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Knitted hoods are the winter trend everybody’s wearing — the 15 best to buy now
Introducing the season's snuggest trend
Knitted hoods – also known as balaclavas, bonnets and snoods – have quietly become one of fashion’s most enduring accessory obsessions.
Once a purely practical cold-weather staple, they’ve been reworked into a style statement that sits perfectly between cosy and cool. Think face-framing silhouettes, soft-touch yarns and details that feel intentional rather than functional. It’s no surprise they’ve become a go-to for fashion insiders, street-style stars and anyone looking to elevate their everyday outerwear.
Johnstons of Elgin Waffle Stitch Cream Cashmere Hood
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Rise & Fall Women's cashmere merino knitted hood
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Guest in Residence Cable-Knit Wool and Cashmere Balaclava
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Their rise has been fuelled by a wider love for tactile, craft-led fashion. As hand-finished knits, heritage techniques and nostalgic silhouettes continue to dominate wardrobes, knitted hoods tap neatly into that mood. They offer a refreshing alternative to hats and scarves, delivering warmth and comfort in one streamlined piece – with zero risk of losing either.
Versatile by nature, knitted hoods work just as well styled with tailored coats and leather trenches as they do thrown on with puffers, bombers and chunky knits. From ribbed and fitted designs to fluffy alpaca blends, tie-front bonnets and statement stripes, there’s a version to suit every aesthetic and budget.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best knitted hoods to shop now – spanning high-street favourites, cult brands and luxe investment pieces. Consider this your definitive guide to the accessory everyone’s still wearing, and will be for a long time yet.
A seriously luxe winter warmer, this waffle-stitch cashmere hood from Johnstons of Elgin is an investment you’ll reach for year after year. Crafted from the softest pure cashmere, it’s lightweight yet toasty – perfect for layering under tailored coats or chunky knits when the cold really sets in.
This hood went viral recently – and it's kinda easy to see why. Made from a super-soft blend of Mongolian cashmere and merino wool, it comes in seven colours, but we've got our eye on this gorge navy blue shade.
COS is delivering on cosy-chic with this ribbed wool-cashmere balaclava in a rich burgundy hue. Soft, warm and bang on trend, it’s the kind of elevated winter accessory that looks just as good peeking out from under a tailored coat as it does styled with an off-duty puffer.
Thanks to our girl Gigi Hadid for gifting the world with her colourful luxe knitwear brand, Guest in Residence, which offers this stun hood in a warm shade of caramel-brown. The style has a retro skiwear vibe but will look just as good paired with your fave wool coat and fashion trainers on a casual winter Sunday.
This alpaca balaclava hood from Arctic Fox is a winter layering dream. We’re into the soft, fuzzy texture and that glacial lake blue shade, which feels fresh but still totally wearable with your everyday coats and knits.
A proper cosy classic, this Whitby bonnet from HERD is crafted from 100% British wool and it really shows. We love the soft moss green shade and traditional tie fastening, making it a timeless, countryside-coded piece that looks just as good styled up in the city.
This ribbed balaclava from H&M is proof you don’t need to spend big to look chic in the cold. Knitted in a soft cream rib with a practical drawstring front, it’s a versatile winter staple that works just as well with a tailored coat as it does a cosy puffer.
This wool bonnet from Damson Madder is the kind of statement hood we love for winter layering. The charcoal shade keeps it wearable, while the sweet floral detail and tie-under-the-chin fastening give it that playful, fashion-girl edge we’re always drawn to.
A great lightweight option if wool isn’t your thing, this soft knit balaclava from Organic Basics is comfy, breathable and perfect for year-round wear. The matcha green shade feels fresh yet neutral, while the mid-weight organic cotton blend makes it ideal for layering without overheating.
An easy everyday staple, this oversized balaclava snood from Pieces is perfect for low-effort winter layering. The light grey melange shade goes with pretty much everything, while the slouchy fit gives it that effortlessly cool, throw-on-and-go vibe we’re very into.
A fashion-girl steal, this knitted balaclava from Claudie Pierlot is currently sitting pretty in the sale. Inspired by '80s New York Yuppie style, the soft lilac hue feels playful yet polished, while the jewel button detail adds a mischievous, dressed-up touch. It also comes in a spring-ready butter yellow if you’re already thinking ahead.
A forever classic, this fitted cashmere hood from & Other Stories is one of those pieces you’ll wear on repeat all winter long. Crafted from ultra-soft cashmere in timeless black, it’s sleek, cosy and perfect for layering neatly under coats and scarves when the temperature really drops.
Try treasure trove Etsy for handmade and unique styles. Etsy shop LilyemKnit creates these made-to-order knitted mohair balaclavas in a range of different colour combos, each one as stylish as the next.
A cosy classic with a playful twist, this knitted hood from Boden ticks both the cute and practical boxes. We love the soft Fair Isle-style pattern and handy tie fastening – perfect for keeping warm on blustery winter days without sacrificing style.
Another hand-knitted beauty available on Etsy, this green Balaclava style includes face covering that is guaranteed to keep you nice and toasty.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
Kara Kia is the Ecommerce Editor for Women's Lifestyle at Hearst UK, leading Cosmopolitan UK's digital shopping strategy across fashion, beauty and lifestyle. With over eight years of experience as a journalist and editor, Kara specialises in skincare, makeup, haircare and helping women find their personal style — trying and testing every product she recommends. A trusted voice in fashion and beauty ecommerce, Kara's most-read guides include the best wedding dresses under £1000, the best affordable jewellery brands, the best Korean skincare products, and the best products for curly hair. She also covers major shopping events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day for Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. Kara previously held the role of contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar UK; before joining Hearst, she was Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER's Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and wrote for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine. An experienced interviewer, she has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles and Tyla about life, work and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and formerly based in Toronto, Kara now lives in London. Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
