Hats can be notoriously tricky to pull off. But not a beanie. The humble stocking cap (or watch cap—call it what you will) is a stylish and supremely comfortable accessory that has never let anyone down. Cozy and stretchy, it never looks out of place, adapting perfectly to suit various personal styles and types of hair. A knit cap can be merely a fashionable topper, it can be solution to a bad hair day, or it can live up to its fullest potential and protect all those sensitive nerve endings in your head from the brutal cold of winter.

Of course, not all beanies are created equal—which is why it's imperative to find one that suits your tastes, personal temperature preferences and desired coziness. You'll be wearing this all winter, right on top of your head, so yes, it's a piece worth spending a little money on. To help you narrow down the best of the best, we've pulled together our favorites to buy right now, in a range of styles, materials and colors.