Winter cagoule trend: why this balaclava moment matters
Cold snaps hit, commutes bite, and one accessory quietly takes over street style feeds: the cagoule, also known as the balaclava. Not just for skiers or bikers anymore, this snug hood has switched lanes into everyday fashion, pairing warmth with low-key swagger.
The shift did not come out of nowhere. On 19 January 2022, The Guardian reported that fashion platform Lyst saw searches for balaclavas jump 344 percent in the final three months of 2021, while Depop recorded a 145 percent rise in the same period, driven by DIY knits and runway signals. Interest kept pulsing each winter, according to Google Trends, which shows repeated January spikes. So yes, readers clicked for the right reason: the cagoule is still trending and still practical.
How the cagoule solves a real winter problem
Every winter brings the same dilemma: stay warm or stay stylish. A chunky scarf unravels in the wind, a beanie leaves cheeks exposed, and face masks never felt cozy. The cagoule wraps head, ears, and neck in one go, then rolls down when stepping indoors. That solves heat loss at the exact zones that freeze first.
There is also the fit factor. Designers cut modern cagoules close to the face, so glasses sit better and headphones slip on without fuss. Outdoor labels refine drawcords and hems for cycling or running, while fashion houses play with color and ribbing for city looks. The result lands between utility and style, which is the sweet spot the market rewards.
Past winters proved it. From 2021 to 2023, catwalks at brands such as Acne Studios and Balenciaga showed full-knit hoods and sleek fleece versions that trickled down to high street collections weeks later. Then resale platforms moved fast with handmade crochet and mohair pieces that sold through quickly. The cycle repeated as temperatures dropped again.
Style it right: outfits, mistakes to avoid, and real-life examples
Start simple: treat the cagoule like a hooded scarf. A neutral wool version frames the face and slips under a coat collar with zero bulk. Color can come from the coat or a sweater, not both. That keeps the silhouette clean and stops the look from shouting.
Where many stumble is proportion. A very chunky cagoule fights wide lapels or oversized puffers. Slim knits pair better with big coats, and plush fleece suits streamlined outerwear. Cyclists lean toward wind-resistant shells with microfleece linings, while office commuters pick fine merino that layers under blazers without stretching them out.
Numbers help separate hype from habit. The Guardian’s January 2022 report credited the 344 percent Lyst surge to runway influence and viral DIY tutorials, which explains why crochet versions popped everywhere that winter. A year later, retailers kept lighter ribbed knits in core lines, suggesting the trend matured from novelty to seasonal staple rather than a one-off spike.
- Choose fabric by use : merino for breathability, cashmere for softness, fleece for weather and sport, cotton for mild days.
- Match color to coat tone for an elongated line, or contrast with one single accent shade.
- Keep hair plan simple : low bun, tucked curls, or buzz cuts sit best under tight knits.
- Pair with glasses that have slim arms to avoid pressure points.
- Care tip : handwash wool in cool water, squeeze not wring, dry flat on a towel.
Materials, fits, and where to buy without regrets
Materials decide comfort. Merino regulates heat on crowded trains and dries faster after snow. Mohair warms quickly but can shed on black coats. Recycled polyester fleece blocks wind during a morning run. Cashmere feels luxe yet stretches if hung, so fold it. Each option has a job, and price usually tracks fiber quality.
Fit should hug without pinching. Eye openings vary: some are oval and elegant, others wider to sit below the nose. Test with your usual headphones and frames before committing. Many outdoor models include drawcords for custom tension around the face, which helps on wet, gusty days.
Where to buy depends on budget and timing. Outdoor specialists often drop technical cagoules in early autumn. Fashion retailers follow with color updates in October and November. Resale and craft marketplaces fill gaps with handmade pieces and past-season gems. Check fiber content labels and return windows to recieve the exact performance you expect.
Price, care, and what keeps the trend moving
Prices span wide. Entry fleece lands in the low tens, merino sits in the mid range, and cashmere climbs higher. What pushes value is longevity. Follow care tags, store flat in breathable bags, and rotate between two pieces on harsher weeks. Pilling on soft yarns is normal. Use a gentle comb and they bounce back.
The future looks steady rather than explosive. Cold winters still demand head coverage. City cycling and walking commutes grew across European capitals since 2020, which favors compact, face-framing layers over loose scarves. With that mix of habit and weather, the winter cagoule keeps a clear role: everyday warmth that slides from pavement to office without drama.