If You Ask Me, This Acne Studios Beanie Is the Only One Worth Having in the Winter

Beanies are essential winter accessories, yet I never gave much thought to them until two years ago. Before that, I got by with a generic style that did the job well enough but wasn't anything I'd write home about. I never questioned my choice, because I didn't care much for winter fashion at the time. The goal was to stay warm with whatever layer I could find in my closet. But as seasons went by and we started experiencing freezing temperatures earlier in the winter, the flimsy beanie I owned just didn't cut it anymore. It didn't shield me from the wind, and I'd often experience headaches as a result. So I started paying more attention to the fabric of my winter clothes and accessories.

Nothing was the same when I stumbled upon the
Acne Studios Pansy Logo-Patch Wool Beanie ($141). I'm not one to rave about a relatively simple black beanie, but this design was a game changer. After just a few wears, I gave away all my other beanies, so it quickly became my everyday, wear-everywhere winter hat.

Clearly, Scandinavian designers and
Acne Studios founders Jonny Johansson and Jesper Kouthoofd know how to brave cold climates, because they made the perfect beanie. It's knitted from chunky-weight wool that effectively insulates you from these unforgiving temperatures, keeping your head and ears snug. I now know that not all beanies are created equal, because this one proves that your winter accessories can deliver in style and warmth, without being itchy. I could wear it for hours, and my hair will be in the same condition as before putting it on, without any excess sweat. The brand's recognizable emoji patch is also a playful addition, infusing personality into what would otherwise be a regular beanie. All the features come together nicely, creating a cozy classic that works for bad hair days and cold spells alike.

For a small accessory, I do acknowledge that the price is on the higher end. But if you're looking to invest in one beanie (and one beanie only) when it's cold, the splurge will pay off as you'll turn to it season after season. After two years of wearing it almost every day in the winter, it currently shows no wear and tear, and it continues to protect against the cold (which is the most important factor for me). Trust me, it's the only beanie you'll need to brave chilly days, and once you invest in it, you won't have to replace it for years. The perfect beanie does exist, and I can confidently say it's this Acne Studios logo-patch wool beanie.