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The 9 Best Wool Beanies To Keep You Warm & Cozy

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by Andrea Hannah and Danielle Calma
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Best wool beanies
BublikHaus / Shutterstock

Whether you’re wearing it for fashion or function, a wool beanie is a worthwhile staple to have in your closet, especially as temperatures begin to dip. The best wool beanies are essential accessories during wintertime, and some can transition well to warmer seasons as well. To find the best wool beanie for you, pay attention to the fabric blend and overall design.

Since wool beanies can be made in a variety of fabrics in addition to wool, it’s important to check the label to be sure you get exactly what you want. For example, a cashmere-wool beanie may be softer, but they also require a bit more care (and tend to cost more), while an acrylic-wool blend isn’t usually quite as soft, but will hold up well over time. And keep in mind, the nicer the fabric blend the more likely it is that you’ll have to hand wash it. For many cashmere-wool blends or even 100% wool options, the designer or manufacturer will recommend you hand wash your beanie.

Another thing to consider is your personal style. If you want a hat you can wear with anything, a basic wool beanie is always a great choice. But if you want something a little different, you could go with a slouchy option or even a warmer beanie with a cute pom on top. You can also find beanies with built-in visors, soft linings, or Bluetooth headphones.

Finding a high-quality beanie that’s both stylish and made from genuine wool can be really tricky. Here’s a roundup of some excellent picks which Amazon reviewers have worn and loved to help you narrow down your options.

1. This Fan-Favorite 100% Merino Wool Beanie

More than 4,600 Amazon reviewers have given this basic wool beanie a perfect five-star rating, and shoppers have sworn by it for everything from daily wear to outdoor adventures. A perfect fit for just about any weather, it's made from 100% merino wool that feels lightweight and breathable. Its generous length allows you to wear this beanie with the bottom folded over or pulled down over your ears. It even has a UPF 50+ rating which can block up to 98% of ultraviolet rays. Plus, this beanie comes in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect style for you. This beanie is machine washable, making it extremely easy to care for.

According to one reviewer: “I love this beanie! [...] While it is thin and lightweight, it is warm and comfortable in sub-freezing temps. The merino wool blend is very soft and not scratchy in the least. Very pleased with purchase!”

Available colors: 20

Also available on: Walmart, $23

2. This Cashmere-Blend Beanie With A Slouchy Style

This slouchy beanie is made from a luxe cashmere blend that’s soft and durable, with a relaxed fit that's easy to wear in a variety of ways. This lightweight beanie will keep you super warm, and comes in 11 different colors you can choose from. Plus, the price makes it a steal for a real cashmere blend. In part due to its luxe fabric blend, this beanie should be hand washed or dry cleaned only.

According to one reviewer: “I was looking for a hat for those cold days you need a little more warmth, didn’t want to end up over heated, and wanted it cute too. These are perfect, I love the slouchy look and don’t feel like my head is in a vice. I now have 3 different colors and all where true to the pictures.”

Available colors: 13

3. This Cable-Knit Beanie That’s Made From Pure Irish Wool

This cable-knit beanie is made from 100% merino wool and features a beautiful Aran knitting pattern. This wool beanie isn’t scratchy or itchy, and comes in five different colors. And, because Aran Crafts makes a whole variety of matching warm wear (sweaters, scarves, and gloves), you can get a scarf or sweater to match. The manufacturer recommends you hand wash this beanie and lay it flat to dry.

According to one reviewer: “I bought a hat like this while in Ireland and accidentally put it in the wash where it shrunk. This was a perfect replacement -basically the same hat. It's a soft wool that fits an average head-so many hats are too tight and slip up while you wear them. Not this one.”

Available colors: 5

4. This Wool Beanie With Smooth Satin Lining

This 100% wool beanie isn’t just made to keep your head warm. It’s lined with satin, which can help prevent tangles in your hair. The stretchy band makes sure it’s snug, and the hidden drawstrings let you modify it so that it’s the perfect size for you. While some reviewers have mentioned it runs small, others wrote it’s just what they needed. One reviewer described it as “very warm and protective during harsh winter weather.”

