Staying warm in winter is important. A good winter beanie is a must-have. But finding the right one can be tricky. I went through a journey of cheap to premium beanies. Here's what I learned.
My first purchase was super cheap. It cost only a few dollars. I thought I was getting a great deal. It lasted maybe a few weeks. The material was thin and scratchy. It stretched out of shape quickly. I wouldn't recommend going this route. Price definitely reflects quality here.
These super-cheap winter beanies often have these problems:

Here’s a real review I might have left back then: "It's okay for the price. But it's already falling apart after wearing it a few times." These bargain beanies often disappoint. The threads pull easily and the colors fade quickly. They don't keep you very warm either. Look for something better.
Verdict: Avoid super-cheap winter beanies. They are a waste of money.
I upgraded to something mid-range. It cost around $15. It was... okay. The quality was slightly better. The material felt a bit softer. It lasted longer than the super-cheap one. But it still wasn't great. The fit wasn't perfect, and it still stretched out over time.
These mid-range winter beanies typically offer: