It's High Time You Invested in a Better Beanie

You don't have to be doomscrolling for very long to realize that beanies are one of the most important parts of any man's winter wardrobe. Particularly if you consider your taste a cut above. Because, let's be honest, a good beanie can do a lot of heavy lifting. It can rescue a questionable hair day (if you're lucky enough to still have any), pull an otherwise bog-standard fit together, or even serve as a not-so-subtle indicator of your sartorial standing.Of course, finding the right beanie isn't quite as straightforward as it might seem. There's the question of fit, for starters. Do you like yours pulled right down over your ears, or are you more of a short, above-the-ear watch-cap type? Are you after something with a bit of slouch, or do you prefer a closer fit? These might sound like minor details, but anyone who's spent a winter looking a bit daft in the wrong beanie will know they matter.Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.Beanies have always had a more seasonal thing going on. More of a cold-weather companion than an everyday fixture, they tend to be fished out just as the temperature starts to dip. Still, most of us have our preferences. Some are fiercely loyal to the same style year after year, while others are happy to experiment with a different shape, knit, or fit. The question is, which one will you be wearing this winter?The Scruffy One The poor beanie can only really go so far. Its ability to wow is limited by the nature of the very thing. This one, though? This one is cool. Norlha has given the humble beanie a bit of a shake-up with its laddered knit, which makes it look like it's been through the wars in the best possible way. It's made from 100% yak wool, too, so it's not exactly your run-of-the-mill head warmer. A little rough around the edges, and all the better for it.The Sk8r OneSpeaking of comebacks, Supreme has been having a pretty good run lately. The once-untouchable skate label has found its way back into the wardrobes of fashion's more clued-in crowd, and collaborations like this one are part of the reason why. Teaming up with Polartec, Supreme has given the humble beanie a fleece upgrade, making it a nice departure from the usual ribbed wool affair.The Dimensional One mfpen is usually good for taking familiar wardrobe staples and giving them a little twist. This beanie is no exception. The ribbed wool construction is nothing out of the ordinary, but the mix of brown and beige gives it a bit more going on than your standard one-color affair. Sometimes that's all you need.The Cheap(er) OneNot every beanie needs to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, unless you're particularly precious about what's going on your head, there's a pretty good argument for keeping things simple. This Zara number is a straightforward rib-knit style in a dark khaki shade. No bells and whistles, just a decent beanie and plenty of change left over for something else.The Short King OneAt some point along the way, beanies got shorter and our ears got colder. The short watch cap is a bit of a throwback to that era, although Universal Works makes a pretty good case for bringing it back. Made from British wool, this one has a close-fitting shape and folded cuff that leaves your ears to fend for themselves. Not exactly the one to reach for when the temperature really drops, but if you like your beanies on the stingier side, this is the one.The Technical OneNot every good beanie needs to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes a decent color combination and a logo in the right place will do just fine. This Arc'teryx number ticks both boxes, with its two-tone knit and familiar bird embroidery. It's the sort of thing that’ll work just as well with a technical jacket as it will your everyday winter get-up.The Hand-Me-Down OneThis is the traditional one. Cable knit and a shade of green that feels like it should come with a pint of Guinness. It's got a distinctly old-school feel to it, the kind of beanie you'd expect to find in a family photo from 40 years ago, only a little less moth-eaten. Made in Scotland, too, so it's not messing around when it comes to its knitting credentials.The Niche OneJapanese design outdoes itself once again. If you know RoToTo, chances are you know it for its socks. The label has built a pretty serious reputation for its knitwear, too, and this waffle-knit watch cap is a good example of why. Made in Japan, it takes the familiar watch cap shape and gives it a waffle-knit construction that feels a bit more considered than your average beanie. Hey, sometimes it really is the little things. Some Strong Contenders:How We Test and Choose ProductsStyle means different things to different people, but knowing what's worth your money shouldn't be a guessing game. At Highsnobiety, we’ve spent more than two decades covering fashion, keeping tabs on the brands worth knowing, and figuring out which products deserve your time. We test products firsthand when possible, digging into everything from quality and construction to comfort and wearability. With more brands competing for your attention than ever, we also consider what sets a product apart. For the rest, we lean on our product knowledge, editorial research, and the taste that’s made us a trusted voice in fashion.Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit our SHOPPER page and subscribe to the newsletter for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.