Red Equipment USA
Red Equipment USA

How To Style A Beanie - Tips For Winter Adventurers

Written by Luke Green /

When the temperature drops but the next adventure still calls, you need reliable and cosy outdoor gear to perform at your best. A beanie is an essential accessory for all kinds of outdoor activities in these conditions - and it’s also a focal point of any wintry outfit or look. Different colours and types can all be styled to reflect your personality and ensure that you get the most out of your time in the great outdoors, whether that’s paddleboarding, hiking, or taking a dip in the cold winter water. 

No matter what your winter adventures entail, our guide will teach you exactly how to style a beanie and what to consider when picking out your new beanie for the chilly conditions.

Choosing Your Beanie

The first step in styling a beanie is always choosing the right headwear in the first place. The aim is for your beanie to accompany you on a wide range of adventures this winter, so it has to fit you comfortably, keep up with your performance demands, and look great in the process. 

As you filter through different beanie styles, consider the following:

  • Fit - If your beanie isn’t comfortable, you’re never going to want to wear it and won’t get to appreciate the warmth benefits it brings. Think carefully about whether you want a really snug fit to cling to your head and offer an experience akin to a hug, or whether you’d prefer a looser, more airy fit and relaxed style.
  • Material - When adventuring is the plan, you need to think carefully about the type of material your beanie is made from. Sustainable materials like merino wool or recycled polyester are good choices as they are both eco-friendly and high-performing, keeping you warm without the bulk.
  • Your style - Don’t get so lost in the practicalities of wearing a beanie that you fail to choose one you actually like the look of. Your headwear is a chance to express yourself, so think about what you might want to wear with your beanie and choose colours and patterns that match.
A woman wearing a eddy beanie, stood in front of a beanie, looking to the side
A man and woman sat outside eating, feeding their dog, wearing their long sleeve pro change robe
A man wearing a burgundy beanie looking at the camera

Styling Your Beanie

One of the best things about beanies is their versatility. A beanie is the go-to accessory for an almost endless amount of outdoor activities and occasions and can be styled in a multitude of different ways. Here are our three top ideas for styling your beanie this winter, tailored to some of the most popular activities you might have planned.

Paddleboarding Beanie Looks

There’s no doubt about it, paddleboarding in cold weather is exhilarating. However, if you’re braving the cold on your stand up paddle board you’ll need to layer up. A lightweight, comfortable beanie like the Eddy Recycled Beanie is the perfect pick. Its snug fit will stay secure even when breezy conditions hit, while the array of different colours and classic rib knit add a pop of colour when paired with your waterproof jacket and thermal layers to stay warm and dry.

Before and after your paddle, throw on an Eddy beanie with a cosy hoodie, insulated jacket or fleece-lined changing robe. Its compact but well-made design will ensure you stay cosy without bulk and can move seamlessly from paddling to grabbing a hot drink with your pals post-paddle. 

Wearing A Beanie Hiking

With hiking adventures on the cards, you need to rely on your beanie to handle all kinds of weather conditions. Knowing how to style a beanie for hiking can be tricky when there are both crisp mornings and uphill sweats to balance, but this is where choosing the right headwear really is vital.

Enter our Merino beanie, designed with naturally moisture-wicking merino wool to keep you comfortable no matter the pace or incline. Pair with a breathable, active jacket and you’ll have no problem staying warm without overheating as you push forward. The versatile navy design also allows you to add other pops of colour or patterns to the rest of your outfit so that your photographs stand out when you reach the summit, lake, or somewhere in between. 

Beanies For Open Water Swimming 

For the bravest open water swimmers, winter simply signals the continuation of normal habits. Those who do brave the water in cold conditions will know that post-swim warmth is non-negotiable and our Flow Organic Cotton Beanie is just the ticket for looking great and avoiding the afterdrop.

As soon as you get out of the water, style yours with a long sleeve waterproof changing robe (we love the Stone beanie and Sage Green changing robe combo!)  for the ultimate blend of comfort and complementary tones. You can count on the beanie’s chunky rib construction to lock in warmth while its organic cotton material feels soft against your skin.

A woman wearing the navy merino beanie looking into the camera
A woman wearing the long sleeve changing robe and flow beanie, paddling in the river
A man wearing a navy flow beanie, sat on a rock beside a river

Bonus Beanie Advice

If there’s one thing our years of adventuring have taught us, it’s that there’s no harm in packing spare kit. Even the most carefully planned beanie looks can fall foul to slips and splashes and it’s always reassuring to know that you have a dry beanie safely stowed if you need one. Given that they’re small and lightweight accessories, you should have no trouble finding space in your waterproof kit bag

Whatever you’ve got planned, we hope this guide has helped you decide how to style a beanie this winter. Don’t forget to explore our full range of carefully made headwear, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any styling or sizing tips!

Related articles