Best Beanies

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Minus 33 Wool Ridge Cuff
Test Winner: Minus 33 Wool Ridge Cuff
Amazon Link
Cold days? Chilly nights? Bad hair day? All of these problems can be solved with one simple yet stylish garment. A beanie is a great addition to any outfit that allows you to express your personal style or add a touch of warmth, and in the best case, both! With so many options, all made for different purposes, finding one that fits your needs and personality can feel overwhelming. Our well-rounded list features something for everyone, and typically in a great variety of colors. Check out the criteria section to learn more about how exactly we chose each product as one of the best.

Standout Picks

Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
This Minus 33 addition brings us a great unisex fit made from Merino Wool. The wool insulates well without leaving you in a pool of sweat. It is available in nine different colors and can be worn cuffed or un-cuffed. This has become a favorite for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Amazon Link
$22.99
Panther Vision Powercap LED Lighted Beanie
Why tag along with your flashlight when you can simply use the power of the Panther Vision Headlamp? Indeed, integrated into the materials is an LED headlamp but that is not the only aspect that shines here.
Amazon Link
$39.97
Joe's USA Koloa Surf - Slouchy Beanie in 10 Colors
This is one of the premier slouchy styles that you will find. What this specific version from Joe’s USA excels at is providing you with warmth, but doing so without overheating your cranium.
Amazon Link
Under Armour Women's Around Town Beanie
Around town, on the trails, in the woods, where can this insulating cap not go? This addition from Under Armour is geared towards women and is made from double stretch knit fabric that is comfortable and durable.
Columbia Men’s Thermarator Hat, Thermal Reflective Warmth
The Thermarator is a simple design that offers great warmth and comfort. It uses Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective Technology to use your own body heat to hold in warmth. Paired with the lining of the hat, any perspiration is quickly absorbed and evaporated.
Everything Black 9 Skull Cap Beanie
Now, we turn to a different style of the product. This is known as a skull cap version and Everything Black makes as great a variation as you will find. Its combination of comfort, lightweight nature and durability will sell it alone.
Amazon Link
$8.99
Tough Headwear Cable Knit Beanie
Ironically, the best aspect to Tough Headwear’s Chunky Cable some people could argue is its worst. This is its chunky design as it delivers superior style and warmth, but it can also make layering over it difficult (such as a hood).
Amazon Link
$8.95
Tough Headwear Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie Thermal Hat
This is a rather special cap, one that is designed as a skull cap but for specific instances. As the name so eloquently states, this is a cap that is designed as a helmet liner. This is not to say it can’t be worn alone, but it is perfect for bikers.
Amazon Link
$8.95
Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Hat, Heavyweight Fleece Watch Cap Beanie
Based in Vermont, it is safe to assume that Turtle Fur knows a thing or two about cold weather. This addition is made from their signature double fleece and provides great warmth and comfort. It is a versatile hat that allows you to wear it cuffed and fitted or uncuffed and slouchy.
Amazon Link
$23.00
Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat
The Watch Hat has been around since 1987. It was originally designed for men working outdoors during the cold winter months. However, since then, it has become an attainable and stylish hat for everyone. This design is available in 35 different colors and offers great warmth and durability.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

At first glance, you may not pay too close attention to the type of fabric that the products are constructed with. However, make no mistake about it, this is very important as it is with every other garment you purchase. Many of these feature similar fabric, but each piece is unique. In other words, you will often see materials such as cotton, polyester, linen, and acrylic being utilized. But, not all manufacturers will use each of them. For those fabrics specifically, keep in mind their benefits as those are some of the most well-known.

Cotton does a superb job of controlling moisture and providing comfort and insulation. In addition, it is a very durable fabric. Polyester is also a very strong fabric, but it holds the advantage of being incredibly flexible and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. You can see these fabrics in winter jackets. As for linen, this material possesses a high amount of permeability, allowing you to easily breathe. Finally, acrylic (which may be the most popular among fabrics) also has a high-management to moisture, is resistant to mildew and odor, and provides great insulation and warmth without adding extra weight. Everything past this, in terms of craftsmanship, comes down to how visually appealing you believe the product to be.

