The best beanie is one that can last for years and years without pilling, pulling or unravelling, all while keeping your head toasty and comfortable. It’s a lot to ask of such a small swatch of fabric, but a good winter hat is essential for building out your ultimate winter wardrobe. In our search for the cream of the crop, we asked our friends, family, coworkers and even readers like you to weigh in on which styles and brands are best for keeping our domes warm in all kinds of weather. Turns out, everyone has pretty strong feelings about their favorite hats. Read on for 17 of the best beanies for women to buy (and wear!) in 2024.
The 17 Best Beanies for Women to Keep You Comfy and Cute All Winter Long
Both Stylish and Functional
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Published Jan 10, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
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The Best Beanies for Women at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
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2
Best Affordable Beanie
Top Level Beanie
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3
Warmest Beanie
66 North Bylur Soft Lambswool Hat
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4
Best Cashmere Beanie
Everlane The Cashmere Beanie
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5
Best Wool Beanie
Colorful Standard Merino Wool Beanie
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Best Overall
1. Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
What We Like
- durable
- lots of color options
- reportedly very warm
What We Don’t Like
- frequently sells out
Carhartt
This beanie is so popular that it’s constantly selling out or on backorder, but according to PureWow’s wellness director, Sarah Stiefvater, this hat is worth the wait. “I can’t stop wearing this beanie. I love wearing the ultra-bright neon color in contrast with my mostly black wardrobe,” she says of the Brite Lime shade she owns. “It’s also super comfy and warm and just 20 bucks. A total no-brainer.” In fact, this beanie has a wide breadth of fans, from fashion editors to construction site workers, thanks to its classic design, supreme warmth/breathability and phenomenal price point. So if you see a color you like in stock, don’t hesitate to add to cart before someone else gets there first.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent acrylic
- Promising Review: “Love this hat! Cozy warm without being too hot. Nice bright color is perfect for winter visibility. Fits perfectly in my jacket pocket when I don’t need to be wearing it.”
Best Affordable Beanie
What We Like
- reportedly very soft
- lots of color options
- under $20
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash only
Top Level
Looking for a budget-friendly option you can keep in your purse or car without worrying about it getting wrecked? Opt for this Top Level beanie. According to more than 20,000 five-star reviewers, it’s warm, flattering and comfortable, but tends to feel a bit long if you don’t cuff it. At just $8 apiece (down from $15), you can invest in a few different shades to match every winter coat hanging in your closet.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent acrylic
- Promising Review: “What I love most is that it stretches nicely to fit over my hair. The cuff isn’t stitched down so you can wear it multiple ways. Great hat for keeping my head warm.”
Warmest Beanie
3. 66 North Bylur Soft Lambswool Hat
What We Like
- brand offers repairs for life
- wool remains warm even when wet
What We Don’t Like
- no reviews available
66 North
Icelandic brand 66 North is all about creating high-quality outdoor gear that will keep you warm and comfortable, no matter the weather. This particular cap is made from cozy lambswool, which stays warm even when wet, but also has a fleece lining for bonus protection from the cold. It also comes in a chocolate brown hue (with the same knit detailing), but we have to say we’re partial to this wintery white for a true cabincore vibe.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent lambswool
Best Cashmere Beanie
4. Everlane The Cashmere Beanie
What We Like
- partially made of recycled materials
- reportedly super soft
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash only
Everlane
All of Everlane’s sustainably-minded clothes, shoes and accessories are top-of-the-line, and this cashmere hat is no different. “This is one of the softest, most comfortable beanies I’ve ever purchased. Great price for the quality,” writes one reviewer. And if you’re worrying that the cashmere might be a bit itchy, don’t—multiple shoppers say it’s super soft and won’t leave your forehead itching even if you wear it for hours at a time.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 88 percent cashmere, 11 percent nylon, 1 percent elastane
- Promising Review: “The hat is soft, it fits my (somewhat large) head very well. A little bit of fuzz/pilling, but no more than any other cashmere product would get.”
