Winter hat and scarf: which material?

Two beanies might look identical in a shop window and have nothing in common once on your head: one keeps you warm without being itchy, the other pills after three weeks. The difference almost always comes down to the material. At Appart17, we have organized our winter 2026 beanies and scarves by fiber, so you know exactly what you are buying — and how to keep it for a long time.

1. Merino wool: warm, fine, and itch-free

Merino is a wool with very fine fibers. The result: it is soft against the forehead and neck, regulates temperature (you won't get too hot when walking into a heated shop), and is breathable. It is the most versatile material for a beanie you intend to wear every day.

Our models: the MASON beanie by Selected Homme, 100% RWS-certified merino, fine knit and a clean silhouette, in ten colors (€34.99); and the double-layer merino beanie by KnowledgeCotton Apparel, for those truly cold mornings (€40).

2. Lambswool: the cozy classic

Sourced from a lamb's first shearing, this wool is softer than standard wool and slightly fluffier. It makes for warm, voluminous beanies that hold their shape well.

Our model: the lambswool beanie by KnowledgeCotton Apparel, with a discreet embossed logo (€50).

3. Recycled cashmere: softness above all

Cashmere is very warm for its weight and incomparably soft. In the recycled version, fibers are recovered and re-spun, which reduces the material's impact—these fibers are often slightly shorter, which can lead to minor pilling at first, which is perfectly normal.

Our model: the PCJINE beanie by Pieces, in recycled cashmere, fitted cut, two colors (€39.99).

4. Blends and lurex: for style

Lurex is a metallic thread: it adds a sparkle to the knit, but it is not what keeps you warm—that warmth comes from the fiber it is blended with. A sequined beanie or scarf is therefore first and foremost a style choice, perfect for the holidays. Wool and synthetic blends, meanwhile, are easier to care for and more affordable.

Our models: the PCPYRON beanie by Pieces in recycled lurex (€16.99), the SLFLULU beanie by Selected Femme in a wool blend (€29.99), and the long PCREGINA scarf by Pieces, in a silver-flecked knit (€70).

5. The scarf: wool for warmth, recycled polyester for lightness

A wool scarf remains the best defense against the wind: it can be worn for years and tied just as well over a formal coat as a parka. Recycled polyester is lighter and easy to wash; it is suitable for mid-seasons and for those who find wool itchy.

Our models: the SLHTOPE scarf by Selected Homme, in wool, solid color, unisex (€59.99), its checked version SLHHOGAR (€59.99), and the PCBEA scarf by Pieces, in recycled polyester, in eight patterns (€16.99).

6. And the puffer hood?

Halfway between a beanie and a scarf, the puffer hood covers the head, ears, and neck in one go, without flattening your hairstyle. The reversible FUDOON hood can be worn on either side and comes in eight colors, from black leopard to chocolate cream teddy (€89). For your hands, the Heavy Fleece T2 gloves by Rains are lined with thick fleece (€44.90).

Care: three rules that make all the difference

Wash sparingly, and cold. Wool and cashmere should be hand-washed or machine-washed on a wool cycle, in cold water, with a gentle detergent. Airing them out is often enough between washes.
Dry flat. Never on a radiator or in a tumble dryer: the knit will lose its shape or shrink.
Pilling is normal. It appears on natural fibers in areas of friction and can be removed with a comb or a fabric shaver.

All our beanies and scarves are available in our shops on Rue des Grands Carmes (17 for women, 15 for men), open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and online: beanies, women's scarves, scarves and gloves, and caps and hats. For the perfect matching piece, read our guides on women's coats and men's coats for winter 2026. Free delivery on orders over €75 to Belgium, France and the EU.

To go further: our beanies, our women's scarves and the whole scarves and gloves range (including the wool-lined lambskin gloves) are in store on Rue des Grands Carmes and online.