There is something kind of outlaw-ish about wearing a balaclava: they make me think of armed bandits, and Pussy Riot, and for a long time I thought they were way too much of a statement for me to pull off. But I think they’re pretty perfect for the moment we’re in: they provide extra protection for the mouth and nose area (though I’d never skip a mask), and they’re super-effective against the cold. Also, they’re getting much cuter: I’m especially enamored of this leopard print number by Sweaty Betty.
Here’s a pretty utilitarian choice. I like this green but they also come in what could be black but I think is dark grey.
The stripes and extra-big pompom make this spendy cashmere option quite covetable.
I found this hand-knit one on Etsy, and think it looks just as cozy as you please.
Here’s a pretty sporty one from ski apparel brand Perfect Moment.
And here’s a bonus extra sixth one: I purchased this adorable specimen from a newish brand called Matek after seeing it worn by the ever-chic Stella Bugbee—former editor of The Cut—on her Instagram stories. I love the built-in cap, and it also comes in a few colors, including this really good green.
Anyone else getting guilty pleasure out of masks and balaclavas doing an awesome job of covering up one’s jowls and double chin?
There was one cold day this winter when I was walking the dog when I thought, “I have to get one of those balaclava* or whatever the hell you call ’em.”
Some of these were super cute!
They’re cute but do you carry on wearing it in the restaurant/grocery store/art reception, or do you take it off and deal with the aftermath of grab bag hair?
Sincerely,
Me and my kinky/curly/straight/frizzy/flyaway hair
PS I deal with this to a lesser extent with a regular toboggan.
I like the ones with a big enough opening to pull down the chin for quick jaunts indoors, in the before times. Some are even big enough to pull down the whole thing, like a turtleneck. That is great for grocery shopping. For staying indoors for long periods, off it comes. Explanation to anyone who cares? “Hat hair!” They have it, too.
For serious outdoor activity like sledding, the less skin exposed, the better. Choose one with a narrow opening. But wait for the Artic vortex to go away first.
I have the wavy, frizzy hair to which you refer. I use hair oil or serum while my hair is freshly washed. Spray hats with static spray, or rub a dryer sheet inside for static control. And say, “Hat hair” a lot.
Very timely when we’re stuck in a polar vortex and this is exactly what people are wearing to avoid the “frostbite in minutes” warnings. The one from Sweaty Betty is my favorite. Kim saves Canada!
I am quite intrigued by that last specimen and a few other things at the Matek site. Like, a dik-dik is the strangest thing I’ve come across in a while.
Marek is a cool, newish company. I have their onesie base layer and not only is it warm but I’ve received a few compliments on it being flattering … not something you’d usually associate with a onesie!
Balaclavas are super warm even if they give you a whole different level of “hat hair.” Another point on the plus side is I find myself frequently tugging my knit hat down over my ears only to have it ride back up minutes later––obviously, a balaclava solves this problem.
In my house the roll up issue is referred to as “condom hat” because we are classy.
The real condom hat is one I saw on a train in Glasgow, where a kid literally pulled a condom over his head for the ride.
My husband still talks about this, 25 years later.
Size XXXXL?
fantasy league condom
That’s hilarious.
Ok….to be honest, I was all like “Huh? Maybe Kim has been at this a bit too long and needs a break” until I saw the green one and now I’m like “Hmmmm, maybe this could be a thing….” And, for some reason I am fixated on the jacket in the last picture even though I can’t see most of it.
I am getting a very sock monkey vibe from the tan cashmere number with the red stripe….unsure if that is good/bad thing…
This made me laugh on a day when I haz the sadz — thanks!