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We tested the top men's beanies from Carhartt, The North Face, Neff, and others to bring you the best options
This season's contenders got to spend some quality time getting to know one another in the sun while we mulled over exactly how they had all performed.
If you want to add a little warmth to your winter, a good beanie is the way to go. We purchased 9 of the best options for men and our testing team wore them through the wildly variable weather of the Northeast. We tested over a multi-month period, wearing each hat in rain and bone-chilling wind, frigid nights in the backcountry, and even mild and sunny afternoons… just for kicks.
We found the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie sits at the perfect intersection of style, comfort, and warmth. For a similar cuffed style at a budget price, you can take a look at the Top Level Cuffed, which offers non-descript warmth and weather resistance.
While a high-quality beanie can make a world of difference, there will be times when you'll want to layer up a bit more to stay warm. The right combination of hat, winter gloves, and a cozy down jacket will take you a long way in cooler temps. And if the weather demands, you can go the extra mile and add a base layer to keep your body heat close.
Editor's Note: We updated our men's beanie review on November 23, 2024, to give more specific recommendations from our list of award winners.
Stretch knit fits most heads without being too loose or too tight
REASONS TO AVOID
May be too warm for high-output activities
The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie earns top honors as our favorite cold-weather hat and is made with the quality, heavy-duty construction synonymous with the Carhartt brand. We tested beanies with a similar construction style and materials, but this one always ended up edging out the competition. With quality design and construction, the acrylic rib knitting provides a snug fit on most head sizes without being too tight. This beanie kept us comfortable and warm, providing serious protection from the elements while also having the ability to keep you dry from sweat on those long and rugged days. Holding up strongly through the rain, snow, sleet, and wind, this is a great hat for when the going gets rough.
While synthetics can sometimes be a little stuffy, this beanie is one of the most breathable of the synthetic rib-knit models we reviewed. That said, it can still get rather toasty on the inside during lengthy periods of physically demanding activity. Most of the time, though, we were comfortable just rolling it up a bit higher and trucking on. The look is classic cool and is ready for anything — and at a reasonable price. The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie is hands down our favorite pick. If you want a beanie that's soft, casual, stylish, and a bit more affordable, take a look at the Neff Daily.
Classic style and quality construction, the Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat will keep looking good and staying warm while keeping comfortable and dry all year round.
Thick, double-layered knit is both warm and breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Wider opening runs a bit big on smaller heads
Material pills fairly quickly
Warm, affordable, and stylish, the Connectyle Classic Winter Hat is a function beanie with a traditional style. This is a double-layered synthetic beanie that keeps you warm, dry, and looking good. Wide rib knitting gives a bulkier and incredibly comfortable build to a hat that can keep up on the trail or in the city. It comes in a wide array of colors so you can show your own style, and we felt it was super comfy all day long, whether we were active or just lounging around.
The wide opening can make this hat feel a bit loose on smaller heads, but it stays nicely in place and adjusts well on other head sizes. The thread pills pretty fast, but it gives it some character. The internal seams seem a bit ragged, though this didn't impact the look or comfort and didn't bother us during testing. Overall, the Connectyle is an affordable beanie that doesn't skimp on comfort, style, or warmth.
Warm, soft, and simple. Connectyle's Men's Warm Winter Hat looks great and is still super functional while coming in at a nicely affordable price point.
Cut and dry, this is as traditional and simple as a beanie gets. When people think of a beanie, what probably appears in their mind is something along the lines of the Top Level Cuffed. Synthetic materials and a tight-knit construction make this one your standard winter beanie at a great price. Warmth and weather resistance are strong, and the adjustable cuff and stretchy build make this one adaptable to anyone's head.
The warmth offered is excellent, but the construction makes it one of the least breathable options we tested. If you really start to exert yourself, this beanie can be a little too hot. If you're looking for a beanie to exercise in, you might like the Meriwool Merino Cuff. The material on the Top Level Cuffed doesn't offer great breathability and can wind up getting itchy when you wear it for lengthy periods of time. Folks living in or passing through colder climates and those needing a simple and straightforward beanie to stay very warm and dry should make this a staple. Available in many colors and at an affordable price, the Top Level Cuffed is a great buy to add to your winter wear when the cold and wet days roll in.
