I don’t know about you, but as someone with an astonishing lack of object permanence, it’s easy to forget how wrecked winter clothes actually get. That absolutely includes beanies, which are an 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.
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A statement hat is a smaller commitment than, say, a floor-length leopard-print coat—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 are 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, no matter how schlubby or avant-garde your look, Carhartt’s cuffed beanie is one of our all-time favorites (duh) that you can find on the heads of skaters, Instagram models, and millennial’s 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% 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% 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% 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).
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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’s hottest neutral is chocolate brown, which is as timeless as black, but a bit more interesting.
Fall’s hottest beanie is a granny hat
Crocheted items and “grandma fashion” have been trending for a while, but ever since Kendrick Lamar rocked “a hat named Wanda” to a Dodgers game this summer, the style has blown up. Crocheted and chunky knit beanies have also been all over the runway from Kenzo to Marni.
Gorpcore is here to stay
What can we say? We’re crunchy and we like it. And we’re glad the rest of the world is finally catching up, since the gorpcore, 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.
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A classic ribbed knit option
An Acne Studios chunky knit beanie is always in style, and something you can rely on for years to come. 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 cornflower blue.
It’s a cashmiracle
Evvvvvverybody likes cashmere. Period. But not all cashmere is the same, which is why some luxury brands like Loro Piana can justifiably charge the price of an entire sheep for a single hat—it feels like your head is being grazed by the eyelashes of a thousand angels. This luxe beanie features a combination of brushed cashmere that has undergone the brand’s trademarked Storm System treatment, making it waterproof and wind-resistant, and a thick knit cuff and cotton lining.
The high quality of a heritage brand like Loro Piana may be worth the splurge (if you can swing it), but 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—considering a sumptuous, super-soft beanie will run you less than $25.
Now remind me—are we still double cuffing, or is that so 2020?
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.
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