Balaclava: what it is and how to incorporate this winter's top trend into your looks

There are accessories that go from being purely functional to becoming the absolute stars of any look. This is the case of the balaclava, that hat that covers head and neck and that has jumped from the ski slopes to the streets of the city. If this winter you've been wondering what a balaclava is or how to integrate it into your everyday style without losing sophistication, you're not the only one.

What we used to associate with mountain sports or very cold destinations has been reinterpreted in an urban key, with new textures, colours and shapes that dialogue with long coats, knitwear and coordinated accessories. The balaclava has become a symbol of enveloping comfort, but also a very contemporary style gesture.

In the following lines we review the origin of this piece, its evolution to become an object of desire and some ideas to wear it with intention: from coordinating it with your coat to playing with colour combinations and adding matching gloves.

What is a balaclava and why is it so popular?

Before we start thinking about combinations, we should define what a balaclava is. It is a piece of knitted or technical fabric that covers the head, neck and, in many cases, part of the face, leaving only the eye area or the oval of the face uncovered. Traditionally linked to extreme cold, today it is reinterpreted with softer silhouettes and materials that are pleasant to the touch and fit into the urban routine.

In fashion terms, the balaclava works as a frame for the face: stylises, focuses attention on the eye and generates a very graphic effect when combined with structured coats or minimalist garments. It is an alternative to the classic beanie, but with a more enveloping and contemporary feel.

In addition, its design helps to keep warmth in evenly, which is particularly interesting on windy days or on long outdoor trips. This mix of functionality and aesthetics explains why it has conquered catwalks, street style and personal wardrobes. The key is to choose a model that exudes comfort and accompanies your style, rather than disguising it

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From the trenches to the catwalk: the origin of the balaclava

To understand the current trend, it is useful to look back. The balaclava takes its name from the battle of Balaclava in the 19th century, where this type of knitted hood became popular among soldiers to protect them from the extreme cold. It later became a natural part of winter sports equipment and outdoor activities, always associated with thermal protection.

The leap into fashion came when brands and designers began to reinterpret this functional piece in more sophisticated materials and carefully chosen colour palettes. From the traditional chunky knit to versions in fine wool, blends with alpaca or cashmere and finishes that dialogue with tailoring, long coats or coordinated knitwear.

In recent years, its presence on catwalks and in editorials has reinforced the balaclava trend as a conscious gesture of style: to keep warm, but with an aesthetic intention. The result is a piece that maintains its protective essence, but also becomes an accessory capable of defining the character of a look.

How to choose a balaclava according to your style

If your style is minimalist and you're looking for discretion, the versions in neutral tones - grey, black, beige, tan - in plain knit will be your best allies. They blend easily with fur coats, trench coats or sober down jackets and give a polished finish without stealing the limelight from the rest of the look.

If, on the other hand, you like the idea of making the balaclava the focal point of your outfit, go for saturated colours or subtle details: marked ribbing, soft jacquards, contrasting piping. In this case, the rest of the outfit can be more restrained, with garments in a homogeneous palette that let the accessory speak for itself.

Ideas for combining the balaclava in your day-to-day life

One of the great virtues of the balaclava is its ability to adapt to a variety of outfits. In an urban context, it works well with masculine long coats, straight jeans and leather boots, creating a balance between understated and modern. The contrast between a structured coat and a soft knit balaclava adds a relaxed but calculated touch.

On a more casual note, you can integrate it into casual weekend looks with sweatshirts, joggers or baggy jeans and trainers. The key here is to maintain a consistency of textures: knit, fleece and cotton dialogue with each other and reinforce the sense of comfort. If you work in a creative environment, an outfit with a relaxed knit balaclava and clean sneakers can be an interesting formula for colder days.

For outdoor plans - long walks, getaways, trips - the balaclava becomes a practical ally combined with women's down jackets, parkas or anoraks. In addition, as it covers the neck and head, it allows you to do without a scarf in many cases, simplifying the outfit without sacrificing warmth.

Combining colors and accessories: the detail that makes the difference

Beyond the garment itself, the success of the balaclava trend is in the details. Coordinating the colour of the balaclava with the coat or a key piece of the look creates a sense of intentional ensemble. You can opt for an identical shade for an almost monochromatic effect, or a variation within the same range (e.g. olive green, beige and sand, and anthracite) for visual depth.

Accessories also play an important role. Combining the balaclava with knitted gloves in the same shade reinforces the "set" idea and adds a neat finish. Another option is to introduce a slight contrast: gloves in a complementary shade that add a point of interest without breaking the overall harmony.

A trend that goes beyond the cold

Although it was born as a strictly functional piece, the balaclava has established itself as an accessory that speaks of style, comfort and a certain attitude. Adding it to your wardrobe doesn't mean giving up on sobriety or elegance; on the contrary, it can be the detail that updates your usual combinations and adds a contemporary touch to your winter looks.

Within the winter 2026 trends, the balaclava is positioned as one of those pieces capable of connecting functionality and aesthetics in a single gesture, reinterpreting the way we understand warm accessories and women's hats. If you feel like exploring new codes without making radical changes, starting with accessories is a simple and effective way to renew your style. And the balaclava, with its mix of protection and character, is one of the most interesting pieces to do so this season.