Warm your noggin in style with the best beanies on the market right now.
Whether you call it a beanie, a toque, or simply a knitted cap, this classic piece of headwear is nothing short of essential. Beanies come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, which means it’s easy to find one that meshes with your personal style.
Sure, a beanie can be a quick remedy for a bad hair day, but it’s also an intensely practical piece. When extra chilly weather comes around, and you’re bundling up, you don’t want to neglect your head, and a beanie is often the perfect solution.
Beanies are so ubiquitous that there are countless options out there, which can make it hard to choose (especially when you’re unsure of quality). That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you by personally handpicking 18 of the best beanies available today.
Quick Take
Here are our recommendations from the list:
Our Pick
Technically a watch cap, but possibly the ultimate beanie. Crafted from soft, dense cotton yarn, it feels great, provides excellent weather protection, and effortlessly complements any outfit.
Buy Now
Budget Pick
Upgrade Pick
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The 18 Best Beanies for Men
You may need a simple acrylic beanie, or you want to splurge on a flecked Donegal wool cap. I’ve covered it all here, so no matter your needs or budget, you’ll find something on this list that catches your eye. (And if not, maybe you need to look for a different type of hat).
Knickerbocker Watch Cap Cotton
Technically speaking, a watch cap is different from a beanie. But that said, the Knickerbocker Watch Cap just might be the best overall beanie in existence.
It’s made from a soothingly soft yet dense cotton yarn that feels great to wear and offers a surprisingly high degree of protection from the elements. Somehow, it pairs well with just about any outfit and never looks out of place.
It’s quite a bargain to get a durable made in USA beanie for $50, and as someone who’s owned one for years, I can attest to the quality and luxurious feel. And even if you own a drawer full of beanies like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for this one time and time again.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
When you think of a typical beanie, you probably picture the Knit Cuffed Beanie. This simple and affordable headpiece is quite possibly the most popular beanie in America today.
It’s easy to see why this beanie has gained such a devoted following. Its simple acrylic construction offers warmth and durability, and its structure means that it will stay in place and look great doing so.
It’s available in a wide range of colors, and it’s also dirt cheap to boot — you can pick one up for under $20. If you want a simple, classic beanie that you can rely on, the Knit Cuffed Beanie is for you.
Filson Watch Cap Beanie
Filson has a reputation for making handsome, rugged goods inspired by the outdoors, and its Watch Cap Beanie absolutely lives up to that reputation.
Made from 100% USA-sourced wool, this beanie has a watch cap construction with an adjustable cuff branded with a tastefully small Filson logo. It’s available in seven rich colors, like flame and otter green, so you can easily match it to your wardrobe.
Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Beanie
The watch cap is a particularly nautical headpiece — famously donned by the US Navy in the early 1900s. Buck Mason is one of many brands to reference those naval styles, and the result is the cozy Seafarer Cotton Beanie.
This double layer beanie is made from a textured homespun cotton and features a wonderful slub texture that both looks and feels great. It evokes the same feeling as actual period watch caps while also being more stylish and refined.
It’s also available in some amazing colors (I’m especially partial to the navy and redwood options).
Asket the Ribbed Wool Beanie
Would you prefer your headwear to be more on the snug side of things? Check out The Ribbed Wool Beanie from Asket. Available in five colors, The Ribbed Wool Beanie is an upgrade beanie without the upgrade price point.
This ribbed cap is made with 100% extra-fine, non-mulesed Merino wool that’s soft yet thick. And unlike a lot of brands, Asket focuses on traceability, so you can see for yourself exactly where and how the wool is sourced and produced.
Heimat Deck Hat
Founded in 2016 by a former Ralph Lauren merchandising director, Heimat is a German brand that could easily pass for a heritage company. Its Deck Hat is an inspired take on the classic naval watch cap that feels vintage but not dated.
The beanie’s double-rolled brim allows for it to be worn short or long, and the heavy-duty 5-gauge knit provides some real heft to help you withstand inclement conditions. It’s knitted in Germany from 100% wool and available in ten colors.
Upstate Stock Upcycled Cotton Watchcap
If the environmental footprint is important to you, then the Upcycled Cotton Watchcap should be on your radar.
Instead of being made from virgin wool or synthetics, this cap is made from a blend of reclaimed cotton and recycled polyester sourced from discarded garments and plastic bottles, respectively. The yarn is milled in Spain, and the hats themselves are knit, cut, sewn, and finished in New York.
Almost unbelievably, the Upcycled Cotton Watchcap is currently available in 31 colors that range from neutral solids to flecked multicolor options, so you’ll easily be able to find something that fits your vibe.
Alex Mill Cashmere Donegal Beanie
Alex Mill’s garments tend to live at the intersection between classic and contemporary, and the Cashmere Donegal Beanie is no different.
Made from a lush Donegal cashmere, this beanie is pre-washed to be soft right out of the package. The classic flecking is surprisingly subtle but still retains the character of the Donegal wool.
If you’re wanting to upgrade to a beanie that’s as stylish as it is soft, then the Cashmere Donegal Beanie might be your next purchase.
