18 Best Beanies and Winter Hats 2022: Stay Warm During Cold-Weather Travels | Condé Nast Traveler

2022-12-17 12:51:52 By : Mr. HengTe Yu

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With winter fast approaching, it’s time to pull out your favorite cold-weather accessories and bundle up. One essential you’ll want in your carry-on for any chilly destinations is a cozy winter hat. The best beanies are lightweight to wear and pack, keep your head and ears warm, and add an effortlessly cool touch to any look. To help you pick out your new go-to beanie, we’ve gathered a list of options to wear this winter from some of our favorite brands in a range of prices, styles, and colors. Below, the best beanies to keep you toasty all season long. But first, a few key questions to keep in mind before you shop.  Knitting Accessories Kit

Finding the right beanie for you depends on where you intend to wear it. If your goal is just to stay warm and keep your head and ears covered throughout your winter travels, a merino wool or knit beanie is your best bet. Beanies made of these fabrics lock in heat, are comfortable to wear for hours, and generally stay put on your head without sliding down over your eyes. Below, we share recommendations for more stylish beanies and ones made for exercise, too. 

Since beanies are such a popular winter accessory, there are plenty on the market to choose from—stroll around a mall and you'll find no shortage of options. But the brands we've featured below have mastered the ideal beanie—warm, comfortable, and endlessly rewearable. All of these picks are made with high-quality fabrics, so you can keep them in your closet for years to come.

Carhartt beanies are known for their soft material and unbelievable comfort. Patagonia is another trusted brand for good-quality gear, and its Everyday beanie is no exception. For days spent in extra-cold temperatures, a beanie from The North Face is always reliably warm. 

Other great brands for beanies include Parks Project, Ugg, Everlane, Lululemon, and Uniqlo. 

It’s easy to see why beanies are pulled out year after year as soon as the temperature drops—they are one of those winter accessories that can be just as stylish as they are practical. Whether you’re traveling to a cold weather city, trying to stay warm on your commute to work, need an accessory that will pull together an otherwise simple winter outfit, or are looking for an easy way to cover up a bad hair day, these beanies have you covered.

Keep reading for our top picks, or jump straight to the section that appeals to your needs.

Aptly named, the Everyday Beanie from Patagonia is a go-to option you’ll be reaching for all week long. Made of mostly recycled fabric, this classic beanie pairs well with everything and works for just about any winter occasion.

Everlane makes plenty of Traveler editors’ wardrobe staples, and this beanie is no exception. Beyond its super-soft texture, this Felted Merino hat is neutral enough to wear from day to night, in casual settings and when dressed up for an evening out. Everlane makes items that last, so this sleek beanie will be on your packing list for seasons to come.

This hat from Buck Mason is one of my personal favorites. Made of a blend of alpaca and merino wool, it is so comfortable and well-made. It has a slightly more snug fit, so it doesn’t slide down or need to constantly be repositioned. The neutral color matches everything—if I could only pack one beanie to a cold-weather city, this would be the one. 

Traveler editors are big fans of Allbirds' ultra-comfortable and lightweight shoes, so I was thrilled to hear about this beanie made of 100 percent merino wool. It looks just as cozy as it feels and is durable enough that you won't need to replace it after one season. Plus, how could anyone resist the cute pom detail at the top?

If you prefer cashmere beanies, this one from Uniqlo is reasonably priced and comes in a variety of colors. This casual beanie is ideal for everyday wear and lightweight enough to throw in your carry-on just in case the weather at your destination is a bit colder than expected. 

You can’t go wrong with this beanie from Hershel. Available on Amazon, it’s affordable, warm, and features the classic woven Hershel label. 

This one’s popular for a reason—it’s ultra-soft and provides plenty of insulation for staying warm outside, whether your travels take you to Iceland, Antarctica, or the Midwest. The cuffed style delivers extra warmth for your ears, while Carhartt loyalists will appreciate the brand's logo front and center. Plus, this style is available in plenty of colors—blue, gray, brown, bright orange, yellow, lavender, green, and so many more. 

For those extra cold days, you might opt for a trapper hat instead of a traditional beanie. Lined with recycled polyester sherpa fleece, this insulated hat has long ear flaps for added coverage, and chin straps to keep it secure in the wind.

If there’s one brand that knows a thing or two about making something cozy, it’s Ugg. This chunky cable-knit hat feels like your wearing your favorite sweater on your head. It's the classic winter hat that everyone needs in their closet (making it an excellent holiday gift), thanks to the soft faux fur pom and fold-over ribbed cuff.

The North Face Salty Dog beanie is a safe bet for even the dreariest winter days. This cuffed beanie features a soft jersey lining with cable detailing for added warmth and comfort. It’s available in a variety of colors and two different lengths—short and regular—to give you the best fit possible.

This beanie is so chic. Made mostly of wool, the cozy hat will keep you warm all day long. It’s ribbed, cuffed for extra warmth over your ears, and features the Rag & Bone logo on the front. I’m eyeing the lilac and gray color options myself.

You’ll definitely stand out wearing this funky hat from Parks Project. Made of ribbed acrylic knit, this material gives the beanie a more elastic fit, so it will be comfortable on nearly anyone’s head. Not only is this one so soft, it adds the perfect pop of color to a simple outfit. 

Made of recycled materials, this Cotopaxi beanie is thick enough to keep you warm in the snow and yet is so lightweight to pack—stuff it in the front pocket of your carry-on on the way out the door. The fun colors add some flare to your outfit and make this a unique accessory to snag. 

Kate Spade’s Bow Cuff beanie is the best beanie for holiday events when you’re dressed up a little more formally but still need a warm hat. This one is so feminine, matches almost any outfit thanks to its black and white color scheme, and stands out with its color blocking design.

This one comes recommended by travel bookings editor Alex Erdekian. It’s double layered for extra comfort and warmth, and features a darted crown to give the hat some shape. This sleek style is available in more than a dozen colors, so there’s an option to match any occasion or winter coat. Plus, at $22, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list. 

A favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager, this fun and colorful option from Parks Project is a great way to mix up your everyday style and swap out the neutral-colored beanie you always wear. These bright colors represent the color palette of our national parks—a nice ode to their beauty and uniqueness. Made of 100 percent cotton knit, this beanie runs slightly larger for a unisex and more comfortable fit. 

If you love to run or take long walks year-round like me, this ribbed merino wool-blend knit beanie from Lululemon is your ideal option. The merino wool fabric is naturally thermoregulating and so comfortable against your skin. It’s designed to wear while exercising, so it stays in place and locks in plenty of heat. 

Made of 100 percent acrylic material using Dri-Fit technology, this beanie from Nike is great to wear on outdoor runs. It features the signature Nike swoosh and comes in other colors like black, red, gray, royal blue, and green. 

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