20 Best Beanies for Men 2021

There was a time when I collected a whole mess of beanies. To clarify, they were Beanie Babies, a craze in the ’90s that many thought would appreciate in value. The hat of the same name, however, didn’t fall into my register. I had a coif that I liked to show off, with a swirl in the front that was unmissable. If I did cover my head, I reached for a beret, because I was a plucky kid. But now that my hairline has receded a few inches and and I prefer a combo of function and form, I have come to find that, unlike the stuffed toys, the insulating chapeau would’ve been the better investment.

Beanies are familiar to all at this point, I think, but in case you’re looking to categorize them, they’re brimless, close-fitting caps that do the most in retaining heat. They are usually made of knitted fibers: wool, cashmere, and sturdy cotton blends being the go-tos. Those that live the life aquatic (Steve Zissou, anyone?), in particular, have adopted the style—so much so that fisherman beanies, which are marked by their shorter stance and big cuffs, are a major subcategory unto themselves. But the style isn’t just relegated to seafarers in coastal areas. From skateboarders to preppy fellas to Candy Man, all different kinds of subcultures have embraced the cap.

The beanie is certainly the best option to wear in chilly environments, and has stood the test of time because of this. Even if you don’t sail, skateboard, or prescribe to any of the aforementioned looks (I certainly don’t; well, maybe Candy Man, but that’s a different story), you’re going to need one to brave the blistering cold. Indeed, a beanie will pay dividends tenfold. So make sure to cop one or more of the styles below now, before they sell out when winter officially sets in.