The Best Beanies for Every Outfit (and Budget)

I don't know about you, but as someone with an astonishing lack of object permanence, it’s easy for me to forget how wrecked winter clothes actually get. That absolutely includes beanies, which are essential for keeping your noggin warm in rock-bottom temperatures, but often pill, collect lint, or go missing after a night out at the bar. New year, new you, new season, new beanies, folks—you’re gonna need a few to survive fall and winter, so grab a steezy hat now. You know what they say: Accessories really make or break a fit, and one of our favorite ways to experiment with a new look is via some funky headwear.

A statement beanie is a smaller commitment than, say, a full chainmail hood—and less of a shock to your wallet, for just as much payoff. A fuzzy, chunky knit beanie grabs just the right amount of attention. But you don’t have to go designer to look like you know how to dress; you can look just as fresh in the best beanies that cost less than $20. These are our favorite styles for updating your wardrobe at any price point, just in time for fall.

The best classic beanies 

For a tried-and-true beanie that will never fail you, Carhartt’s cuffed beanie is one of our all-time favorites (duh) that you can find on the heads of skaters, Instagram models, and millennials’ toddlers everywhere. There’s a color for every ‘fit (or sports team you #stan)—we love the mustard, classic black, or this earthy green—and they’re 100 percent cotton with a cozy rib knit and wide cuff.

If you’re looking for a softer, slouchier look with a looser knit, Brixton’s 100 percent acrylic beanies are a more lightweight option that you can continue to wear into warmer seasons. 

The same can be said about Los Angeles Apparel’s 100 percent acrylic beanies, offered in a wide array of funky colors. The brand’s version is a great option if you prefer a double, or wider cuff (and a logo-free design).  

One of our favorite lower-priced options is Uniqlo’s Heattech ribbed beanie, which keeps you super toasty and has the perfect thick fold brim for an old-school Army/Navy vibe. Uniqlo’s Heattech fabric is made from a blend of acrylic, wool, spandex, and nylon that’s super-soft as well as insulating. This season, we’re seeing a lot of pops of red (which is as timeless as black, but a bit more interesting, and currently on sale).

Maybe it’s just us, but an Acne Studios chunky knit beanie is always in style.  You can’t go wrong with classic black or navy, but if everything you own is already pretty monochrome, you might as well go with a pop of color that will get you noticed [wink], like this fresh sapphire blue. 

Gorpcore is here to stay

What can we say? We’re crunchy and we like it. We’re glad the rest of the world is finally catching up, since the gorpy, I-know-how-to-build-a-campfire look that combines outdoor gear with streetwear isn’t going anywhere. Whether you actually go hiking or fishing or are just out there braving these mean streets, look rugged and cool in one of Parks Project’s newest prints that pays homage to Yellowstone National Park’s famous geysers, or its newest shrooms beanie.

You also can’t go wrong in an Arc’teryx Mallow Toque that comes in five different colors and is made from a super-toasty blend of performance polyester and wool.

We would be remiss not to mention Huckberry’s affordable rib-knit beanie that looks anything but cheap. It rivals Drake’s Angora Knit Cap in style, while costing a third of the price.

It’s a cashmiracle

Evvvvvverybody likes cashmere. Period. But not all cashmere is the same, which is why some luxury brands can justifiably charge the price of an entire sheep for a single hat. However, newer direct-to-consumer brands like Quince are able to offer similar, high-quality items at a lower price. Quince’s cashmere pieces are so affordable, it feels illegal. A sumptuous, super-soft beanie will run you less than $30. 

What’s that? You want MORE affordable cashmere? We feel you—we’re greedy little cashmere pigs and we wish to be swathed in nothing but soft and luxurious fabrics from our noggins to our #wikifeet. Everlane’s chunky knit beanie is made from 92 percent recycled cashmere, so you can also feel good about the impact your purchase has on the environment.

Last, but for sure not least is NAADAM’s sustainable 100% Mongolian cashmere beanie. For $85, this is the closest you’re going to get to luxury cashmere without shelling out half your rent.

(There’s always this Donnie Darko-esque balaclava if you tend to get really cold.)

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.