Balaclavas Are A Hot Product This Season

Although balaclavas date back to the 1800s, Prada, Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler all chose to return to them during their AW22 shows, with Max Mara, Gucci and Rochas quickly following suit. You could even say Beyoncé was an early adopter by working them into her sporty-chic Ivy Park collections. Fast forward to the streets of the most recent New York fashion week, and it’s clear balaclavas are now the accessory of choice for influencers and celebrities this season – noted fans include Bella Hadid and Camille Charrière. As ever, the high street is catching up and there are some serious star players out there if you’re looking to try the trend without spending a fortune.

Sporty caps and beanies have been popular choices in past seasons, but when it comes to what’s on trend this season, they’ve been superseded by the balaclava. Today, fashion girls are styling balaclavas with slouchy blazers or oversized puffers for a more directional take on cosy off-duty dressing. We suggest you take your inspiration from @LievensJulie, @GeorginaLennon1 and @TamuMcPherson – all of whom have been spotted contrasting soft and slouchy balaclavas with sharp tailoring and smart oversized wool coats.

It’s best to stick to a neutral colourway for maximum versatility – think navy, grey and camel over chunky knits and under tailored coats. It’s also worth looking at the fabric to ensure it blends with the rest of your outfit – that’s the key to pulling off this complicated trend. A heavy wool balaclava with a simple t-shirt? Not the vibe. Instead, pair it with knits of a similar weight or opt for delicate cashmere with slimline tailoring and lightweight tops. Muted tones will also help you achieve this seamless blend, and ensure the entire look is considered. Finally, coverage is a consideration – some are designed to frame the face, others to partially cover it, so you’ll need to decide which look you prefer. Personally, we lean towards the former.