I've Lost Count of the Number of Knitted Bonnets I've Seen on Instagram

We love a good Marmite trend here at Who What Wear, and one of our favourite pastimes is getting stuck in a meaty fashion debate, even if it is via Slack. Well, we might only be five days into 2022, but the fashion sphere has already delivered a juicy winter accessory trend that has well and truly divided us editors. Love it or loathe it, knitted balaclavas are taking over this January. 

Initially embraced by a few experimental fashion lovers, the trend gathered momentum as the mercury dropped in December, and I quickly lost count of the number of balaclava-clad individuals I spotted on Instagram, including fashion royalty Alexa Chung. From colour-pop pink to classic beige, it's been fascinating to see how different style personalities have championed this curveball trend. It's certainly a handy solution to the current cold snap. 

But what do our editors think? Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi is well and truly on board. "On a practical level, I'm someone who gets really cold ears, so any trend that helps combat that through the winter months is pretty welcome," she explains. "From a fashion perspective, however, I like how kitsch and more of a statement this is in comparison to, say, a very basic beanie. It can frame your face quite neatly and, if I choose the right colour, really lift my tired, dull winter skin!" 

I'm afraid to say that I am more ambivalent. While I can definitely see the retro charm of the trend, I fear that my short hair will get lost in the balaclava's cocooning fit, and the result being less fashion, more naked mole rat. Who knows? Maybe if I found the right colour and shape (I do like the looser fit of Alexa's blue-and-white iteration), I'd be more convinced, but for now, I'll stick with my trusty colourful beanie.

What do you think about the knitted balaclava? Scroll down to see how other influencers are styling theirs, and shop the best styles. 

I love the green of this balaclava against the classic tan shade of the shearling jacket.

If in doubt, stick with neutrals, such as grey and black.

For a more homespun look, experiment with colourful crochet fabrics. 

There's something very Bond girl about a cream beanie paired with a patent trench coat.

Add a pop of colour via a fuchsia bonnet à la Aude-Julie Alingué. 

Proof that the balaclava trend looks just as good in the city with a puffer and printed trousers.

Shop Our Balaclava Edit

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