Best Wool Beanie
5. Colorful Standard Merino Wool Beanie
What We Like
- lots of color options
- dyes are environmentally friendly
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash or dry clean only
- no reviews available
Colorful Standard
Wool has the wonderful quality of maintaining warmth even when wet, making a wool cap a particularly good option for wetter climates. This Colorful Standard design is made from 100 percent extra-fine recycled merino wool and is also dyed with environmentally-friendly methods, for those interested in sustainability. Plus, it comes in every color a gal could want, so you can stock up on multiple options to rock all winter long. A word to the wise, however—don’t put this cap in the dryer or that lovely natural wool will shrink a lot.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent recycled merino wool
Best Acrylic Beanie
6. The North Face Salty Lined Beanie
What We Like
- two depth options
- reportedly super warm
- fully lined
What We Don’t Like
- may be too warm for indoor wear
The North Face
“Normally I’m in the ‘100 percent wool or bust’ camp when it comes to winter gear,” says senior food editor Katherine Gillen, “but I actually like that this one is acrylic because it doesn't get that wet barn animal smell if it gets snowed/rained on while you're wearing it.” The North Face’s acrylic material also has the added benefit of being machine washable, and there are two depths to choose from depending on your head size and whether or not you need the cap to cover your ears. The Salty beanie also has a jersey lining, to protect against the potentially itchy knit and comes in a wide range of fun colors.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent acrylic
- Promising Review: “One of the standout features of [this cap] is its remarkable warmth. The beanie is lined with a soft and insulating material that effectively retains heat, keeping my head and ears comfortably shielded from the biting cold. Whether I'm hitting the slopes, taking a winter hike or just strolling through town on a frosty day, this beanie ensures that I stay toasty without compromising on style.”
Best Pom Pom
7. Sh*t That I Knit Motley Merino Wool Beanie
What We Like
- comes with customizable, removable pom poms
- lots of color options
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
- spot clean only
Sh*t That I Knit
“My mom got me this beanie for Christmas, and I’ve been wearing it almost every day when I walk the dog,” writes one reviewer. “I love the pretty, handmade cable-knit pattern and the merino wool keeps me super warm.” Plus, all of Sh*t That I Knit’s products are handmade by artisans in Lima, Peru, and the pom pom is actually removable. In fact, when you go to buy, you can opt to add extra faux-fur or yarn poms to your order so you can swap them in or out to fit your mood. (P.S. There are also matching mittens, $90, to the look.)
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent Peruvian merino wool
- Promising Review: “I absolutely love this beanie. The quality is incredible. The color is vibrant. I get compliments on it whenever I wear it. It’s really comfortable to wear., too”
Softest Material
8. Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Beanie
What We Like
- reportedly super soft
- machine washable
- adjustable cuff
What We Don’t Like
- few color options
Barefoot Dreams
Made from the same material as Barefoot Dreams’s mega popular (and Chrissy Teigen-approved) throw blankets, this hat is insanely soft. Which is part of the reason why PureWow’s executive editor, Dara Katz, wears hers on the reg. She explains, “It is so soft, so cozy, so absolutely perfect for wearing inside and never leaving your house. (Also extremely warm for when you do need to go outside to walk the dog.)”
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent polyester microfiber
- Promising Review: “I found this hat was the perfect solution for chilly, windy weather [in San Fransisco]. The fact that it is washable is definitely an added plus! I washed/dried the hat and it looks perfect. It’s easy to carry and store.”
Splurge Worthy
9. Acne Studios Face Logo Wool Beanie
What We Like
- made with RWS wool
- lots of color options
What We Don’t Like
- high price point
Acne Studios
“This is the quintessential fashion-girl hat,” says PureWow’s previous fashion director, Dena Silver. “It’s kind of status-y since that glum-looking face has become synonymous with the Stockholm-based brand Acne Studios.” In other words, it’s practically begging to be featured on the ‘gram. Oh, and the 100 percent wool material—Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool, we might add—will keep you nice and warm.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent Responsible Wool Standard wool
- Promising Review: “LOVE this hat so, so much. It’s warm and fits my head so nicely!”
