Whether your winter is mild or extreme, be prepared (and stylish!) with these best winter accessories for men.
As a California-born bloke, I often get asked by friends from home how one can stay stylish during New York winters (where I live now). Interestingly, it only occasionally gets mildly colder than usual during LA “winters.” Still, Angelenos can get equally as confused dealing with the change, fashion-wise.
Meanwhile, those of us with real cold seasons are sometimes subjected to trying to make a giant, shapeless jacket look good.
That being the case, this guide really applies to almost anyone regardless of what your winter entails.
The best winter accessories for men are, of course, predominantly functional. So that’s the initial prerequisite. Still, today’s round-up consists of some of the most effective, easy to wear and use, and good-looking accessories you can get now.
Men’s Winter Accessories: Cold Weather Essentials
Before I get to some specific recommendations, let’s talk about what you’ll need in general. Again, for those of you who live in warmer climates, you might not need all of this, so take that into consideration.
Winter Boots
Depending on where you live, this may just mean a pair that can handle wet terrain or uneven terrain. And sometimes, your hiking boots will do the trick. But for really snowy areas, you’ll need snow boots that are slip-resistant enough for slush and grippy enough for packing snow.
For extremely frigid climates, you’ll need insulated boots.
A Pair of Gloves (or Two)
You might consider fingerless gloves if where you live isn’t that cold or detachable mitten tops if you need agile and full-motion use of your fingers.
Winter Hats
You can go for thick beanies on the coldest days. Trapper hats provide a great outdoorsy look, while winter cabbie hats have a country gentleman aesthetic.
Fur hats are another, more controversial and more pricey choice. They are the warmest option out there. Other options for headgear are ear warmers or earmuffs if you don’t want to ruffle your coiffed hair.
I could go on, but instead, I’ll direct you to this hat roundup guide.
Thick Socks
Socks with a thick gauge pair well with heavy boots, and they’ll keep your feet warm and protected.
There are a lot of types of socks out there, for winter I’d generally recommend long, thick, wool socks.
Scarves
Scarves keep your neck warm, and they add a style factor to your outfit. You might also consider a neck gaiter for especially cold days when you want to cover your face. Gaiters are great for running in cold weather.
Base Layers
Long johns or thermal underwear help keep your body heat, well, on your body. Even on days that aren’t especially cold, it’s good to have just a regular undershirt on for extra protection. During winter, random gusts of wind are always around the corner.
Lint Roller
It’s the season for darker clothes and wool! Keep it fresh and lint-free using a lint roller or a line brush.
Merino Wool Anything
I’m talking sweaters, scarves, jackets, anything. Merino wool is truly one of the best cold-weather fabrics. It regulates temperature; it’s moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and yet still breathable.
Leather Anything
Leather is a year-rounder, but it’s definitely in its natural habitat during the winter season. It can sometimes be too heavy for the summer and look rugged or sleek, depending on the accessory.
Plus, who doesn’t love a leather jacket?
Winter Accessories for Men: Some Recommendations
Here are some great pieces you can shop for!
Asket Wool Coat
Depending on your personal style and how intense your winters are, there’s a wide range of coat styles you can go for. Check out our guide to outerwear for short men for more info on that!
However, we love the Asket Wool Coat because it’s classic, practical, and can really be incorporated into anyone’s closet.
The cut and tailoring are classic, while the cut-away collar gives it a clean and modern aesthetic. This makes it relevant-looking yet trend-resistant. The Italian twill fabric, which is a felted double twill, is fray-proof, soft, and durable. Also, the raglan back sleeves make it secure yet easy to move around in.
Carl Friedrik Watch Straps
Wintertime means ditching those cold stainless steel metal bracelets and going for a season-appropriate leather strap for your watches.
Carl Friedrik offers a Classic Watch Strap and a Modern Watch Strap. Both are versatile and beautifully cut. However, the former is more dimensional and formal, while the latter is clean-lined and minimalist.
Still, both are made with elegant Vachetta leather, which is strong and will patinate with age, with stainless steel buckles. They also come in three adaptable, handsome colorways.
Leather Cream
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs moisturizing during the winter. Since it’s the season to break out all of your best leathers, make sure you’re taking care of them with leather cream.
I like this one because it has carnauba wax and lanolin. The former is a common ingredient in leather conditioners because it softens and adds shine to its surface. Lanolin, meanwhile, keeps the leather pliant.
Bombas Merino Wool Socks
I love the Bombas Merino Wool Socks because they add polyester for durability and elastane for stretch to the formula. It’s perfect for partnering with winter boots and even loafers during the fall.
