Swap Your Winter Hat for a Balaclava: The Most Functional & Fashionable Winter Accessory

The balaclava fashion boom is real. Shop the cutest options from Free People, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and more.

By Alexa Vazquez Nov 15, 2025 12:00 AMTags
balaclava hero image.jpgCourtesy of Free People

Every winter, we search for chic ways to stay warm. This year, the quest for that search has ended thanks to the fashionable and functional balaclava trend.

Don't know what a balaclava is? Here's a little crash course.

Once reserved for winter sports, like skiing, balaclavas are basically wearable hoods that keep your neck, head, and face warm and cozy in the cold (think ski mask, just way cuter).

Recently, they've transitioned from the slopes to the streets. The balaclava trend emerged last winter, and now, everyone from celebrities to influencers are rocking them, making it the cold weather accessory you never knew you needed.

In addition to providing added warmth, balaclavas make a major fashion statement. Whether a colorful hand-knitted balaclava from Etsy, a Free People bonnet with a cool grandma essence about it, or a model off-duty hooded scarf from ASOS, you'll look effortlessly cool.

Get your hands on the cutest cold weather accessory of the season with these chic balaclava picks from Anthropologie, Amazon, and more.

Stilldawn Hooded Scarf Beanie

This ribbed balaclava has a drawstring cord for an adjustable fit. At less than $10, it's an absolute steal.

Free People Balabonnet

How adorable is this knit bonnet with a self-tie bow? It comes in several cute colors.

Urban Outfitters Cow Print Balaclava Hood

Bring fall's cow print trend into winter with this balaclava, which has a contrasting red trim.

By Anthropologie Faux Fur Trim Bonnet

With its faux-fur trim, this bonnet is giving all of the winter wonderland vibes.

Old Navy Rib-Knit Balaclava

This affordable ribbed knit balaclava has a simple design, which means that it pairs well with almost every outfit.

Colorful Crochet Balaclava

Everybody will be asking where you got this colorful hand-knitted crochet balaclava.

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Senllen Fleece Balaclava

Gone skiing? This sherpa fleece balaclava will keep you warm and toasty on the slopes.

Free People Rose Frost Hood

Channel your inner cool grandma with this balaclava featuring a knitted rose pattern and wooden toggle closure.

Kari Traa Saga Knit Balaclava

This balaclava with a jacquard-knit pattern (complete with cute sheep) is made from soft merino wool.

Crochet Balaclava

The navy and cream color way of this patterned crochet balaclava is so chic.

ASOS DESIGN Knit Hooded Scarf

Get the best of both worlds with this hooded scarf that keeps your head and neck equally warm.

Shop dove grey: the soft winter neutral you’ll be seeing everywhere this season.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.