Simple and straightforward, this is a beanie meant to keep you warm and dry and it does a great job at both.
Material: Acrylic | Style: Wide rib-knit, jersey cotton lined, cuffed
REASONS TO BUY
The soft lining stays comfortable over long durations
Thick knit is very warm
Aesthetically appealing design
REASONS TO AVOID
Cotton lining is not ideal for wet conditions in low temps
The North Face Salty Dog feels just as at home down on the docks as it does on a campsite. Perfect for everyday wear, this beanie looks great and feels better. A synthetic exterior helps keep you dry, while the jersey cotton liner gives some extra warmth and a ton of comfort. The construction lets your head breathe without overheating, but the thick knit and soft liner keep you plenty warm, even when the temperature drops well below freezing. The liner is relatively shallow, which allows the cuff to be adjustable to different sizes without sacrificing the comfort the jersey cotton provides for your forehead and scalp. The North Face holds nothing back, using top-notch materials and impeccable construction, giving it a high-quality look and feel. Wearing a Salty Dog Beanie might just keep you comfortable and warm while bringing you some compliments as a bonus. As this one breaks over time, it even starts to look better and better with some wear and tear.
In terms of practical functionality, the Salty Dog Beanie is terrific in a huge variety of situations, but we think it might be best worn in less than the most extreme conditions. While it can certainly hold up to the elements, if the inside gets wet, or you sweat excessively, and the temperature drops too low, the jersey cotton liner does not have the wicking effects of wool or synthetic materials and can stay wet much longer. Aside from scenarios where you might be getting the inside damp and the moisture gets stuck there, we would wear this pretty much anytime we could justify wearing a beanie.
The North Face Salty Dog Beanie is an all-purpose beanie, and as comfortable as it gets. Warm on the trail on your walk through the city, down by the shipyard, and seriously nice to look at no matter where you end up.
Branding tag on the inside can become bothersome when worn un-cuffed
An active lifestyle amidst changing temperatures requires gear that can adapt to your demands, whatever they may be. We found the Meriwool Merino Cuff beanie could keep up with everything we threw at it in our testing. The high-quality merino wool regulates heat in hot or cold weather and is incredibly soft. The wicking ability really makes this an amazing beanie, meaning a hat that feels soft and stays dry, both inside and out, under nearly any conditions. The construction is high quality and seems built to last, which makes it all that much better, knowing you have a beanie you can put through it all, over and over. Whatever your outdoor passion, Meriwool has you covered. We put this beanie to the test, and it crushed it when used for running or lightweight warmth on a fast-paced trek when the mercury drops.
Although it's designed to wear in any sort of weather, this beanie is not our first pick for looking stylish. It features a slim, athletic fit and an oddly slouchy alternative when uncuffed. It still has a clearly well-made look and comes in attractive color choices, so it can suffice in a pinch if you're headed back into civilization and need to keep your head warm after a long day. We found many purposes for this Meriwool hat and recommend it for all-day comfort in any outdoor setting. We also like the Minus33 Merino Ridge Cuff, another wool option we tested, but we preferred the fit of the Meriwool.
Thin and light while warm and capable, Meriwool's Merino Wool Cuff Beanie held up throughout our testing making it a solid choice for everyday wear.
Light-hearted and casual, the Neff Daily is exactly the kind of hat we like for the cold season coming in. This beanie is soft and fluffy and plenty warm. From the ski lodge to base camp, this one is the relaxed fit that will keep your noggin' toasty from the time you have your morning coffee till you turn in at night. The thick and soft thread keeps the wearability and warmth on high, while the slouchy design keeps it comfortable in any situation.
Loosely knit, the Neff Daily's fabric sheds quickly and can look a bit furry after a while. This beanie's overall slouchy look isn't everyone's cup of tea, and even though it can be cuffed if needed, it doesn't look like it's meant to be worn that way. At the end of the day, Neff is synonymous with super chill and warm winter style, and this one comes in a ton of colors, making it a great buy for anyone seeking a casual look at an accessible price point that still maintains function and comfort.