Insulation

Yes, you may argue that fashion is an important key factor to consider when looking at your options; however, aside from aesthetics, it’s important to consider comfort and warmth first. Besides the material being utilized for softness and comfort (for example acrylic or polyester), the key factor to analyze is what climates the garment is best suited for.

Although it is a hat, not all of them are designed for the winter. For example, some items will be crafted to be breathable. In lukewarm conditions, this will prevent your head from overheating. Then, you have some variations built for the cold with dual-lining and inner fleece for warmth. For either type, though, also keep a special eye out on any moisture-wicking technology integrated. No matter the temperature outdoors, you are prone to perspiration and this type of technology will repel it away.

Style

While some of these types of hats are worn purely for style, some are used primarily for warmth. With the great options on this list, we hope that you will find a product that hits both of these marks. Having the option of a hat, or any clothing item for that matter, that is available in your favorite color will make your choice much easier and provide you with more confidence while wearing it.

Aside from the color choices, each of these products comes with their own specific style as well. Some are fitted, some are slouchy, and some have cuffs. If your choice does have a cuff, it is always convenient to know if it can be un-cuffed. This not only changes the style of the product but if it unrolls enough to cover your ears, it will also provide you with more warmth.

Features

Added bonuses or design features can sometimes sway your decision one way or another. This could be as simple as a special design feature (such as an integrated headlamp or embedded words on the front) or an included warranty. The warranty is big because as was discussed before, sizing can vary and it is always reassuring to know you can get a full refund if the hat does not fit. Of course, this is also convenient if you receive a defect or simply do not like the hat.

Top 10 Picks

1. Minus 33 Wool Ridge Cuff

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.99
Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
Amazon Link

This Minus 33 addition brings us a great unisex fit made from Merino Wool. The wool insulates well without leaving you in a pool of sweat. It is available in nine different colors and can be worn cuffed or un-cuffed. This has become a favorite for many outdoor enthusiasts.

Read more

Materials
You have heard about the wonders of Merino Wool, right? It is a great fabric that insulates well and is also moisture-wicking, fire-resistant, and anti-microbial. There really couldn’t be a better material for this product. After hiking around for a while, your hat or beanie can start to smell from being wet with sweat. Not this one. This item is made from 100% Australian Merino Wool.

Insulation
By looking at it, you may think this garment is thin. Yes, it is thin but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide adequate warmth. With Merino Wool, a little bit goes a long way. This garment has double fabric and has 230gsm of interlock knit for ultimate warmth.

Style
This hat fits fairly close to the head with a little bit of extra room around the crown. It can also be uncuffed to your preferred length, or to cover your ears. Perhaps one of the best style features is that it is available in nine great colors! There really is something for everyone. It is a “one size fits most” garment. For the most part, reviewers agree that it fits well and the Merino is perfectly stretchy. However, some have complained that it fits a bit small.

Features
Aside from all of the above-mentioned features, there’s a few more to throw in. The Minus 33 Wool Ridge Cuff is great for travel. It is incredibly lightweight, at only 2.4-ounces and doesn’t need to be washed often. When the time does come to wash it, you can easily toss it in the washing machine. Additionally, it comes with a one year warranty.

Amazon Link
$22.99

2. Panther Vision Headlamp

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$39.97
Panther Vision Powercap LED Lighted Beanie
Panther Vision Powercap LED Lighted Beanie
Panther Vision Powercap LED Lighted Beanie
Amazon Link

Why tag along with your flashlight when you can simply use the power of the Panther Vision Headlamp? Indeed, integrated into the materials is an LED headlamp but that is not the only aspect that shines here.

Read more

Materials
Clearly, superior craftsmanship is at work here as the integrated LED headlamp is outstanding. However, the garment itself is constructed from 97 percent polyester and 3 percent spandex.

