The Best Beanies for Women

A beanie is a brimless, soft cap that hugs the head to keep it warm. They can fit snugly against the head or hang more relaxed. Ultimately, they’re a cold-weather staple for many, so if you want one (or several), here are some great beanies we recommend.

Buying Guide for the Best Beanies for Women

Why buy a beanie?

Beanies are a popular hat choice for most ages and genders since the simple design looks good on most people. The softness of the cap means that many beanies can be folded over and adjusted into different lengths and fits, and depending on the material, they can be multi-seasonal. Some people also like beanies because they can easily be decorated with pins and brooches. They’re also a popular choice for skiing and snowboarding since they keep the hair out of your face and keep your head warm simultaneously.

What should you consider in a beanie?

• Material: A beanie can be made out of almost any soft fabric or material, whether synthetic fiber, cotton, fleece, wool, or even silk, and more. Cotton and synthetic fibers tend to be the most popular materials since they’re affordable, easy to dye, hold their color well, and are easy to wash. Wool is harder to wash but provides the most warmth. Fleece is great for warmth and wicks away moisture. Consider if you want a beanie to wear year-round or for one specific season, and pick a heavier or lighter fabric depending on your needs.
• Style: Beanies can come in quite a variety of styles. They can fit snugly against your head or have a looser fit that sits further back on your forehead. There are models with holes in the top for ponytails and high buns. There are reversible beanies, ones with a fleece or jersey lining, and ones topped with pom-poms. You can even find beanies with built-in Bluetooth capabilities so that you can listen to music while you’re out and about. Lots come in sets with matching gloves or mittens, too.
• Design: Some common constructions for beanies include ribbed, double-knit, chunky-knit, slub, and crocheted looks. Ribbed beanies have a subtle, striped design that is similar to corduroy in appearance. Double-knit beanies offer twice the thickness of a standard knit for extra warmth. Chunky-knit beanies are bigger and bulkier with more obvious knit patterns. Slub patterns lack the uniform thickness and patterns of other knits, which provides a unique texture and lumpy pattern. Crocheted beanies offer more delicate and intricate designs and tend to be stronger and less stretchy than other knits. Consider which look you might find most appealing to you.

What style of beanie should you buy?

Consider when you expect to be wearing your beanie because you might like to match it to your favorite coat or outfits. You should also keep in mind the style of the beanie and the room you will need for your hair. If you have a lot of hair, you may prefer to wear it down when you’re wearing a hat to maximize snugness. Some hats even have a ponytail hole in the hat for your hair to be pulled through, or you can wear it in braids to keep it out of your face.

Our Picks for the Best Beanies for Women

Pros: This thick and chunky knit acrylic hat and scarf set will protect you from cold weather. The cap will fit snugly over your ears, and you can even pull the scarf over your mouth and nose. The inner lining is fleece, so it feels nice and will keep you very warm. It’s machine washable, so you can toss it in the wash to get it clean.

Cons: This hat and scarf set is one size fits most, so check the measurements before you purchase. It does have a stretchiness to it, but some people may find it is a snug fit. Some reviewers have said the set has a slight odor to it, but it can be washed before you wear it.

Bottom Line: This casual set is great to wear every day, whether you’re commuting to work or spending the night out on the town. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to choose from and makes a great gift set!

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a way to listen to music while you go for a walk, this Bluetooth beanie is a cool choice. This hat can pair with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet within 45 feet. The LiPO battery is rechargeable (takes 1.5 hours) and provides 10 hours of music play or 12 hours of talking on the phone with 100 hours standby. The inner stereo has 12.5mm speaker magnets and a microphone that delivers clear sound. Besides having this fun feature, the hat is also warm and comfortable, with a double soft inner lining and breathability. It’s even machine washable; the headphones can be removed from the inside. It comes with a Micro USB cable for charging.

Cons: This hat is one size fits most, but it’s made with stretchy material. It also has an adjustable headset placement, so the inner headphones should fit most head shapes. It might be hard to see the charge light within the hat and find the port to plug it in to charge.

Bottom Line: This beanie is functional and fashionable for daily wear. It’s a great choice for someone with an active lifestyle that lives on the go or for commuters looking for an easy way to listen to music while staying warm.

 

Pros: This premium beanie comes in a variety of colors and is so soft that you won’t want to take it off. It is made with acrylic and is both stretchy and flexible to fit your head and stay on; plus, the cuffed edges can be folded down to cover your ears. It’s a great choice for daily use, especially for activities outside in the cold, but it’s versatile for multiple seasons. This functional hat is also machine washable in a laundry bag with warm water and mild detergent.

Cons: The colors of this beanie may vary slightly from the images. It’s lighter weight so that it can be worn in other seasons, but note that it won’t be the warmest option for cold weather.

Bottom Line: This beanie is a fantastic value for the price. You can wear it year-round, it comes in a wide variety of colors, and it makes a great gift option!

 

Pros: If you have long hair, you might not find beanies super comfortable, until now. This beanie has a hole at the top, which is the perfect size to pull a ponytail or bun through, allowing your hair to breathe and avoid becoming messy without letting in cold air or wind. If you prefer to wear your ponytail or bun low on your head instead of high, the beanie can be adjusted and worn so that the opening sits high or low. The material is 100% soft, stretchy acrylic for easy care and excellent color retention.

Cons: Some people found the ponytail hole too small for their hair to fit through. Others have said the overall fit is a bit snug. The size may vary slightly with the color.

Bottom Line: This beanie is designed to fit snugly and comfortably onto most heads. It’s a great option for camping, skiing, hiking, and leisure since it allows you to keep your hair up and out of the way while still covered in warmth.

 

Pros: This chunky cable knit beanie is 100% acrylic and has a slouchy look to it. It’s warm and has enough room to even wear your hair in a bun inside the hat. It comes in many colors and will look great with most outfits. This hat is machine washable, so you can get it clean after wearing it.

Cons: While this beanie does have stretch to it, it’s one size fits most. Some people might find it thinner, so it may not keep you warm in especially cold weather. The knitting could unravel over time.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a beanie with a classic look, try this one. The price point is an amazing value, it looks great on most people, and it comes in many colors.

Final Thoughts

Beanies are a cold-weather staple for your wardrobe. You can keep cozy and look stylish in a great beanie. With so many style choices and color options out there, you should be able to find your new favorite beanie among our picks.