TEN BALACLAVAS
TO FACE THE COLD IN

Having started as a jewelry brand, AMBUSH has an affinity for accessories. While protection against the elements is an innate function of the balaclava, there’s a lot of room for playful creativity too. A shaggy fabric and added ears ensure that this black balaclava brings a sense of fun to winter ensembles.

A chunky rib knit never goes amiss when the mercury drops. The structural knit works perfectly for this MM6 balaclava, tempering the asymmetrical cuts so as to balance form and function. Thanks to a versatile gray palette, styling this ski mask is light work.

Cut from lightweight, water-repellent FUTUREFLEECE™, this The North Face ski mask epitomizes the functionality of the accessory. Windproof panels to each side bolster the protection while white logos punctuate the black build. Unimposing in nature, this is ideal for both urban and wild environments.

With workwear roots, Carhartt WIP is a very safe bet if you’re wondering where to buy a balaclava. A substantial rib-knit build eschews major detailing in favor of versatility. At less than $50, it’s hard to pick a problem with the Carhartt WIP ski mask.

Carne Bollente’s Robite balaclava is woven using brushed alpaca for a hairy, textural finish. Combine that with a flowing jacquard graphic throughout and the result is a typically eye-catching piece from Carne Bollente. Featuring a full face opening, this knit balaclava is less restrictive but won’t offer optimal protection, making it ideal for city wear.

Residing on the polar opposite side of balaclavas to the strict, functional options from The North Face and Carhartt WIP, this Henrik Vibskov iteration finds its character in loud, colorful excess. Contrasting textured stripes in clashing colors make for a head-turning take on the once-utilitarian accessory.

If Little Red Riding Hood was set in the modern day, she’d likely opt for something like this dramatic Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY balaclava. Resplendent in bold red, the mohair-blend piece drops down to the shoulders, opening up so many options for layered looks. The ears, of course, are becoming a signature for the LOVERBOY imprint.

POST ARCHIVE FACTION has asserted itself as one of the brightest stars in the Korean luxury fashion scene with a signature blend of experimental cuts and high-tech tooling. This zipped ski mask perfectly embodies that balance with toggled sections and a zip running along the neck to allow the wearer to experiment with the proportions and fit.

Wool has never found a place in the world of fetishwear for some reason, but Rick Owens’s eye for subversion has found a way to integrate fetish into the world of knitwear. This full face covering features just two eyeholes and four metal eyelets to the mouth by way of openings, so it’s lucky that it’s made of soft, comfortable cashmere.

Proving that the balaclava is not intrinsically menacing, Gimaguas’s soft pink Alice balaclava is even finished with a bow accent to the neck. Colorful accessories like this go a long way in winter, adding a lighthearted spin to the inevitably darker and heavier outfits that the colder seasons demand.