Insulation
On top of being comfortable and soft in its own right, it also has integrated moisture-wicking technology to pull away all the moisture from your head. Not only does this provide even more warmth but it also keeps you dry. As a matter of fact, sometimes this cap keeps your head too hot.

Style
As with most of these products, one size will fit most here. There is no indication of a specific gender, so men and women should be able to fit in on their heads. For hunters, there are various types of camo-color schemes available. Otherwise, you can select from black, navy, olive, blaze orange, and hi-vis yellow.

Features
It is all about the LED headlamp here and it is able to output 48 Lumens of light with 4 LEDs. Each set of lights is angled at a specific location to provide you with maximum coverage. Plus, there is an easy on/off switch is hidden in the band.

If you can find any use for a headlamp, then the choice could not be more obvious here. The hat itself is constructed with superb quality, but its selling point is undoubtedly the LED lights.

Amazon Link
$39.97

3. Joe's USA Koloa Surf Slouchy

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Joe's USA Koloa Surf - Slouchy Beanie in 10 Colors
Joe's USA Koloa Surf - Slouchy Beanie in 10 Colors
Joe's USA Koloa Surf - Slouchy Beanie in 10 Colors
Amazon Link

This is one of the premier slouchy styles that you will find. What this specific version from Joe’s USA excels at is providing you with warmth, but doing so without overheating your cranium.

Read more

Materials
Due to its versatility, this is an ideal product for both cold nights and cooler fall days. For the fabric, Joe’s USA crafted this from 55 percent acrylic and 45 percent polyester. However, admittedly, there is not as much slouch as the photo would indicate.

Insulation
While you are wearing this garment, you will be enthralled by the comfort and warmth. But, in times where you want to wear it on cooler days you can as you will not feel like you are overheating.

Style
Its unisex and one-size-fits-most design makes it perfect for all people. Keep in mind, though, that individuals with small or average heads may deem this product a little large. However, as a slouchy style, it is tough to match its comfort and style. There should be a color for everyone with options for black dip dye, charcoal leather, eggplant dip dye, light gray, neon blue, and neon yellow, among others.

Features
Truthfully, this is a classic beanie through every sense of the word. There are not many other features or additions to note of.

Amazon Link

4. Under Armour Around Town

Where to buy
Under Armour Women's Around Town Beanie
Under Armour Women's Around Town Beanie
Under Armour Women's Around Town Beanie
Amazon Link

Around town, on the trails, in the woods, where can this insulating cap not go? This addition from Under Armour is geared towards women and is made from double stretch knit fabric that is comfortable and durable.

Read more

Materials
This garment is made from 100% acrylic and features a fleece lining. The double stretch knit fabric is comfortable, durable, and stylish. As an added bonus, it can be machine washed.

Insulation
As mentioned before, the interior fleece lining provides great warmth, on top of an already warm hat. Aside from insulation, the fleece lining is also comfortable and moisture-wicking.

Style
This item can be worn horizontally across your forehead and over your ears for a tighter fit, or it can be worn along the hairline for a slouchier style. Depending on which online retailer you choose to support, the color choices vary. Generally, this garment is offered in blue, ivory, violet, and green. Each item is adorned with a small metal logo. This product is not offered in different sizes- one size fits all. Most reviewers have found that it fits well. If you have big curly hair, it may be a tight fit.

Features
Perhaps the best features have already been discussed. The fleece lining is a great addition for warmth and comfort. We also like that there are multiple ways to wear this beanie, choosing whether or not you want to cover your ears.

5. Columbia Thermarator

Where to buy
Columbia Men’s Thermarator Hat, Thermal Reflective Warmth
Columbia Men’s Thermarator Hat, Thermal Reflective Warmth
Columbia Men’s Thermarator Hat, Thermal Reflective Warmth
Amazon Link

The Thermarator is a simple design that offers great warmth and comfort. It uses Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective Technology to use your own body heat to hold in warmth. Paired with the lining of the hat, any perspiration is quickly absorbed and evaporated.