According to one reviewer: “Glad I purchased this hat. It is great for your hair and also keeps you warm. I plan to buy another one.”

Available colors: 1

5. This Budget-Friendly Pack Of Cuffed Beanies

You get two fisherman wool beanies for under $20 with this set, making it the most cost-effective option on this list overall. They’re constructed with an even 50% split of wool and acrylic, and one reviewer described them as “soft and stretchy.” Just keep in mind that these hats, like many fisherman beanies, feature a shorter design that might not cover your ears — but that’s also what makes them look so charmingly retro. The packs come in several color combinations, so you’re likely to find a pair that best suits your wardrobe. Plus, the beanie’s ribbed construction and wide cuff will add visual interest to any outfit.

According to one reviewer: “I absolutely love how fitted the beanies are, I have a smaller head and I always have that additional up top, but not with these, I love them, warm, cute, and definitely worth the purchase!”

Available colors: 8

6. This Smartwool Beanie With A Pom On Top

This thick wool beanie features a cute pom and has a single-layer cable knit design. Don’t be fooled by product listings, this beanie is made from Smartwool’s signature fabric blend that’s 50% acrylic and 50% merino wool which offers all the moisture-wicking benefits of merino wool blend with the durability of acrylic. This beanie is even machine-washable, making it one of the most low-maintenance wool hats on the market.

According to one reviewer: “This hat keeps my head very warm in our Chicago winters. Doesn’t feel heavy or tight on my head like other hats I have tried before. I forget I’m are wearing it because it’s so comfortable. When it gets wet from the snow I just lay it flat and it drys fast without loosing it’s shape. Smartwool is the way to go to be comfortable and warm.”

Available colors: 2

Also available on: Smartwool, $38

7. This Wool Beanie With A Visor For Sunny Days

This brimmed beanie is a hybrid between a regular beanie and a baseball hat. It has a visor to provide your eyes with extra protection but features a cable-knit design that’s constructed with 100% wool to make it a comfortable option for the winter months. It also has a lining made with soft fleece to add more warmth. (It’s worth noting that one reviewer reported the lining is an ear band rather than a full lining.) There are four hues to pick from — no matter the hue you choose, you should plan to hand wash it.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, give this wool-acrylic beanie a try instead.

According to one reviewer: “I purchased this cap for a trip to a cold area. The wool is very warm and I love the small brim. Excellent fit and superior quality. Highly recommend.”

Available colors: 3

Also available on: Coal, $38

8. This Wool Beanie With Built-In Wireless Headphones

This innovative beanie has built-in headphones so that you can listen to music or talk on the phone with ease. Using Bluetooth technology, it links up with your smartphone and provides up to 13 hours of wireless playtime. It’s made with a soft blend of 30% wool, 40% acrylic, and 30% polyester. One reviewer described: “Clean looking beanie with great sound quality. Quick charging. Good fit.” Plus, you can remove the speaker and toss the hat in the washing machine when it needs a thorough cleaning.

According to one reviewer: “Very nice [...] Clean looking beanie with great sound quality. Quick charging. Good fit.”

Available colors: 1

9. This Extra-Cozy Wool Hat With Ear Flaps

On extra-cold days, this beanie with ear flaps can provide your head and ears with crucial cold-weather protection. The hat is made with 100% wool — plus it has a fleece lining and braided tassels, which you can tie around your chin for a secure fit. Choose from patterned options in color schemes of black and white, blue and green, or red and navy blue.

According to one reviewer: “This hat [is] great. Made of wool, really warm but not itchy because it has a fleece lining. All other hats I’ve worn, I was always pulling them down to cover my ears. With this one, my ears are nice and warm all the time. BEST HAT EVER!”

Available colors: 3

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