Soft as can be, the Neff Men's Daily Beanie keeps true to the name, as this one is cozy enough to become your daily lid
Trying to find that perfect beanie that you can run in during the morning and climb a mountain with on the weekend can be tough if you haven't looked at the Minus33 Merino Ridge Cuff. Minus33 uses lightweight Australian Merino Wool to give us an athletic, slim-fitting beanie that is very versatile. Soft and comfortable, the natural fibers also provide a warm, breathable hat that can wick away moisture and dry quickly.
This beanie's tight-to-the-head and thinner build may not be the look for everyone, and while it is weather-resistant, it is not a thick hat, which can lead to getting a chill in high winds. Overall, this hat is a multi-tool, great for keeping in your pack list for any excursion or your daily use around town.
Shallow depth sits high on larger head sizes and may not cover ears
Stitched cuff does not allow for adjustment for the wearer
Looking for a hat to keep that melon feeling snug and warm? The OZero Winter Daily Beanie has your name all over it. This hat has a wool-like polyester fleecer liner that would leave you hard-pressed to find anything softer to cover your head this winter. The double layers of synthetics keep this one warm and smooth all day through.
One of the downsides to the Winter Daily Beanie that we found was the depth of fit. On a longer or wider-shaped head, it may not offer the coverage you need. Also, the cuff is stitched into place and can't be adjusted. If you have a larger head, this can leave you wanting more from this cozy piece of headwear. If you are in the medium to a smaller size or prefer a smaller hat on a bigger head, this beanie is perfect for cold winter days when you want to be super warm and comfy and look good doing it.
Lined with cloud-soft polar fleece, OZero's Winter Daily Beanie is one beyond comfy. The cuff is stitched in place, but that is only a problem for larger head sizes looking for a little more coverage and depth. Otherwise, you are in store for one heck of a warm and oh so comfortable day wearing this one.
Sits far on top of head when cuffed, not very secure on the head
Coarse material has a rough feel
Thin knit and minimal coverage struggles in wind and colder weather
The SATINIOR Trawler has an old-school look you might expect to find on a longshoreman by the port. A small folded cuff lends to this style, while the ribbed construction looks sharp sitting high on the head. Fully acrylic construction lends to a capable hat, and the smaller size is perfect for a moderate day or tossing it in a coat pocket.
While the smaller fit may have an aesthetic appeal, it's a handicap for performance. The material is thin and rests far too high on the head. Even when you unroll the cuff, the beanie struggles to cover the ears. With the cuff in place, the absence of stretch and a smaller design means you'll constantly have to readjust to keep the beanie in place. For all these reasons, the Trawler is not suitable for braving the elements. This style is best for a casual city stroll or perhaps a saunter in the woods on a mild day.
The Satinior Trawler is much more of a casual wear than many of the others we tested. Without much depth, the Trawler sits way up high, and while it can be rolled down, it takes away the look that it is shooting for without providing enough extra coverage to matter. Decent to look at, this one is fine for the beginnings of cooler weather when it is more of an outfit choice than a necessity.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
How We Test Men's Beanies
We wore these beanies in all kinds of conditions and tested the most important factors in considering which we would choose to wear and why. Our testing program was comprised of five main performance metrics: comfort, fit, looks, quality, and warmth. We had folks of many head sizes and shapes try on each hat. We assessed their construction quality, examining seams, stitching, and stitching. We wore these hats during frigid winter days and cool fall days, testing many different variables and subcategories to get an in-depth look at exactly what these beanies can do.
Why Trust GearLab
Our expert team is led by upstate New York resident Trevor Everts. A former Marine and professional firefighter, Trevor knows how to put gear to the test and has done so through some of the most extreme conditions the world has to offer. Beanies are a staple of the Northeast U.S. for more of the year than not, and we were able to use the unpredictable climate of autumn in New York to apply our testing metrics to this year's top picks.