Read more

Materials
This product is made from 100% polyester Omni-Heat 280g Fleece. This blend provides great warmth and comfort. The polyester lining also helps to absorb sweat.

Insulation
As you’ll see with many Columbia products, this garment also features their popular Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective Technology. This technology features metallic dots on the inside which reflects and retains body heat. Working together, the lining of the product absorbs and releases perspiration.

Style
The Thermarator offers a snug fit, that works well for retaining warmth. It isn’t a bad looking garment by any means but we also wouldn’t consider it to be a fashion statement. It is thin enough to be worn alone or under a helmet. It is available in six different colors and two different sizes, S/M or L/XL. It has been mentioned that it runs small.

Features
Honestly, this product doesn’t have many outstanding features that haven’t already been covered in other sections. There is a small Columbia symbol and text on the hat. This garment was truly made for the cold outdoors and that is where it shines.

6. Everything Back Skull

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$8.99
Everything Black 9 Skull Cap Beanie
Everything Black 9 Skull Cap Beanie
Everything Black 9 Skull Cap Beanie
Amazon Link

Now, we turn to a different style of the product. This is known as a skull cap version and Everything Black makes as great a variation as you will find. Its combination of comfort, lightweight nature and durability will sell it alone.

Read more

Materials
This skull cap blends 60 percent cotton with 40 percent acrylic to not only deliver a superb amount of comfort and warmth, but also a highly-breathable makeup.

Insulation
With its dual lining, this skull cap will keep your head warm and cozy. In addition, when you wear it while it is snowing outdoors, it manages to repel the snow keeping your head dry.

Style
No matter for men and women alike, this is fitted to stretch over most heads. However, if you have a large head and wear prescription glasses than it may be too tight-fitting. The colors are specifically tailored to adapt for both men and women with options for black, gray, maroon, navy blue, royal blue and brown.

Features
Being backed up by a 100 percent money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty, you are guaranteed a refund if you have any issues whatsoever. As this is a skull cap, this will fit closer to your skin and for individuals with big heads, it may be too well-fitted. But, its superior craftsmanship makes it ideal for both cold and lukewarm days alike.

Amazon Link
$8.99

7. Tough Headwear Chunky

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$8.95
Tough Headwear Cable Knit Beanie
Tough Headwear Cable Knit Beanie
Tough Headwear Cable Knit Beanie
Amazon Link

Ironically, the best aspect to Tough Headwear’s Chunky Cable some people could argue is its worst. This is its chunky design as it delivers superior style and warmth, but it can also make layering over it difficult (such as a hood).

Read more

Materials
This is nothing but pure-acrylic which complements style with comfort better than almost any other fabric for these products.

Insulation
Tough Headwear used premium acrylic yarn to make this as comfortable as humanly possible. Though, on windier days, while it will still keep you warm, you still may feel the breeze of the wind itself.

Style
For both men and women, this is designed to fit. While it can’t be promised that it will properly fit every single head in the world, as that would be nearly impossible, it will fit most. Yet again, a strong amount of color options are available for you to select from including army green, beige, black, dark gray, light blue, light gray, pink, white and maroon.

Features
To leave you with a sense of relief and comfort, Tough Headwear backs its products with a lifetime warranty. The bulkiness and lack of protection against the wind may be flaws that you are wary about but if you have any doubts, remember that it is backed by a lifetime warranty. If you hate it, simply send it back.

Amazon Link
$8.95

8. Tough Headwear Helmet Liner

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$8.95
Tough Headwear Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie Thermal Hat
Tough Headwear Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie Thermal Hat
Tough Headwear Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie Thermal Hat
Amazon Link

This is a rather special cap, one that is designed as a skull cap but for specific instances. As the name so eloquently states, this is a cap that is designed as a helmet liner. This is not to say it can’t be worn alone, but it is perfect for bikers.

