The 8 best beanies to add to your winter wardrobe

By Lydia Hurley

December 16, 2020

Image Credit:  Photos courtesy of  Lucia Beurer (left) and Kirsten Clark (right). 

​Winter is almost upon us, and one of the best ways to accessorize when it gets cold out is with cozy hats! Whether you prefer knit, cashmere or wool, a beanie is the way to go to add a cute accessory to any winter outfit. Here are eight of our favorite brands with great beanies to sport this winter season. Plus, these beanies give back. Stay tuned for some great brands that give back to great causes when you buy.

The North Face
The North Face has long been a staple in many of our winter wardrobes, and they make great beanies too. The Salty Dog Beanie comes in a variety of colors and is a classic knit beanie lined with jersey to keep you warm, while not being too bulky. This classic outdoor brand nailed it with their hats, and they’re a great unisex option.

Herschel Supply Co.
Herschel Supply Co. is a super versatile clothing company, with everything from travel bags to apparel to hats. Their signature Elmer Beanie comes in a range of colors and patterns, from pastel to statement hats. They’re also super soft! Like TNF’s beanies, they have their logo patch on the front and will keep you warm. Herschel beanies are sold directly on their website as well as retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Tilly’s.

Love Your Melon
Love Your Melon is another staple brand with a great promise to help fight pediatric cancer, as 50% of their profits are donated to various child pediatric cancer care organizations. Their Classic Beanie as well as the Pom Beanie are made out of a soft cotton and come in tons of different patterns. Lucia Beurer, a freshman at UMass Amherst, says “I specifically love the Love Your Melon hats because they use a super soft and non-itchy material that doesn’t frizz up my curly hair and also they provide awareness for and donations to organizations fighting pediatric cancer!” She also said that they have a variety of themed hats, namely their Star Wars and Mickey Mouse collections.

Aerie and American Eagle
Aerie and American Eagle don’t necessarily specialize in outerwear, but they sure do a great job at it. Their Ribbed Beanie comes in a variety of earth tones and is very reasonably priced. They also have a knit Ribbed Pom Beanie which comes in a great variety of colors. Both hats are between $10-$20.

Carhartt
Carhartt is a classic worker’s brand, and they’ve recently become popular in Gen Z fashion from their work pants and beanies! Their signature Acrylic Watch Hat is made out of ultra-soft acrylic yarn and comes in virtually every color imaginable. It features their logo on the front and is under $20 - another reasonably priced steal! Elon University freshman Hadley Kaeyer loves this staple; her favorite color to sport is the Leaf Green beanie.

Athleta
Along with great winter workout gear, Athleta also has a great outerwear collection! The brand’s  Wool Cashmere Beanie is made of incredibly soft yarn and comes in two colors. This beanie is lightweight but high quality, and it’s perfect for everyday wear and exercise. Although it’s on the pricier side, a beautiful hat like this is worth the splurge.

The Parks Project
Another great outdoors brand takes inspiration from the outdoors itself. The Parks Project sells a variety of outdoor-inspired gear, and a portion of their proceeds go to protecting national park land and reservations. Their Trail Crew Beanie is a great unisex option that comes in a great trifecta of warm colors and gives back to planet Earth!

Encircled
Encircled is a Canadian brand that focuses on sustainable, slow-made fashion through  prioritizing the environment. Their Recycled Cotton Beanie is a great basic to have in your wardrobe rotation. It is made from 100% recycled cotton yarn and comes in two colors that feature their minimalistic logo on the cuff.


United By Blue
United By Blue is another outdoors brand focused on ocean preservation and sustainability that has  a wide  selection of winter hats. The Recycled Moon Phase Beanie is made out of 100% recycled polyester and features  a cute pattern! United By Blue states, “Through our commitment to sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and a zero-plastic policy, we're always searching for better ways to put the planet first.”