Testing took us out on some super cold days where the wind had our team trying to go back into our turtle shells, but on these days the Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat never failed to perform for us and keep us going
Side by side comparison meant that every beanie had the same rigorous testing and competition, making sure our results maintained integrity and as much objectivity as possible. Here the Connectyle Classic Men's Warm Winter Hat and the OZero Winter Daily Beanie got ready to face off in some of our field tests
When we say we test all head sizes, we mean it. The Satinior Trawler may be a smaller beanie, but it was still a bit to big for our team's four legged tester
Analysis and Test Results
Our rigorous side-by-side testing in all kinds of weather allowed us to experience firsthand how these beanies perform. The top models were rated on their performance through a battery of tests, taking place everywhere from the couch to town to the mountains. Our testing process is built to help you identify the most important factors in a product and determine which models hold up to our critical standards.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Comfort and Wearability
One of the most important factors in wearing any piece of clothing is how it feels. A beanie might be a part of your wardrobe in any condition, and no matter what, it needs to stay comfortable the whole day through. We tested each beanie for comfort and wearability in a test of duration. Each was worn over many consecutive hours, through hot and cold, sun and rain, in casual as well as physically demanding conditions to provide the most thorough testing possible, ensuring you could find the most comfortable and wearable beanie to fit your needs. We assessed for itchiness, softness, coarse or smooth fabrics, and long-term wearability.
Connectyle's Classic Men's Warm Winter Hat has many of our favorite traits in common with The North Face's Salty Dog Beanie. While it may be missing the high quality and jersey liner of its counterpart, Connectlye has a great runner-up in wearability as this thick-knit champ does not bend or break in comfort and comes at a nice price point. Some of the premium style and features that put The North Face into the top spot for wearability may not be there, but this one certainly won't let you down this season.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Feeling comfortable and staying that way is important to us, so this metric held a lot of weight in our testing. Both The North Face Salty Dog and the Connectyle Classic went above and beyond in this category. Each is built with wide rib stitching, using heavy yarn to make a thick and cozy hat that stays comfortable all day. This construction gives these beanies a nice soft feel and enough flex to fit well on most sizes without ever constricting. The liner of The North Face beanie is so comfy and smooth it really takes a level above the rest, while the Connectyle is a great runner-up in comfort for the price.
Thick-knit of this high-quality soft acrylic thread makes the shell of this beanie an absolute top-tier hat, and the jersey cotton liner, with a hint of elasticity, puts The North Face's Salty Dog beanie above and beyond in the comfort category. Our testers wore this beanie all day long and it never once became uncomfortable or itchy as it sat perfectly in place as long as we needed it due to the light stretch that's built in
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Some of these hats fell short in the comfort category. The Top Level Cuffed ranked lower in this metric with its itchy material and tightness that felt constricting over time. Satinior's Trawler beanie was lowest on the list in comfort as it simply didn't sit well on most heads. Along with a coarse material that was itchy and rough, this one just didn't meet our standards.
The Top Level Beanie Cuffed Plain Skull Knit does exactly what a beanie is supposed to do - keep you warm. There is no doubt that this beanie won't fail when protecting you from the cold and the elements
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Fit and Sizing
All of the best traits of your gear just won't cut it if it doesn't fit. Our heads come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect beanie for yours is easy when we test them for you. Each beanie was tried and tested on all differently sized noggins to find that just-right fit. The depth of the hat, the width of the opening, and the cuff's adjustability (or lack thereof) were all identified to find the best fit for everyone. Once we found out how the beanies fit, we tested them thoroughly over long periods of time to make sure the hats stayed in place and maintained their fit without loosening up or causing tight spots at any time.
Super stretchy, we found that the Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat can fit any head we throw in it. Never overly compressed, and never loose, this beanie fits unbelievably well.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
If it doesn't fit well, you won't want to wear it. The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie and the Meriwool Merino Cuff beanie were hands down our favorites when it came down to it. Each of these beanies was built to adapt to different head sizes, so we had no problem getting everyone to love these hats. Carhartt has quality knitting that stretches and constricts easily without tension to sit just right on almost any head size or shape. The ease and light stretch of Meriwool's merino material gives a snug fit without any squeeze for all sizes as well. Each hat can be rolled and folded to make any wearer happy and give them a custom feel.
Expert stitching, perfect seams, and top quality material, Minus33 has making a great product down to a science with the Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Our crew found that our two lowest-ranked hats in this category had similar disadvantages to them. The OZero Winter Daily Beanie is a shallow fit that does not provide ear coverage for larger sizes. The stitched cuff doesn't allow for adjustment of fit, in addition to a narrow opening, which can get a bit snug even on smaller sizes. Again, the Santinior Trawler sits too high and too shallow on small sizes, while in some cases looking plain silly on larger sizes, and it sits on the crown of the head only.
