My Favorite Beanies
Beanies are a staple in my closet, and while I’ve been known to wear them sporadically throughout the year, I find myself reaching for them non-stop once winter rolls around. I’m really picky when it comes to beanies; they must be comfy, soft, warm, keep their shape over time, and most importantly… not itchy.
Below I’ve rounded up my absolute favorites. These are the beanies I’ve had for years but would repurchase again in a heartbeat, and have been known to give as gifts, too.
best beanies that aren’t itchy
Plush Slouchy Beanie - This beanie seems overpriced but is 100% worth it. This is the softest beanie with the perfect amount of slouch and it keeps you warm without overheating. This is my go-to gift for people during the holidays - not everyone is comfortable spending so much on a beanie, but once they wear it, they get it, and while there’s more important things to life than materialistic items, I love when clothing or an accessory can make someone feel special and transform their whole mood.
Pom Beanie - Nearly all of the beanies I wear that have a pom have been knit by my mom. Since she can’t make one for everyone, Free People also makes great pom beanies that are super soft, warm without making you sweat, and not itchy. I think they’re also priced really fairly, too - mine still look and feel brand new, years later.
Ribbed Cuff Beanie - I think everyone needs three simple cuffed beanies - one in black, a neutral one, and another that provides a fun pop of color. Rag and Bone makes a great wool version that keeps its shape really well, and I like Free People for their bright color selection. if you’re looking for something more affordable, Carhartt has a ton of colors to pick from as well.
Waffle Knit Beanie - I love a waffle knit/ thermal vibe for winter. Ours pictured above are from a cute coffee shop called Bitty and Beau but you can usually find the best ones at ski shops and sports stores; I’ve linked one here if you’d rather shop online.
best budget-friendly beanies
Herschel, Carhartt, and Neff make great beanies, and they come in tons of different colors. I recommend ordering them on Amazon as you can typically find them at discounted prices, especially in some of the harder to find colors. The Carhart cuffed beanie is a bit long, so if you have a smaller head, I would recommend maybe trying the kid size or adjusting the cuff.