Women's Beanies
Women's beanies for winter walks, cold mornings and everyday warmth, from fine merino knits for active days to cosy cuffed styles for town. Our range features Arc'teryx, Just Another Fisherman, The North Face and Patagonia.
Merino and technical knits keep you warm without overheating and fit neatly under a hood, while thicker knits give more warmth for standing around in the cold. A slouchier or uncuffed beanie leaves room for a ponytail or bun. Pair a beanie with a warm fleece or puffer jacket and you are set for the coldest days.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or click and collect from our Grey Lynn store or Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's beanies
Which beanies suit long hair or a ponytail?
A slouchy or uncuffed beanie gives more room at the back for a ponytail, bun or plenty of hair, and sits more comfortably than a tight, shallow knit. Some styles are designed with a ponytail opening. If you wear your hair down, a fine merino beanie sits neatly without flattening it as much as a thick, heavy knit. A merino or fine-knit beanie also causes less static and frizz than acrylic, which many women with long hair prefer in dry winter air.
What beanie is best for running or other active winter exercise?
A thin, breathable merino or technical beanie is best. It keeps your head and ears warm while letting heat and sweat escape, so you do not overheat once you warm up. Thick acrylic or chunky knits get hot and damp during exercise. A close-fitting beanie also stays put better when you are moving fast. A beanie with a reflective detail or a bright colour also helps you be seen on dark winter mornings, and a thin knit fits under a hood when it rains.
Are fleece-lined beanies worth it?
If you feel the cold or spend time standing still outdoors in winter, yes. A fleece lining adds a soft, warm layer and helps block wind, which makes a big difference on exposed sidelines, ski fields or frosty mornings. For active use they can feel too warm, so many people keep a lined beanie for cold, still days and a thinner one for exercise.
How should a beanie fit so it stays on?
A beanie should cover your ears and sit snugly without pressing or leaving a mark on your forehead. Too loose and it rides up or falls off when you move; too tight and it gives you a headache. Fold-up cuffs let you adjust the depth, and knits with a little stretch hold their place better on smaller heads. If a beanie keeps riding up, a slightly deeper style or one with a cuff you can fold down over your ears usually solves it.
Which beanie is the most versatile for everyday wear?
A medium-weight merino or merino-blend beanie in a neutral colour works almost everywhere: warm enough for winter walks, breathable enough for active days and neat enough for town. A classic cuffed or slightly slouchy shape suits most outfits. If you only buy one, that is the style to choose. Merino is also naturally odour resistant, so it can be worn day after day on a trip or through winter without needing to be washed often. Darker colours hide wear between washes.
Are wool beanies itchy?
Modern merino beanies are much softer than traditional wool, because merino fibres are very fine and feel smooth against skin. Most people find them comfortable even on the forehead and ears. If you have very sensitive skin, look for a superfine merino or a beanie with a soft inner band, and avoid coarse, chunky wool knits. A beanie with a fleece or merino headband inside the brim gives a soft feel right where the knit touches your forehead.