Balaclava: what it is and how to wear this winter's star trend

There are accessories that go from being purely functional to become the absolute protagonist of any look. This is the case of the balaclava, that hat that covers head and neck and has jumped from the ski slopes to the streets of the city. If this winter you have asked yourself what is a balaclava or how to integrate it into your daily style without losing sophistication, you are 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, colors 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 color 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: stylizes, 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 evenly, which is especially interesting on windy days or on long outdoor journeys. This mix of functionality and aesthetics explains why it has conquered catwalks, street style and personal closets. The key is to choose a model that breathes 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. Later, it was naturally incorporated into winter sports equipment and outdoor activities, always associated with thermal protection.

The leap into fashion came when firms and designers began to reinterpret this functional piece in more sophisticated materials and careful color 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 editorials has reinforced the trend of the balaclava as a conscious gesture of style: to keep warm, but with 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 balaclava according to your style

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

If, on the other hand, you are attracted by the idea of turning the balaclava into the focal point of your outfit, go for saturated colors or subtle details: marked ribbing, soft jacquards, contrasting trim. 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 to combine the balaclava in your daily life

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

In a more casual register, you can integrate it into casual weekend looks with sweatshirts, jogger pants or baggy jeans and sneakers. The key here is to maintain a consistency of textures: knit, fleece and cotton dialogue with each other and reinforce the feeling of comfort. If you work in creative environments, an outfit with a relaxed knitted 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 down jackets, parkas or women's anoraks. In addition, as it covers the neck and head, it makes it possible 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 color of the balaclava with the color of the coat or with 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 provide 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. Incorporating it into your closet does not 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 the way we understand women's warm accessories and 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.