Beanies, toques, tams, bobble hats… there’s many a name for the infamous head-covering that we all know and love.
Whether worn during the winter as an absolute essential, or simply as a fashion statement on those not-so-good hair days, a perfectly warm and woolly hat is a staple in anyone’s cold weather wardrobe.
Since the head is one extremity through which we lose the most body heat, keeping it warm is as much about survival as it’s about style. Staying cosy and nicely wrapped-up is simply a basic human instinct.
We’ve curated a roundup of the best and brightest woolly hats for you to wear this winter.
Best women’s fleeces and fleece jackets for funky prints and cosy style this winter
Best blanket hoodies to keep you warm and cosy this winter
Best cashmere scarves to keep you warm every winter
Best sock boots for women, from leather to nylon
Best wellies for walking: Top wellington boots for comfort on muddy hikes
Stine Goya knitted beanie hat
This pastel-perfect beanie from Stine Goya looks so good we kind of want to eat it. It’s like a funky looking Kipling cake, right? It’s made from polyamide and Alpaca wool, so don’t ingest – no matter how edible it appears. But do wear atop your head for warmth this winter.
Buy now £61.00, Farfetch
Kavu Faux Fur Ball Beanie
This might not technically be your by-definition beanie – it’s more of a Shapka – but it’s got all the charm and warmth of a classic woolly hat. Made from faux fur, this wonder from Kavu comes in two simple, but effective colourways – black and cream. The turn-up brim with a subtle logo will add some flare to your winter look without overpowering it.
Buy now £35.00, Urban Outfitters
Jigsaw Alpaca Blend Space Dye Hat
The brushed space-dye effect on this electric turquoise beanie is truly out of this world. Made from Italian Alpaca blended yarn, this cosy woolly hat will be your best pal this winter. Wear it out or wear it to bed – one thing’s for sure, you won’t want to take it off.
Buy now £60.00, Jigsaw
Bimba y Lola Lilac Knit Hat
Another lavender dream, once again made from 50 per cent recycled fibres. Bimba y Lola’s beautiful and striking beanie has a matching scarf and gloves for all your colour co-ordination desires.
Buy now £36.00, Bimba y Lola
GANNI Logo-patch wool, recycled-wool and recycled-polyamide blend beanie hat
Made from 80 per cent recycled wool, you’ll be keeping warm with the environment in mind this winter thanks to Ganni. The pink and black pom pom paired with the colourful, printed logos below are truly adorable. Straight in our basket.
Buy now £95.00, Selfridges
Arket Double-Fold Alpaca Merino Beanie
This one’s more cuff than it is beanie, but we simply adore it. It comes in a huge range of colours, but we’re particularly big fans of the firetruck red. It’s made from a super soft blend of alpaca, responsibly sourced wool and recycled polyester for the utmost warmth, flexibility and breathability.
Buy now £35.00, Arket
Howlin’ Hard Working Beanie Navy & Brown
Channel your inner Spinelli from Recess with this beanie from Howlin’. We love the navy and brown horizontal stripes and the perfectly cuffed finish. All garments from this Antwerp-based brand are individually manufactured and hand finished by skilled craftsmen in either Scotland or Ireland.
Buy now £50.00, Couverture & The Garbstore
Brora Wool & Cashmere Balaclava Bonnet
We know this isn’t technically a beanie, or really even a hat, but it’s far too adorable not to include. We’re obsessed. Brora’s wool and cashmere balaclava bonnet was designed in collaboration with stylist Rachel Bakewell and is a true winter must-have. Styled in a beautiful rose pink and crimson colourway and finished with a perfectly sweet bow, this alternative to a traditional beanie is to-die-for.
Buy now £195.00, Brora
JACQUEMUS Le Bonnet brand-embroidered stretch-woven beanie
Though most of us picture the collections of the eponymous Jacquemus as beautifully crafted, flowing and delicate pieces for spring, the brand actually has impressive winter-ready wear. This faux fur beauty is styled in the brand’s signature muted, sandy tones with a contrast white strip at the brim.
Buy now £145.00, Selfridges
Damson Madder Pom Pom Stripe Beanie
We came for the oversized pom pom, and we stayed for the stunning 70s-esque colourway. This beanie is made using two whole recycled bottles and non-toxic fabric dyes. Don’t ask us how, just add to your virtual shopping bag.
Buy now £30.00, Wolf & Badger
Arc’Teryx Bird Head Toque Phenom/Habitat
Sporting the brand’s logo of a dinosaur fossil – namely, the Archeopteryx – this versatile and high-performance toque from Arc’Teryx is made from a wool and recycled polyester blend for optimal warmth and flexibility.
Buy now £35.00, Arc’teryx
The North Face Women's Salty Bae Beanie
All the warmth, none of the fuss, this space-dyed beanie from The North Face proves that practicality doesn’t need to be void of style. For the more minimal dressers out there, this ultra-cosy knitted hat is for you.
Buy now £29.00, The North Face
