Balaclavas Are This Winter’s Most Stylish Accessory

Fans of Sandy Liang will recognize the designer’s hallmarks in this wool-blend piece, including a dainty bow and frilly crochet trim. One fun bonus is the inclusion of a ponytail hole in the back; flat hat hair, no more.

Direct from Gigi Hadid’s cashmere brand comes this icy blue balaclava, which is made from a combination of wool and cashmere that’s truly insulating. It also comes in a fire-truck red.

Prefer to keep your winter accessories simple? Paloma Wool’s terracotta design is completely unadorned, save for some pretty button detailing at the back. The sleek silhouette should be easy to tuck into coats or under bulky scarves.

Or, use your balaclava to add pizzazz to an otherwise standard ensemble: Molly Goddard makes one from mohair that’s decked out with a sizeable floral appliqué at the collar.

Try a two-tone accent with Damson Madder’s delicate pointelle hood, which is made from 100 percent recycled polyester.

There’s something charmingly retro about a bonnet, and this one—made from thick plant-dyed wool in a bold wine hue—serves as a polished finishing touch to any outfit.

If your priorities are practicality and budget, look no further than Organic Basics’ pared-back piece. It comes in three colors in an unfussy, ribbed design.

Dotted with tiny gold studs for a 3D patterned effect, Chloé’s merino wool piece can be worn three ways, as a balaclava, a neck warmer, or a hood. Take your pick, depending on the temperature.

Butter yellow is our go-to hue for a soft bit of color that won’t overpower a neutral outfit. Nanushka’s soft cashmere hood features a twisty knit pattern.

If you’re going to invest in a designer balaclava, it may as well be from The Row. Here, pure Italian-made merino wool combines with an extra-long silhouette (it doubles as a dickey) for one option that’s guaranteed to keep you warm.

Ruffles and an appliqué bow team up for an ultra-feminine piece. But, aesthetics aside, the tighter fit here around the head and neck will trap heat better than a looser style.

Equipped with a drawstring for an adjustable fit, this fuzzy cashmere hood feels extra-cozy.

We found the antidote to sad winter weather, and it’s this punchy red cashmere balaclava. It’s Little Red Riding Hood without the wolf drama.

Marni’s colorblock balaclava is perfect for the indecisive dresser; it’s punctuated by intricate blanket stitching—a tiny detail that makes the bold two-tone design less severe.

Stand out from the crowd in a graphic cashmere knit from Danish brand Ganni. It has three ties up the neck, which both help make it adjustable and pull the whole thing together (no pun intended).