Read more

Materials
Constructed from polyester and spandex, this is designed to be used as a helmet liner. However, with the way it is crafted, you can ideally wear it on its own when snowboarding, running, working out, or even on cooler days.

Insulation
Not only is the fabric breathable but the fabric is also designed to wick away moisture, keeping you dry on your ride. In addition, thermal retention provides warmth in cooler environments. Also, the garment covers your ears providing them warmth, as well.

Style
Tough Headwear claims that this will fit any size noggin and while they are technically right, it may not fit as snugly as you like. If you have an average or small-sized head, it may be a little loose. As the main design purpose for this product is as a helmet liner, the only color option is black.

Features
Just as they did with their previous cap, Tough Headwear backs up this cap with a great warranty.
This makes for a perfect accessory and comfortable headpiece for bikers. However, if you are only looking for skull cap beanie for style and comfortability, it will also suffice.

Amazon Link
$8.95

9. Original Turtle Fur Fleece Watch Cap

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$23.00
Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Hat, Heavyweight Fleece Watch Cap Beanie
Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Hat, Heavyweight Fleece Watch Cap Beanie
Original Turtle Fur Fleece - The Hat, Heavyweight Fleece Watch Cap Beanie
Amazon Link

Based in Vermont, it is safe to assume that Turtle Fur knows a thing or two about cold weather. This addition is made from their signature double fleece and provides great warmth and comfort. It is a versatile hat that allows you to wear it cuffed and fitted or uncuffed and slouchy.

Read more

Materials
“The hat” is made from Turtle Fur’s signature acrylic spun double layer heavyweight fleece. Overall, it seems to have decent durability but you should be very cautious when washing it. It claims to be machine washable but many customers have had issues with the fleece coming out of the washer covered in pilling.

Insulation
This product offers great insulation. First of all, the fleece material is double layered. Secondly, if you cuff the hat at the bottom, it provides you with four layers of Turtle Fur’s signature fleece material on your ears.

Style
This hat is built to keep you warm, not exactly for style or a day out on the town. It isn’t an unstylish cap, it’s just not eye-catching. It is available in seven different colors, which can be matched with other Turtle Fur garments. You can choose to wear the hat tight and cuffed or uncuffed and slouchy. There is a small turtle logo stitched onto each garment as well. As for sizing, this is a one size fits most item. It is 10” wide, 9.75” in height, and has a 3” cuff.

Features
Aside from providing you with great warmth, the fleece material is also naturally water-repellant. This makes this a great option for snow adventures.

Amazon Link
$23.00

10. Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat

Where to buy
Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat
Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat
Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat
Amazon Link

The Watch Hat has been around since 1987. It was originally designed for men working outdoors during the cold winter months. However, since then, it has become an attainable and stylish hat for everyone. This design is available in 35 different colors and offers great warmth and durability.

Read more

Materials
The Watch Hat is made from rib-knit thick acrylic yarn. It is soft to the touch and feels comfortable on your head. It is stretchy enough to fit just about any sized head. Over the years, reviewers have been impressed with the durability and craftsmanship of this particular item.

Insulation
Originally designed for long days of outdoor work in the winter, the Watch Cap will keep you warm. The thick yarn is woven in a way that keeps in the heat without making you feel clammy.

Style
This may be the best feature of this item. There is a color for everyone. The Watch Hat is available in thirty-five different colors! Most users wear this product cuffed. You could uncuff it, but it would be very long/tall. Each item has a square Carhartt logo patch. It is available in only one size but fits just about anyone.

Features
Besides the durability and warmth that are built into this hat, there are not many other features. The thirty-five color options ensure that there is a style for everyone.

Sources

  1. Judy Stevens, Top 12 Best Beanies Reviewed – [2018 / 2019], Blog
  2. Richard Moore, Top 12 Best Beanies Reviewed – [2018 / 2019], Outdoors Blog
  3. Beau Hayhoe, 20 Best Beanies For Men, Buying Guide