NAADAM The Essential Ribbed Cashmere Beanie
NAADAM knows how to make some premium cashmere apparel, and The Essential Ribbed Cashmere Beanie is proof.
Like all NAADAM products, this beanie is made from luxurious Mongolian cashmere that’s sourced directly from herders local to the Gobi Desert. It comes in 11 deep colors that range from neutral to bold, and it’s also more affordable than you’d think, especially considering how nice this cashmere is.
Anián Recycled Cashmere Toque
Anián is a Canadian brand (hence the use of “toque” instead of “beanie”) that focuses on sustainable circular manufacturing by using recycled fibers sourced from landfills. The Recycled Cashmere Toque is a fantastic example of how this process can result in high-quality items.
This beanie is made from 60% Merino wool and 40% recycled cashmere, a blend that provides moisture wicking capabilities along with softness and durability. It has a looser fit for a slouchier, more laid-back look that’s great for winter outfits.
Patagonia Brodeo Beanie
Cringeworthy name aside, the Brodeo Beanie from Patagonia is an all-around excellent choice for a cold weather cap.
This cuffed beanie is made from a recycled wool and nylon blend that will keep you warm for years to come (and in one of nine vibrant colors, no less.) It’s a larger, more relaxed beanie, so if that’s your preferred style, you’ll like what the Brodeo has to offer.
Norse Projects Norse Beanie
Norse Projects is the kind of brand that’s talked about in revered tones among fashion enthusiasts. Whether or not you agree that the brand deserves all the hype, it’s hard to deny that the Norse Beanie is a pretty exceptional piece of headwear.
This cap is knitted in Italy using a chunky 7-gauge 100% Merino wool that’s a major step up from the scratchy stuff you’ll find on cheaper beanies. It’s the classic beanie but upgraded — what’s not to love?
American Trench Cashmere Double Knit Beanie
If you’re after versatility and luxury in equal measure, the American Trench Cashmere Double Knit Beanie may be the cap for you.
This isn’t just any old cashmere we’re talking about — it’s yarn from Todd & Duncan, a heritage Scottish cashmere supplier. Pair that with double-sided construction, and you get a beanie that traps heat effectively and feels great to wear.
Alpha Industries Essential Beanie
Even though Alpha Industries is best known for the M-65 jacket, the brand has its fair share of sleeper hits, including the Essential Beanie.
As you’d expect from an Alpha Industries item, the Essential Beanie is clearly inspired by military wear. The simple cuffed fit and the regulation-style front label provide all the retro styles you could ask for.
Since it’s made from acrylic, it’s just $25, so it’s an excellent option if you’re after a budget-friendly beanie with loads of style.
This would be a perfect hat to wear with an Alpha Industries parka.
Carrier Company Wool Hat
Chunky beanies are great, but sometimes you want something a bit sleeker. For those moments, there’s the Wool Hat from Carrier Company.
Each hat is handmade in the UK from fine lambswool for a premium-feeling result. Available in seven vivid colors, the Wool Hat is just a shade over $50, which is a pretty outrageous deal considering the build quality.
The Real McCoy’s Civilian Wool Watch Cap
Many beanies take inspiration from the caps worn by the US Navy, but few beanies offer period-accurate style. Enter the Civilian Wool Watch Cap from Japanese brand The Real McCoy’s, a company dedicated to making faithful reproductions of vintage items.
The thick wool construction, knit style, and timeless fit are all nearly one-for-one copies of the OG watch caps. There’s even a naval-style label with fields for the wearer’s name and service number.
Buzz Rickson’s 1941 U.S.N. Watch Cap
The 1941 U.S.N. Watch Cap from storied brand Buzz Rickson’s is a recreation of a naval beanie, so it’s got plenty of vintage vibes.
This cap is made from a heavy, dense, worsted wool that will keep your head nice and toasty even in more arctic conditions. The thickness of the wool also means that the cap will hold its shape even after years of wear — just like the original Navy watch caps.
Blacksmith Store Tri-Colour Waffle Beanie
A good patterned beanie is hard to find, but Blacksmith Store has pulled it off with the Tri-Colour Waffle Beanie. This unique cap is made in Canada and features an eye-catching three-color knit that uses navy, burgundy, and gold yarns.
Its low profile fit makes it a great candidate for wearing above the ears, and the waffle knit will ensure your cranium stays comfy.
If the primary look isn’t your jam, don’t worry — this beanie is also available in four other colors.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about beanies:
What Are the Best Men’s Beanies for Winter?
A good winter beanie should be made of thick wool or cotton, and it should also be long enough to cover your ears adequately. Some good options include the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie, the Anián Recycled Cashmere Toque, and the Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Beanie.
What’s the Best Slouchy Beanie for Men?
While it didn’t make this list, the Slouchy Beanie from Levi’s is a good choice if you’re looking for a classic slouchy look.
What Are the Best Beanie Brands for Men?
Knickerbocker, Carhartt, and Heimat are all brands known for their beanies, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the brands on this list.
What Are the Best Men’s Beanies That Don’t Itch?
Different people find different fabrics itchy, so this will vary from person to person. Generally, the lower the quality of the beanie, the scratchier the material will be. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for a beanie made from either soft cotton or cashmere.