Best for Outdoor Workouts
10. lululemon Run for It All Beanie
What We Like
- has a ponytail loop
- water repellant
- machine washable and dryer safe
What We Don’t Like
- not as warm as others on this list when standing still
lululemon
Just because temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean you have to press pause on your neighborhood runs. And thanks to lululemon, keeping your head and ears warm doesn’t have to mean switching up your signature ponytail either. This fitted, water-repellant beanie has a small slit at the back specifically designed for threading your hair through. Our reviewer writes, “I was worried this would not cover my head totally, but it does and it’s warm without making my head too hot (like a good beanie should). Love running with this cap!”
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent elastane
- Promising Review: “Love this for winter running. Fits my head perfectly, covers my ears and stays in place with or without using the ponytail hole. It’s lightweight but warm.”
Best for Skiing
What We Like
- machine washable
- lightweight yet warm
- cute color options
What We Don’t Like
- no reviews available
Kari Traa
If you’re on the hunt for a beanie you can slip on under your ski helmet for bonus warmth without an additional bulk, look no further. The moisture-wicking wool is super stretchy and has a brushed inner lining to prevent any itching or scratching. It’s also long enough to cover your ears, but not so long that you’ll be annoyed by bunching or flapping fabric at the top should you decide to pull it back once you’re warmed up.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 100 percent wool
Best Extra Ear Protection
12. Patagonia Coastal Cable Beanie
What We Like
- built-in fleece headband
- timeless design
- partially made of recycled materials
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash only
Patagonia
PureWow’s sales and deals editor, Destinee Scott, recommends this textured knit beanie for anyone whose ears are always just a little too cold, even while wearing a hat. The reason is a hidden fleece headband tucked under the hem, which gives extra protection from Jack Frost and helps wick away sweat so you won’t overheat. “I love that the inner headband wicks moisture which keeps my hairline from soaking when I'm on the move,” Scott raves. (P.S. There are even more colors to choose from on the Patagonia site.)
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 70 percent recycled wool, 26 percent recycled nylon, 4 percent other fiber yarn
- Promising Review: “It’s got a great texture and is lined with fleece around the ears for warmth, but not at the top, so it’s not too warm.”
Best Slouchy Beanie
13. Jaxmonoy Wool-Cashmere Beanie
What We Like
- under $20
- lots of color options
- can be worn multiple ways
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash or dry clean only
Jamonoy
For those who like a slouchier fit, we highly recommend this super-soft and versatile beanie by Jaxmonoy. More than 600 five-star reviewers rave about how soft the material is, plus, because the fabric is on the thinner side, you can cuff or roll the hem to switch up the fit if you like. (P.S. Don’t let the fact that this beanie isn’t made from a chunky knit fool you into thinking it’s not warm—multiple reviews mention that it keeps their ears nice and toasty all the same.) The only downside is that it needs to be either hand washed or dry cleaned.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: wool blend
- Promising Review: “[This beanie is] warm and great for cold weather but not so warm that I overheat when I go indoors. I love the slouchy style, but a lot of beanies have way too much slouch—this one is perfect. It’s a great price, but looks expensive.”
Best Alpaca Beanie
What We Like
- partially made of recycled materials
- lots of color options
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash only
Sézane
“I have been buying Sézane’s beanies for years,” says senior director of special projects and royals, Rachel Bowie. “The colors are so great and the price point isn’t terrible considering they last for multiple seasons. I’m actually devastated because I seem to have misplaced a hot pink one I’ve worn for years somehow.” Indeed, the alpaca wool material is incredibly soft and quite durable, so you won’t need to be nearly as precious with this beanie as a cashmere style. There are also lots of colors to choose from, including neutrals like black and white, as well as bright yellow, Kelly green and wisteria purple (above).
