The balaclava is the ideal accessory for the cold, and Fendi and Stella McCartney include it in their collections

The balaclava has been a trending item for a couple of years now, returning to our wardrobes every winter to protect us from the chill.

Now that cold weather has arrived in Madrid, we’re starting to bring out coats, scarves, and gloves from the back of our closets. And if there’s one accessory that comes back year after year to keep us warm in the most stylish way, it’s the balaclava. Despite being a seemingly simple garment, it has been reinterpreted by numerous renowned designers and gained popularity on social media, thanks to the “slavic doll” trend.

Designers like Stella McCartney and Fendi create knitted versions to match accompanying jumpers, giving the look of a hooded cape-coat, while others, like Simone Rocha, prefer a contrasting effect, designing balaclavas in different colours and materials to offset the cape.

One of the balaclava’s most remarkable qualities is its versatility; it can easily be incorporated into everyday looks, yet also paired with more refined garments for a sophisticated style. Designers have reinvented it with luxurious textures, varied shapes, and colours ranging from neutral tones like beige to bold shades like pink and orange.

In short, get ready to see balaclavas everywhere this autumn-winter: on the runways, in the streets, and across social media… it’s the piece defining winter outfits this season.