11 Best Sustainable Beanies & Winter Hats in 2024

Why are sustainable beanie hats a better choice?

The Impact Of Synthetic Fibers

Acrylic and polyester beanies may feel soft, but they’re made from petroleum-based products (aka, plastic). The production of these fibers is far from eco-friendly.

For instance, the fashion industry, fueled by synthetic textiles, contributes up to 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and shipping combined.

Polyester, a common fabric in winter hats, accounts for 51% of the total fiber market, making it a massive player in the fast fashion industry.

And this isn’t just about greenhouse gases—making synthetics consumes vast amounts of non-renewable resources like oil and water.

Not to mention, factories pumping out these fabrics rely on energy-intensive processes that leave behind a hefty carbon footprint. 

Sustainable beanies and eco-friendly winter hats on the other hand are made from either recycled synthetic fabrics (aka recycled winter hats) or certified organic fibers that require minimal water and absolutely no pesticides. 

Microplastics 

When you toss your synthetic beanie into the wash, tiny plastic fibers—called microplastics—shed and find their way into our waterways.

These bits are too small for water treatment facilities to filter out, so they end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once there, marine life can ingest them, which is not only harmful to ecosystems but can also end up on our dinner plates.

How bad is it? Scientists estimate that around 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic textiles. And these microfibers? They can take up to 200 years to decompose. So, that cheap beanie you bought last winter? It could outlast your grandchildren.

The best alternative is sustainable wool beanies or ethical beanies made from organic cotton. Both options are free of microplastics and can biodegrade naturally.

Conventional Wool is Not Cruelty-Free

While wool is a natural fiber, conventional wool production has its own set of issues.

The environmental footprint of large-scale sheep farming includes land degradation, water consumption, and methane emissions from livestock.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere at 28 times the rate of CO2. Then there’s the ethical question of animal welfare—some large wool producers engage in harmful practices like mulesing, a painful procedure used to prevent infections in sheep.

Unethical Labor Practices 

Beyond environmental impacts, many conventional beanies come from supply chains notorious for exploiting workers.

In fast fashion factories, workers—often women or children in developing countries—endure unsafe conditions, low pay, and excessive hours just so we can snag a cheap winter hat.

Reports reveal that 93% of brands aren’t paying their workers a living wage, and many rely on unsustainable practices to maximize profits.

How To Care For Your Sustainable Beanie Hats

Wash Less, Wear More: Beanies don’t need frequent washing unless you’re wearing them every day or sweating a lot. Washing your beanie too often can weaken the fibers and cause unnecessary wear and tear. If your hat just needs a little freshening up, try spot-cleaning or airing it out instead of tossing it in the wash.

• Hand-Washing is Your Best Friend: Machine washing can be rough on delicate fabrics, especially sustainable ones like organic cotton or wool. Hand-washing your beanie in cold water with a gentle detergent will prevent shrinkage, keep the fibers intact, and minimize pilling. Be sure to gently squeeze out the excess water (no wringing!) and lay it flat to dry.
• Cold Water Only: When you do wash your beanie, always use cold water. It’s not just better for your beanie—cold water washing reduces energy use by up to 90% compared to hot water, making it a more eco-friendly choice overall.

How to Prevent Microfiber Shedding

Recycled polyester beanies, while sustainable, can shed tiny plastic fibers, or microplastics, during washing. These microplastics can find their way into rivers and oceans, so minimizing their release is crucial.

• Use a Guppyfriend Bag: To prevent microfiber shedding, wash your rPET beanie in a Guppyfriend bag. This specially designed bag catches microfibers during washing, preventing them from flowing into wastewater systems. Once you’ve collected the fibers, you can dispose of them properly, rather than sending them down the drain.
• Gentle Cycles or Hand-Wash: Even if you’re using a Guppyfriend bag, hand-washing or using the delicate cycle on your machine reduces the agitation that leads to shedding. Always air-dry your rPET beanie to avoid heat damage.

Organic Cotton Beanies 

Organic cotton beanies are gentle on your skin and the planet, but they can be sensitive to rough handling. Cotton tends to shrink or lose shape if not cared for properly.

• Hand-Wash or Use a Gentle Cycle: Hand-washing in cold water with a mild, eco-friendly detergent is the safest way to care for organic cotton. If you must use the washing machine, select the gentle cycle and place the beanie in a mesh laundry bag for added protection.
• Air-Dry Only: Skip the dryer to avoid shrinking and misshaping your beanie. Lay it flat on a towel to dry, reshaping it as needed. Cotton dries quickly, so you’ll have your hat ready to wear in no time.

Wool and Recycled Wool Beanies 

Wool and recycled wool beanies are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant, so they don’t need to be washed frequently. But when it’s time to clean them, wool requires a bit of special attention.

• Hand-Wash in Cold Water: Wool is prone to shrinking and felting in warm water, so always hand-wash your wool beanie in cold water with a wool-safe detergent (look for products labeled “wool wash” or “delicate”).
• Skip the Spin Cycle: After washing, gently press out excess water with a towel—don’t wring or twist your beanie, as this can stretch or damage the fibers. Reshape it carefully and lay it flat to dry.
• Avoid Heat: Wool hates heat, so keep it away from direct sunlight, heaters, or tumble dryers. Letting it air-dry naturally will maintain its shape and softness.

Storing Your Eco-Friendly Beanies & Winter Hats

When winter ends and it’s time to put your beanie away, proper storage will help it last longer. Here’s how to keep it in tip-top shape until the next cold snap:

Keep It Cool and Dry: Store your beanie in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew or moth damage. For wool beanies, you might want to add a lavender sachet or cedar block to your storage area—natural moth repellents that keep your wool safe without harsh chemicals.

Clean Before Storing: Always wash your beanie before tucking it away for the season. Dirt, oils, and sweat can break down fibers over time, so a clean beanie will last longer.

Avoid Hanging: Hanging your beanie can stretch it out, especially if it’s made from wool or cotton. Instead, fold it gently and store it in a drawer or on a shelf.