains.

Monki
Monki

$22.99 at monki.com


Navy buttons angels balaclava

Paloma Wool has the fashion girlies swooning with their distinct brand aesthetic and cool, on-trend knits. Tbh, it's no wonder their wool-blend knitted hoods are such a hit. Note the cute little button vent at the back to get some airflow going, or, unleash your long locks.

Ssense
Ssense

£105.00 at Ssense


Grey wanda balaclava

How beautiful is Molly Goddard's balaclava? With a comfy, snug fit which you can adjust with the drawstring tie and knitted in a brushed mohair-wool blend, it also features a fashion-forward floral applique detail. It's a spenny investment but this luxurious hood will keep you and your face feelin' cosy – and lookin' chic! – for years to come.

Ssense
Ssense

£224.00 at Ssense


Drawstring Balaclava Cap

This bold balaclava is a total *steal*. We love the bright cherry red hue (still our fave colour of the moment) and roomy fit.

Cider
Cider

$10.00 at shopcider.com


Fluffy Knit Stripe Bonnet

With just the right amount of '90s edge, this striped fluffy number from Urban Outfitters marries the cool, grunge vibes together perfectly with the undeniable cuteness of a bonnet.

Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters

£16.00 at urbanoutfitters.com


Gerda ribbed cashmere balaclava

It's a luxe investment but we couldn't resist including this 100% cashmere knit hood in the edit. It buttons around your neck for ease of tucking beneath your coats and jackets.

Net a Porter
Net a Porter

£215.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk


Wool mix knitted hood in khaki with zip detail

We love that ASOS' wool-mix balaclava includes a bit of hardware. The handy zip fastening adds to its grunge appeal and offers a little ventilation when you're heating up.

ASOS
ASOS

£16.00 at asos.com


Wool Balaclava Hat For Women

Another hand-knitted beauty available on Etsy, this green Balaclava style includes face covering that is guaranteed to keep you nice and toasty.

Etsy
Etsy

£41.25 at Etsy

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