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These will keep your head warm without sacrificing style in the cooler months. Dad Hat
A beanie, in conjunction with a big, warm coat, is your main line of defense against the biting cold of winter. Scientists may have debunked the long-held myth that "40-50-percent of heat escapes from the head," but wearing one certainly won't hurt. They'll keep your ears from crystalizing and crumbling off, your hair from catching falling snowflakes and, your forehead from facing the brunt of a frozen breeze.
Your chosen style will determine how the beanie fits. If it's a fisherman beanie, for example, it'll run small, sitting at or above the ears, not below the lobes. A watch cap, on the other hand, will cover most of your ears.
Fisherman beanies were popularized in various navies and then by Jacques Cousteau, the ocean explorer. They are typically worn above the ears, mostly because they're knit that way — to be small and versatile. But some folks roll or fold theirs, turning a standard Watch Cap (see below) into a tiny beanie.
Want one? Find a fisherman beanie that suits you in our guide to the style.
Close your eyes. Think of the 2000s — a time when men wore their beanies unfolded, long but pulled back to their hairline (like a hair net). This is the no fold style. It's easy to wear, it completely covers your ears and it doesn't need much adjusting. Nowadays, they're rare, but they're still out there — look at Naadam's, for example.
Most beanies we know today descend from Watch Caps, which were standard issue in the American navy. They have a thick cuff that's folded and a sizable crown, which fits most heads thanks to its elasticity.
Bobble beanies come with a circular poof atop the crown. Lore says it was put there, so deck workers made others aware of their head height, making accidents less likely.
Most cotton beanies are woven tightly enough to keep the cold out. Needless to say, they won't be as warm as a wool beanie, but they'll do. And they're machine washable. If you put a wool beanie through the wash, it'll never be the same: it'll shrink or pill and probably stay that way.
Wool beanies are the warmest but also the easiest to break from its original form. They're a delicate accessory, which means you need to wear yours — if it's a fine cashmere, for example — with care, depending on the knit.
Acrylic fabric is the cheapest option, and it can be equally as insulating, albeit less breathable. You can find an acrylic beanie for under $15.
Colorful Standard's the best way to top off your fit. It's perfectly proportioned, made in Portugal with Italian superfine merino wool for a silky touch and comes in every color you could conceivably want. Oh, and it's just $40.
As per usual, the Drake's take on the beanie is high quality and classic. Made from super sturdy (and naturally antimicrobial) merino wool, this ribbed beanie is simple enough to pair with any outfit but strong enough to stand out when necessary.
This all-acrylic beanie is a staple on the jobsite and in hip neighborhoods thanks to its value, warmth and street cred.
Learn more about Carhartt's best-selling beanie in our dedicated review.
Trust the outdoors professionals at Patagonia to make a beanie capable of withstanding event the coldest weather — at a fair price. Their Fisherman's Beanie comes rolled in almost a dozen colors, each cut from 100-percent recycled polyester.
For those looking to jack some Marvin Gaye style (honestly, who isn't?), try Rototo's made-in-Japan beanie. It's got a lofty knit that'll have you feeling like your head is in the clouds.
This high-vis orange isn't the only hue Filson's Watch Cap comes in. It's a classic, though. Choose from several others, each with their own retro-tinged text logo.
Heimat is a German brand with heritage references and a Ralph Lauren flair. The founder did a stint there and translates naval designs into new-age, roll-cuffed beanies.
Learn more about Heimat's heritage beanies in our explainer post.
Naadam serves up a healthy dose of luxury with its ribbed beanie made from pure Mongolian cashmere.
Woolrich, as the name implies, specializes in outdoor gear — namely parkas, jackets and cold-weather accessories. Its merino wool ribbed beanie is big enough to fit comfortably on most heads, and it won't stink with repeat wear — merino wool is naturally anti-odor.
Fair Isle always feels festive, which makes it perfect for the winter months. American Trench's high quality option is made from lambswool with a 2.5 inch ribbed cuff.
The thick ribbed cuff on Howlin's King Jammy Hat helps to keep your ears warm, while the nappy cap keeps your noggin from getting nipped by the cold. Not just a good beanie, this color is a nice splash of color for combatting the mid-winter blues.
Wax London's Beanie takes cues from vintage naval styles, just like Heimat. (Heimat's always sell out.) Made from 100 percent lambswool, the beanie itself is shorter, so it'll sit above the ears for most folks.
Everlane's chunky beanie is made from soft organic cotton and ribbed for maximum warmth. It's a good size, too, making it right for most heads, and the color assortment is hard to beat.
Quince's classic beanie is Grade A Mongolian Cashmere for a fraction of the cost. Transparency is emphasized in every piece from the brand, meaning better quality at an easier to understand price.
Online retailer Huckberry also sells it own beanie emblazoned with a tiny little tree logo. Made in Japan from a blend of materials, these are hard-wearing but also good-looking.
The Salty Dog Beanie is The North Face's best-selling hat — and for good reason. This simple beanie is from loose-weave soft acrylic fabric with a logo that can be worn offset or straight on.
Cashmere beanies aren't cheap, but you can find one for a little less if it's recycled. Not for resale, per se, but made from recycled materials — like Todd Snyder's example here. It's made from 95 percent recycled cashmere and 5 percent virgin wool, and it comes in several colors.
Travel Blanket Most designer accessories are a ripoff, because they're cheap products brands can mark up and move. Rag & Bone's beanie is an exception, though. It's made from almost entirely from wool and it's the right size for small and big heads alike. Plus, it comes in a bunch of colors.