Last year, I finally joined the masses and started watching Bob’s Burgers. The Belcher family’s ridiculous and charmingly low-stakes antics swiftly became my go-to comfort watch. And while my husband likes to joke that I am straight on course to transform into Linda one day, for now it appears I’ll be taking inspiration from a different Belcher, one who I feel would firmly detest the title of fashion icon: Louise. And yet Louise’s signature bunny ear hat is exactly what I think of every time I see yet another person rocking a winter bonnet, the latest and greatest must-have winter accessory.
Ooh, Baby, Baby! Winter Bonnets and Kitschy Knit Hats Are Everywhere Right Now
Louise Belcher, fashion icon?
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Published Feb 4, 2025
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Winter bonnets—knit caps that knot under the chin—have become the number one cold-weather accessory in just a few short weeks, really since just the beginning of January. They’re an evolution of the balaclava trend from the past few winters, and have themselves already begun evolving again to include cat-ear caps and Old Hollywood-style headscarves, and are impossible to avoid if you’re at all tapped into the fashion scene on Instagram or TikTok. There you’ll find countless knitting tutorials on how to make your own, as well as GRWM videos accessorizing these knit caps to make them look edgy, girly or even posh. I won’t lie, I’ve spent a solid amount of time myself trying to pin down which type of winter bonnet I like enough to add to my own winter wardrobe. (No dice yet, but the search continues.)
Abby Hepworth
Whether winter bonnets make you think of Louise Belcher, babushkas from “the old country” or turn-of-the-century baby clothes, there’s no denying they are, at the very least, a rather practical accessory. Knotting a hat or scarf under your chin eliminates the challenges presented by wind and keeps my ears warm without needing to pull a beanie down as low as it will go. Yes, some designs are clearly more intended as a fashion statement (like the aviator caps by Yuhan Wang), but the vast majority are simply a cute way to keep your head warm.
So if you, too, are ready to hop on the fun hat trend, I’ve rounded up ten winter bonnets that even Louise Belcher would approve of.
Etsy is a treasure-trove of winter bonnets where you can find just about any color, style, material and price point you need. But I’ve got my eye on this beautiful green number by a Turkish artist. It’s made of merino wool, which will be less itchy around my face, and I like the minimalist design and width of the ties. Not feeling the green? It also comes in 11 other hues, including red, brown and multiple shades of blue.
2. SHUSHU/TONG Tied Knit Beanie
SHUSHU/TONG
The texture of this wool-blend bonnet is so gorgeous, and the off-white hue feels perfect for winter. Unfortunately, this beauty only comes in the one color, but it’s sure to go with winter coats of any shade—plus, it’s currently 48 percent off, saving you more than $80 on the hot trend.
3. Free People Timber Fuzzy Knit Trapper
Free People
I’m obsessed with this trapper twist on the winter bonnet trend. The addition of ear flaps and a front visor helps keep your head extra toasty, and also helps break away from the baby bonnet vibes of some other designs. It comes in navy and winter white, both of which are made of 100 percent polyester.
4. Lisa Yang Brushed Cashmere Beanie
Lisa Yang
If your ideal winter day involves wrapping yourself in as much cashmere as possible, have I got a hat for you! This cutie is made of 100 percent cashmere and looks more like a classic beanie with attached ties than the swimming-cap vibes of some other bonnets. That said, if you pull it down, nice and cozy around your ears, you’re sure to stay toasty warm despite all of Jack Frost’s best efforts.
GANNI
If you’re still feeling the balaclava trend or want something that feels a bit more Old Hollywood, this GANNI scarf has an adjustable fit that can be tied to look more like a hood or more like a bonnet, depending on your style. It also comes in black and beige, but the pink pictured above is the one that really grabbed my attention. All three color options are made of a wool/alpaca blend and should be handwashed and laid flat to dry.
6. Jacquemus La Casa 'La capuche Gros Grain' Beanie
Jacquemus
This slim-fitting bonnet may not be for everyone, but I love its cheeky nod to swimming caps and or even wrestling headgear. It’s sporty without being too on the nose, and the gray wool helps to elevate the silhouette to feel more fashion forward. Plus, right now you can score 60 percent off.
Lean into those homemade vibes without the hours of knitting with this flower-adorned bonnet from YanYan. The pops of color add a cheery touch to any winter outfit, and the 100 percent lambswool material is sure to keep you feeling super-warm on even the coldest days.
8. Cider Wool Beanie Hat with Scarf
Cider
Half hood, half scarf, this extra-large variation on the winter bonnet offers the best of both worlds—a trendy silhouette and a versatile scarf. It’s made of wool and has ample room in the hood so it’s less likely to muss up your hair. All that for under $20!
9. Arch4 Katie Cashmere Bonnet
Arch4
Another slim-fitting option, this one is made of 100 percent cashmere and is the most bonnet-y of the options on this list. Opting to attach the chin strap with a button instead of ties give the whole thing a much cleaner look, and it will fit very nicely under the hood of your coat for bonus warmth when you need it.
10. Hansel of Basel Cashmere Love Headscarf
Hansel of Basel
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