As temperatures dip this winter, one accessory keeps appearing; tied neatly under the chin or loosely draped around the head, the knitted bonnet is dominating the seasons style. Worn bundled up and cinched close against the cold, it’s turning up across the runway in everything from pared-back neutrals to playful patterns and richly textured yarns. We are not just seeing it across high-fashion collections either. On TikTok, tutorials are popping up on how to knit, style, and rework bonnets. Practical, nostalgic, and fashion-forward, it seems the knitted hood is once again part of the winter uniform. Here’s everything you need to know.
The revival of the knitted bonnet
Long before it became a fashion statement, the knitted bonnet was rooted in practical winter outfits. Historically worn across Europe as a functional cold-weather layer, it protected the head, ears, and neck at a time when warmth dictated dress. In rural settings, it was often handmade, tied under the chin, and styled with cloaks or heavy coats, while later iterations appeared in children’s dress and workwear. Its softness and simplicity made it enduring, even as trends shifted around it.
Fast-forward to now, and designers are reclaiming that practicality, elevating it through fabric, colour, and context. Bright, joyful versions have emerged alongside refined, minimalist takes, proving the bonnet’s surprising versatility. On the autumn/winter 2024 runways, Simone Rocha leaned into a romantic, cottagecore sensibility with dreamy cherry-red hoods embellished with delicate detailing, while Stella McCartney offered a cleaner interpretation in pale yellow, paired with structured outerwear.
This winter, the momentum continues. At Dries Van Noten’s autumn 2025 show, a chenille scarf threaded with multicoloured yarns was styled wrapped around the head like a bonnet, enveloping both head and neck and paired with a burnt orange coat. Elsewhere, labels such as Lisa Yang have embraced bold colour, offering a bright red hood that feels graphic and modern, while ARCH4’s burgundy cashmere version with tie details add a playful touch.
How to style them
The most common approach is tonal dressing. Think head-to-toe shades of the same colour, with the bonnet blending seamlessly into the look. A wool or cashmere hood in camel, grey, or cream works particularly well with oversized coats, slouchy knits, and dark sunglasses. Pieces like Johnstons of Elgin’s ribbed cashmere hood or ARCH4’s Klosters balaclava lend themselves to this understated styling.
For a more relaxed feel, style with hair falling loose at the front and tuck the bonnet lightly into the collar of a coat. This softens the look and keeps it from feeling too structured. Tie-detail styles, such as Yves Salomon’s hooded snood, add a feminine touch when wrapped snugly under the chin, doubling as both scarf and hood.
Those looking for a bolder look can use the knitted hood as a colour accent. A bright red or deep burgundy style paired with a neutral coat can echo the shade of a bag or shoe, adding depth without overwhelming the outfit. Patterned versions also offer a statement moment. Brunello Cucinelli’s Fair Isle snoods introduce texture and sparkle, while Valentino’s lace hood shifts the accessory firmly into elegant territory, suitable for evening or elevated daywear.
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