How to Wear a Balaclava — Yes, Stylishly

What’s a balaclava, you may ask? Traditionally, we associate it with skiers, snowboarders, race car drivers, and certain safety officials, but this piece of headwear is now stepping into the spotlight of fashion. With renowned designers launching their own stylish versions, an increasing number of people are embracing its distinctive look. The balaclava scarf creates a sleek barrier against chilly winter weather as it offers nearly full face coverage. And while it might seem challenging to incorporate this accessory into your everyday style, it's actually simpler than you might think. The knit balaclava trend comes in various fabrics, shapes, and designs—easy to find your fave and create versatile outfit pairings. Team a chunky balaclava with a wool sweater and jeans, if you feel cozy. If you're aiming for something polished, opt for a cashmere balaclava paired with a blazer and mini skirt for a business-casual ensemble.

This granny-chic accessory has been on the fashion radar for a while, but it feels particularly relevant now—not just as a means of warmth but also as a playful way to explore practical fashion choices. The balaclava’s recent comeback can be linked to the resurgence of ski-inspired fashion, as high-end brands launch their slopes-to-chalet collections this season and include this best winter hat in there.

​Balaclavas are a fantastic way to elevate any basic winter outfit and add a touch of warmth to your look. Check out some of our favorite styling ideas for this trendy headpiece below!

With long coat

Our first look takes the comfort of loungewear and lets it step outside. We pair a soft knit balaclava with a cardigan and matching trousers to create a cocoon of warmth, so to speak. Our goal here is to feel natural. Topped with a long wool coat, the outfit shifts from indoor ease to winter-ready confidence—the kind of look you’d wear after the slopes, on a slow city walk, or anywhere comfort is part of the plan.​

The foundation of this outfit is the knit set by Lisa Yang—the Cashmere wide-leg trousers and the Cashmere cardigan. We pair it with the Relaxed double coat from House of Dagmar and, of course, a matching balaclava.

With puffer jacket

On the slopes, color rules. In the city, it’s a different game. Pairing a balaclava with a puffer jacket in the same tone keeps the look clean, calm, and intentional—no need to compete with the surroundings. It’s a reminder that our scarf hat is more versatile than it looks, shifting easily from bold ski gear to refined urban winter dressing.

Our look is gonna be edgy black, with the Lightweight padded jacket from Moose Knuckles and the Cashmere balaclava from Lisa Yang as main characters.

With matching knitwear

This is the kind of outfit that thinks for you. A balaclava styled in the same tone and knit as the rest of the look reads like part of a set—intentional, calm, and put-together. It’s practical winter dressing for slow mornings and busy days alike—warm, minimalist, and clean—nothing extra to figure out before stepping outside.

Check out this grey knit set by Lisa Yang, featuring the Relaxed-fit cashmere trousers, the Textured knit cardigan, and the Knitted balaclava, made with the same idea in mind—to give as much comfort as possible. This look can also work with basic Cashmere hats, if you are up for something more understated.

With knits and boots

Think of this look as winter harmony. A balaclava, cardigan, trousers, and sturdy boots—they work through texture, despite the contrast. These pieces may feel different, yet they speak the same language, and we see it in neutral tones and easy silhouettes. After all, winter dressing doesn’t need sharp edges to feel considered. And here is our proof.

Team the Cashmere zip cardigan by Lisa Yang with Fracap’s Fur suede boots, and don’t forget your hero cold-weather accessory—the Cashmere balaclava.

With sportswear

This is where the balaclava feels most at home. Paired with a sweatshirt and sweatpants, it leans into its original purpose—protection and ease of movement. The balaclava was actually made for active conditions—first worn by soldiers during the Crimean War to shield against harsh weather—which explains why it works so naturally with sportswear today. Practical by design, it’s a reminder that some of the best style ideas start with function.

We suggest pairing your balaclava with the sporty set from Aeronautica Militare, featuring the Flock-trim interlock sweatshirt and the Patch high-waist sweatpants. Perfect for an active lifestyle, this set also gives off a modern, fashionable vibe.

As part of knit accessory set

A knit accessory set is your styling shortcut. A balaclava, Cashmere gloves, and bandana Scarves can sharpen tailored trousers, relax denim, or add unexpected balance to a skirt. Such knit details are having a moment—not because they’re extra loud, but because they let you play with proportion and mood until the look feels right. The same goes for how to wrap a scarf around the head. You should try it, tweak it, and repeat.

Lisa Yang’s Brushed bandana and the Turn-up cuff gloves from FTC Cashmere work as beautiful partners in style; just add your balaclava to the mix to make it utterly perfect.

As part of the after-ski look

Après-ski is that in-between moment—skis off, jacket still on, nowhere to rush. A balaclava with a puffer, a slim knit, and soft trousers just makes sense here. It keeps the warmth where you still need it but looks relaxed enough to settle into the rest of the evening. That’s why it works so well—the balaclava was made for winter, and après-ski is winter at its most human.

The Shearling puffer jacket from Moose Knuckles and the Roundneck fine-knit top by Lisa Yang make for a trustworthy base. Enhance the look with the Knitted balaclava—and relax into the slow evening after the day on the slopes.