The nights are drawing in and the temperatures are dropping, which means it’s time to start wrapping up. And the best way to do so while still looking chic is to take your cues from those in colder climates.
Scandinavians in particular know a thing or two about keeping warm while staying stylish. One of the most recent and chicest warming accessories we’ve seen worn in Nordic climes and sold by Scandinavian brands is the balaclava or knitted hood. Commonly associated with keeping children’s heads warm in winter, the balaclava has reached adulthood in the last couple of years and is now a cool girl winter staple.
While the full-face-covering option is also trending, we’re seeing more of the open-faced option on IG (as well as the occasional knitted bonnet and bandana). Best worn with the hairline visible (so you don’t look 100% like an egg), the hood can be paired with any outfit and comes in a range of designs, textures and colours to suit any mood. No cold ears this year!
From hand-knits to high street, here are our favourite picks this season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Maeve Dressy Bejewelled Knitted Hood, £45
Maeve Dressy Bejewelled Knitted Hood, $, available at Anthropologie
HUSH Knitted Balaclava Hood, £35
Hush Knitted Balaclava Hood, $, available at Hush
Damson Madder Red And Ecru Hood, £38 £28.50
Damson Madder Red And Ecru Hood, $, available at Damson Madder
Zara Metallic Thread Balaclava, £17.99
Zara Metallic Thread Balaclava, $, available at Zara
YMC Green Wool Balaclava, £65
YMC Green Wool Balaclava, $, available at SSENSE
Free People Super Stripe Balaclava, £40
Free People Super Stripe Balaclava, $, available at Free People
Arket Brushed Mohair Blend Hood, £47
Arket Brushed Mohair Blend Hood, $, available at Arket
Basic Pleasure Mode Atomic Hood, £34
Basic Pleasure Mode Atomic Hood, $, available at Urban Outfitters
COS Fair Isle Merino Wool Balaclava, £85
COS Fair Isle Merino Wool Balaclava, $, available at COS
& Other Stories Fitted Cashmere Hood, £55
& Other Stories Fitted Cashmere Hood, $, available at & Other Stories
My Accessories London Knitted Loose Balaclava, £14
My Accessories London Knitted Loose Balaclava, $, available at ASOS
Wild Cashmere Drawstring Ribbed-Knit Balaclava, £233 £191
Wild Cashmere Drawstring Ribbed-Knit Balaclava, $, available at Farfetch
Weekday Lotta Hood, £24
Weekday Lotta Hood, $, available at Weekday
UO Kody Fluffy Knit Knit Hood, £28
UO Kody Fluffy Knit Knit Hood, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Free People Over My Head Ribbed Balaclava, £40
Free People Over My Head Ribbed Balaclava, $, available at Free People
Topshop Sno Knitted Stripe Balaclava, £18
Topshop Sno Knitted Stripe Balaclava, $, available at ASOS
Deima Knitwear Hoodie, £141.46
Deima Knitwear Hoodie, $, available at Deima Knitwear
Maje Gradient-Effect Ribbed-Knit Balaclava, £99 £70
Maje Gradient-Effect Ribbed-Knit Balaclava, $, available at Farfetch
H&M Rib-Knit Wool-Blend Balaclava, £37.99
H&M Rib-Knit Wool-Blend Balaclava, $, available at H&M
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