Knitted hoods are fashion's favourite accessory for winter (again)
The one accessory we're seeing all over our Instagram feeds this winter? Knitted hoods, or, as the fashion set dub them: ‘balaclavas’. Yep, we're just as surprised as you are, but as said crowd seem to have adopted the retro silhouette into their cold weather repertoires for yet another year running, we're keen to follow suit.
Not only are they being styled by our favourite influencers and celebrities, but they've also found a place on the catwalks of major designers. Last year, for autumn/winter 2022, Miu Miu styled their “woollen helmets” with puffer jackets, snow boots and - unsuspectingly - party dresses. Simone Rocha did the same, contrasting their signature girlish frocks with knitted headwear, and Khaite took their classic cashmere approach to the design. And this year, thanks to some solid Fashion Week street style inspo, they're all over the high-street.
From cashmere and merino wool offerings à la H&M and COS, to chunky knit and brightly coloured designs from ASOS, you'd be hard pressed not to see someone in a balaclava this season.
Instagram content
So, whether you find yourself reaching for a balaclava with practicality in mind (i.e. for keeping you warm during this particularly cold spell), or simply to add a bit of retro flair to your outfit, we've taken it upon ourselves to source the ones that we think are worth styling.
From runway-ready bold takes to winter sports-approved snoods, find the best, most fashionable balaclavas of the season below.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Why we love it: Topped with a fluffy pompom, this face hole balaclava is one for the fashion mavens. While it may not be practical to wear beneath a ski helmet, it is something you'd want to be seen in après-ski.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: If you're looking for a balaclava to suit your winter colour palette, but you don't want the usual black or grey suspects, then this dusty blue shade will work perfectly.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Pure cashmere? From H&M? We were just as surprised as you, but this knitted hood comes from their Premier range and is miraculously still in stock.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Looking for a black balaclava ski mask? Joseph has got you with this face cover meets neck warmer. It's 100% cashmere, too, so you can guarantee it'll keep you cosy.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: It's not made of anything like wool or cashmere, but it's so soft it may as well be.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Knitted from cashmere and traced with a contrasting white trim around the face, this design nods to traditional 1940s iterations.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: One thing's for sure, this cable-knit balaclava will go with all of your best knitwear.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
Why we love it: Bright in colour and bold in design, you'll certainly make a statement with this knitted hood from ASOS's unisex brand COLLUSION.
Save when you shop for the best balaclavas with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