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 68 percent alpaca, 30 percent polyamide, 2 percent elastane
Most Eco-Friendly
What We Like
- fully biodegradable
- 40 color options
- timeless design
What We Don’t Like
- dry clean only
- high price point
Le Bonnett
We gave this beanie the superlative “Most Eco-Friendly,” but it also earns the title of “Most Color Options” with a whopping 40 different colors for you to choose from. The classic style is made of lambswool and Caregora (a rating earned by meeting both European animal welfare standards and the even stricter “Animal Welfare Code of Recommendations for the welfare of livestock”), and because it’s made of only natural fibers, it’s also fully biodegradable. Per senior editor Dana Dickey, “I’m obsessed with this mustard yellow beanie. It’s wool and angora and just keeps me so warm. And the color, which I thought I couldn’t wear, actually goes with everything because it goes with nothing and it’s a great bright yet classic color that cheers up any gray day.”
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 75 percent lambswool, 25 percent Caregora
Best Fair Isle Beanie
16. Icewear Skrúður Wool-Blend Nordic Hat
What We Like
- lots of color options
- wool stays warm even when wet
- timeless design
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash or dry clean only
Icewear
For that après ski vibe, Fair Isle is the way to go, and this Icelandic wool topper is as practical as it is cute. Made from 65 percent wool and 35 percent nylon, it’s both breathable and warm to keep you comfortable in all sorts of conditions. Plus, there are 11 cute color combos to choose from, so you can find one to perfectly match your ski jacket or simply your ski lodge ensembles.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 65 percent wool, 35 percent nylon
Best Retro Design
What We Like
- partially made of recycled materials
- lots of color combos
- nostalgic appeal
What We Don’t Like
- hand wash only
L.L.Bean
This vintage-inspired beanie is another one of Silver’s favorites, and it was the fun, colorful graphics (an OG design from 1988) that initially caught her eye. “I also love how the logo is huge, because it feels ironic, but L.L.Bean is truly the best,” she says. Indeed, this fun cap isn’t just stylish—it’s also made from a super-soft, very warm material that won’t leave you feeling itchy after just a few minutes wear.
FAST FACTS
- Materials: 95 precent recycled polyester, 4 percent nylon, 1 percent elastane
- Promising Review: “So soft, warm and cozy. Plus the bright colors help us hold on to it a little longer as we are always losing hats.”
What Are the Different Types of Beanies?
Because, yes, there are multiple styles out there for you to consider. First there’s the fisherman, which is a shorter, cuffed style designed to fit snugly over the head and above the ears (think Jacques Cousteau or Steve Zissou). Then there’s a longer, no-fold beanie which was most popular in the early 2000s, with folks wearing them pulled back almost to the hairline and the excess fabric left drooping down the back. But the most popular style is the Watch Cap. This is likely what you think of when you picture a beanie—a cuffed knit cap that covers the ears for warmth. With lots of designs, the cuff can also be folded down for a longer beanie style as well. Oh, and let’s not forget about pom-pom beanies either, which feature a puffy decorative bobble at the top and can look like any of the previously mentioned silhouettes.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Beanie
- Weather. First and foremost, you need to consider what type of weather is likely to make you break out your hat. If you live someplace that regularly dips into single-digit temperatures (or even goes below 0), then you’ll want to prioritize finding a beanie that will cover your ears in a very warm material, preferably with a lining to better protect you from voracious winds. If the weather is likely to be wet, with lots of rain or snow, you’re likely best off choosing a wool hat because wool will continue to provide warm when wet, unlike cotton or many synthetics. On the flip side, if you live in a warmer climate or are leaning more toward fashion over function, you’ll be happier opting for a lightweight material that won’t cause your head to overheat.
- Functionality. What sorts of activities do you plan to do while wearing your beanie? If the answer is skiing, snowshoeing or winter running, think about investing in a beanie that can wick away moisture to keep you warm and comfortable as you work out. If the answer is cheering from the stands at a football game, you’re going to want something extra warm that can cover your ears. And if the answer is hanging with friends and looking cute, then feel free to opt for something lighter with a more fashion-forward design.
- Materials. No one material is universally best when it comes to winter hats. Wool is warm, even when wet, and a natural fiber, but needs to be hand washed if it gets dirty. Synthetics aren’t particularly eco-friendly, but they are easier to care for and can be treated with water-proofing or reflective materials. Once you pin down the weather conditions and function of your hat, you’ll be better able to figure out exactly what materials will best serve your needs.
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.