And Bombas makes these great packs in winter neutral shades. If you’re feeling festive, check out their Holiday Socks too.
Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
This pair is one of my favorite leather glove sets on the market. It’s a classic silhouette, built with luxurious full-grain leather. This means it’ll break in before ever breaking out.
Even more, the inside is lined with soft, warm cashmere. This adds a temperature regulating factor without extra bulk.
And since this is the 21st century, the thumb and index fingers are smartphone friendly. Who doesn’t hate having to keep taking your gloves on and off just to scroll a bit?
Dakine Titan Gore-tex Mitten
The Dakine Gore-tex Mitt is our top pick in our round-up of favorite mittens (check it out when you’re done here!).
It’s a modern, performance-forward mitten with a cool, techy look. It’s made from 55% recycled polyester and has a rubber palm. This means you get a topnotch grip while protecting you from extreme cold and moisture.
The Amberjack Boot (Moderate Winters)
For moderate winters, I highly recommend the Amberjack Boot. It’s really a year-rounder, but its comfort-focused outsoles are effective for long winter walks.
The removable insole features a heel that’s three times thicker than regular memory foam insoles. It holds your heel the same way a work boot does, so you get a combination of softness and stability.
Style-wise, the slick silhouette combined with its rugged sectioned-off look would look great with a tech-forward performance jacket or a dashing peacoat.
The North Face Chilkat 400 (Heavy Winters)
For heavier winters, check out these heavy-duty Chilkat 400s from The North Face.
The full-grain leather construction is equipped with a shell made of molded TPU and a waterproof membrane. The combination provides security and protection from the elements.
It’s also wildly insulated, with a brawny lugged sole that provides excellent grip on snow. This, plus its cool, performance-forward look, makes it both useful and stylish.
Asket Wool Cashmere Scarf
Eco-driven minimalist brand Asket makes a beautiful wool and cashmere scarf. It’s luxurious, 100% recycled, and long enough to be styled in different ways while keeping your neck or body warm.
Of course, it comes in winter-friendly neutrals, including snow-like beige and classics like black and navy.
Carl Friedrik City-Hopper Backpack
Honestly, any of Carl Friedrik’s leather bags are perfect year-rounders. However, this backpack is worth spotlighting because of how unique its design is.
It’s casual and sporty enough for everyday wear but still luxurious and classy enough for the office. Since this is Carl Friedrik, it’s made out of the best leather from Spain and India, including buttery nubuck and lush Vachetta.
Bombas Long Underwear
If you live anywhere with a real winter, long underwear is a must. Bombas makes premium base layers that are made out of modal.
Modal is extra soft, extra strong, and far more absorbent than regular cotton. This is because specific long fibers are hand-picked before being woven together tightly. Bombas then adds a touch of spandex in there for stretch and comfort.
Basically, this long underwear will keep you warm while you’re out but won’t overheat when you’re indoors.
Carhartt Cuffed Beanie
If you want a basic but effective beanie, go for Carharrt’s. It’s made out of 100% acrylic, which is strong and insulating, and it comes in every color under the sun.
I’m talking basics like black, white, and navy, as well as brighter colors like “thistle” and “jade.” There’s something there for everyone.
Land’s End Expedition Hat
The Land’s End Expedition hat is both practical and great-looking. The fabric is tough and waterproof, while the faux fur lining is warm and cozy — it also adds to its explorer-adventurer style.
It’s completely insulated, machine washable, and even has an adjustable chin strap to really lock that hat in.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about men’s winter accessories!
How can I stay warm and stylish in winter?
Choose gloves and outerwear that keep you warm, complement you and are in line with your personal style. If you’re a more formal person, leather gloves and sleek leather boots are a good option. If you have an outdoorsy personal style, go for an expedition hat and work boots.
What is a winter accessory worn on the head?
To keep your head warm, you can wear a beanie, a face insulator, ear muffs, or performance ear warmers. There’s a wide range of pragmatic and style options when it comes to winter headgear.
How can I look attractive in winter?
In addition to choosing accessories and clothes that are both stylish and warm, don’t forget to moisturize. I’m talking about your face, hands, and lips — keep that lip balm on your person always. Winter can dry out your skin and hair, so this is paramount in staying comfortable, healthy, and, yes, even attractive.
Conclusion: Be Prepared
If you have a more moderate winter, you’ll probably only need a few of these essentials: the light boot, maybe a scarf, and perhaps the socks.
In New York, where I live, I need most of this stuff. I don’t always need a heavy-duty snow boot, but we’ve had our fair share of winter vortexes here throughout the years.
Just remember to be prepared!
What kind of winter accessories do you need where you live? Are there any special pieces you need specific to your region? Let us know!
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