8 London Travel Writer-approved Balaclavas From Amazon

Balaclavas and snoods have become a part of my day-to-day life. Whilst living through the brisk, long Scandinavian winters, and traveling to both poles of the earth for my work, I learned the hard way what did and didn’t work to keep my face warm and dry. Until I found this magic solution, it could be cracked skin, chapped lips and general chills on my face and neck. Now that I’m living back on my home turf in London town, the climes might not be as unforgiving, but that wind, rain and smog sure can weather my skin and make me feel extremely cold. I am ultra moody when I drop to a certain temperature.

I’ll always remember the soft lambswool snood a friend gifted me on my first Christmas in Denmark and the huge difference it made to my bike rides and other outdoor adventures. Since keeping a collection of various balaclavas clean in my sock drawer now for some seven years, I am always outdoors-ready. With it, there’s no need to haul up a turtleneck or coat collar in the nippy wind or rain. It’s cleaner, chicer, and can be a great style addition to any outfit. 

GoxRunx Fleece Neck Gaiter

I have this in various colors, but my favorite is the red one. It’s part fairytale, part practicality that’s best for chilly, dry days, adding a cutesy, vibrant pop to any dark outfit. I’ve especially enjoyed adding this furry little number to all-black outfits in cities like Berlin and Copenhagen, where I’ve lived to see entire winters without a smidgen of other colors in people’s accessories. The drawstring closure comes in handy while biking across town, but expect at least one Little Red Riding Hood joke per day. The polyester-viscose fabric blend makes this durable and stretchy, but not so elastic that it loses its flattering, gentle oval shape around the face. 

Icebreaker Merino Balaclava

With this one, we’re going in with the real deal, the full monty. The 100 percent wool will feel toasty and comforting on the frostiest of journeys, whether you’re walking or biking amongst the elements. The beloved fabric is moisture-wicking yet breathable, and so delicate on the face and neck. There’s even a nice ventilation flap and a double-layered headband for a customizable fit. 

Fullshield Knitted Merino Mask

Made with a wool-acrylic blend, the snowy white shade makes for a cheery and stylish winter accessory, especially on snow days — which come rarely to London. I love to wear this ribbed, uplifting number when blading in various parks or walking around Hampstead Heath after a cold dip. Covering most of the face and surrounding eye area, just be sure to wash with your other whites to maintain its bright shade.

BlackStrap Hood Balaclava Face Mask

For a sporty athleisure vibe, this balaclava provides elegant coverage on bitter days, especially while in transit on a moving vehicle that’s exposing you to more than a gentle breeze. Made with a pull-down ventilator hatch and SPF 50-infused fabric, the fabric is especially good for outdoor adventures on cold, sunny days.

BlackStrap Team Hood

Designed to fit perfectly under or over a helmet for biking or blading, this breathable option can even be worn over your favorite scarf to lock in heat. For me, a major bonus to this one is its odor-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric. Made with a more structured design than other flexible options on this list, it’s the most wind-resistant of the bunch.

Quartz Co. Nola Andean Wool Balaclava

A little higher up in the price mark, this is made with 100 percent responsibly-sourced Peruvian highland wool that’s eco-certified, along with being 100 percent charming and cozy. I love the fluffy cut and face-framing style of this. The black colorway is the most wearable and versatile, but the baby blue and oatmeal shades are sure to add a certain Gilmore Girls, pumpkin spice vibe to your winter outfits.

Angels Button Woolly Rib Balaclava

I adore this, and would wear it every single day. The neutral shade, small buttons, and uniquely stylish shape at the nape of neck combine to make this an easy accessory to style with any look — making it a great option for cold weather trips. Crafted in Spain, the wool and alpaca blend gives this  some warm and durable weight without sacrificing a soft, flexible feel.

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