Meriwool's Merino Wool Cuff Beanie has the natural flex of merino wool, and adjustability that makes it a great fit. Our testers had no problems with the secure fit as it never became too tight
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Aesthetics
Finding a piece of gear you love is great, and it's even better when you love the way it looks. Our panel of experts and gearheads rated each beanie's appearance side-by-side to find out which ones would have you looking your best. We looked at the materials used, the color choices, the branding, and each beanie's overall aesthetics to determine which ones were the most stylish.
Two peas in a pod, The North Face's Salty Dog Beanie, and Carhartt's Acrylic Watch Hat both looked so good they needed one photo together just to show off.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
No one wants to look bad in what they wear, so we used an expert panel to pick out which men's beanies will have you looking tip-top this season. Our top hats in style and looks came in as the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie and The North Face Salty Dog Beanie. We found that no matter what your activity or style, everyone loved the look of these beanies.
Our testers didn't find too many of the beanies to be unappealing, but some were perhaps not for everyone. The Satinior Trawler has a particular style and wasn't suited to many needs aside from a casual outfit. The Top Level Cuffed hat was by no means unattractive, yet it was lower in our rankings as it was very nondescript and plain, with no standout traits in appearance.
The SATINIOR Trawler Beanie is a little more form than function. On the smaller and thinner side it won't do much in the way of keeping you warm should the weather turn, but if you're looking for a dock-worker aesthetic and very minor protection from the elements this beanie will do just fine
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Craftsmanship and Quality
When buying any product, you hope to purchase one that can be trusted to last. The small details are important as they tell you how much thought and effort went into making a quality piece of gear. To assess quality, we thoroughly examined the material choices, assembly, and sewing of each hat and its durability over time.
We went out on a limb to identify the Under Armour Stealth Tactical Beanie (discontinued) and the Minus33 Merino Wool Cuff Ridge Beanie as two of the most well-made beanies around.
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Knowing you have a solid product is important, and we went through vigorous testing to pick out beanies that were durable enough to withstand the test of time. We loved the Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie, which is made to last with high-quality merino wool and a well-designed assembly.
Some of the beanies we put through our thorough testing did not hold up as well as others. Quality and construction seemed to be lacking on the Satinior Trawler. It ranked lowest here, with lower-quality materials and a rough seam. The Connectyle Classic also ranked on the low end due to the internal seams being a bit more haphazardly put together than many others and the pilling that occurred after a relatively short period of time.
The rough and unrefined construction and lesser material quality in the Satinior Trawler leave this beanie on the lower end of our quality scale
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Warmth
Cold-weather gear is all about keeping yourself warm. To this end, we want a beanie that will ensure we get and stay warm, so we tested each one at a wide range of temperatures to determine which ones worked best. Testing in the Northeast U.S. over two months of changing fall weather allowed us to experience temps anywhere from 5°F to 72°F. Various activity levels and durations of time outdoors were used to assess just how warm each beanie was.
If it's time to wear a beanie, chances are the temperature is dropping, and you're looking to keep warm. We evaluated which beanies keep you the warmest and which ones might leave you running back to the campfire. We love the Meriwool Merino Cuff. With heavy-duty but slim-fitting merino wool, this one regulates your temperature like none other. When you're heating up, it can breathe and wick to cool you down, but when the cold gets harsh, this one keeps you nice and warm. The Top Level Cuffed was also at the top of the list. With its 100% tight-knit acrylic build, it may not be the most breathable, but it gets super warm and stays that way even in the worst weather.
The Satinior Trawler once again hit the lower end of the ranking. Its shallow depth, thin material, airy weave, and lack of coverage just didn't cut it in any amount of cold.
OZERO's Winter Daily Beanie has no problem turning up the heat. The polar fleece lining leaves you as toasty as you can be, and after plenty of cold days outside, our testers were happy to put this one on
Credit: Lindsey Sweeney
Conclusion
Our men's beanie review was designed to help you find the perfect hat to match your lifestyle. Over months of hands-on testing, we assessed each cap's comfort, warmth, fit, aesthetics, and craftsmanship, and our in-depth analysis revealed the strengths and weaknesses of each product to help you discover the features that are right for you. Countless hours went into the research and testing to ensure we could help you pick out the right beanie for your needs this winter and beyond.
