13 Winter Accessories for Men (Cold Weather Essentials All Guys Need)8 min read

It’s cold outside, let’s talk best winter accessories for men. Here are 13 cold weather essentials that I feel all guys can benefit from having at their disposal this winter. 

Let’s jump right in! 

BEST WINTER ACCESSORIES FOR MEN

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1. Boots

A good pair or a handful of boots deserve a spot in every man’s winter collection. Whether you’re into a rugged work boot, the Chelsea boots’ sleek silhouette or the versatility of a Chukka, it’s hard to go wrong here.

I’ve covered the topic of boots extensively on Gentleman Within. Take your boot game to the next level  and check out this article featuring 7 Awesome Boot Styles for Men. It includes brands like Thursday Boot Co., Taft, and Ace Marks.

2. Thick Gauge Socks

Next you’ll want a pair of socks to go along with your winter boots, but not just any socks — thick gauge socks. These will be thicker than regular socks making them perfect to pair with the rough leather of most boots. If you don’t have any luck searching for thick gauge socks, you can look up hiking socks instead.

As for what fabric blends to look out for? I’d say merino wool for comfort and nylon for durability. Merino wool is one of my favorite cold weather fabrics, it’s soft, comfortable and wicks away moisture which is a good property for socks to have.

Get yourself equipped with the right socks for the winter season and your feet will thank you.

3. Scarves

The scarf’s purpose is twofold, 1 — it’s functional to keep your upper body and neck warm in cold winter winds and 2 — it’s a stylish accessory that you can layer over or under your winter outerwear.

I recommend to keep the colors dark and neutral — brown, grey, navy, plum and olive are good choices. But of course, if you want to make more of a statement go with a bold check pattern or a saturated, rich colors like red.

And look out for fabrics like cashmere and merino wool. Avoid pure wool as it could irritate your skin. Bottom line is that the scarf is always going to be a men’s winter style essential.

Related: You might like this guide to the Best Winter Coats and Jackets for men.

4. Neck Gaiter

Similar to the scarf, a neck gaiter (while not as stylish) is a good alternative if you want to keep your neck and face warm. It functions better than a scarf as it will stay in place and is easier to adjust around your neck or if you prefer to wear it as a face mask.

It’s popular with skiers and snowboarders and come in all sorts of materials like synthetic microfibers that are quick drying and moisture wicking and cozy fleece.

5. Minimalist Watch

This article’s sponsor is Nordgreen, a minimalist watch company based out of Copenhagen, designed by Jakob Wagner the world-famous designer of Bang & Olufsen.

What first caught my eye was the clean and classic watch face. A big bonus here is that the watch comes in a case width of either 36mm or 40mm.

The 36mm Philosopher bundle is perfect for guys like me who have smaller wrists at around 6-6.6″. Personally, I’m drawn to the sleek Scandinavian design. Everything from the gun metal bezel to the concave white dial and quick-release leather watch bands are simple and refined.

What’s also great is that their watches are affordably priced between $190-$230 and each watch purchase supports a social cause. As a part of their Giving Back Program, you have the option between providing clean water, education for the future or protecting the rainforest.

If you’re in the market for an affordable, minimal watch this winter, Nordgreen is definitely worth a look! Code GENTLEMAN15 will give you 15% off your order.

6. Gloves

Well, duh right? Of course gloves have to be on any list of essential winter accessories.

You’ve got plenty of options here from leather driving gloves to thermal touch screen gloves and fleece lined, knitted woolen gloves/mittens. Depending on the style you like and the occasion, there’s a time and a place for all three options.

Leather gloves are best suited for dressier outfits like a suit and topcoat for example while thermal gloves are better equipped for extreme cold weather and activity on the slopes.

The knitted woolen mittens are the least stylish, but the most comfortable and cozy option for sure, perfect for sipping on some hot chocolate at the ski lodge. I personally like the fingerless gloves that are convertible into mittens.

7. Winter Hat

We’re not talking dad hats here. Instead look out for beanies which have been on trend for a while now. You can also go with the Kevin McCallister, Home Alone hat with the little ball on top. 

Something warmer, while sacrificing style are ear flap hats also known as the ushanka-hat which is a Russian fur cap with ear flaps. 

8. Ear Warmers

If you’re like me and often have your hair styled and don’t want to messy it up, opt for a pair of ear warmers that provide warmth for your ears while wrapping around your head.

I’ve been wearing my 180s ear warmers for years now, you can get them in fleece and polyester.

9. Base Layers

Base layers are important to wear year-round, but especially in cold weather. They not help to keep your outer layers clean, but also provide performance.

Related: You might like this buying guide on the Best Undershirts for Men.

A good base layer and undershirt will help to regulate your body temperature keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Look for light thermals that will provide insulation. You’ll want for your base layers to be form fitting and lighter. This will provide more comfort and and your outer layers will drape more cleanly.

Some of my favorite base layers are from UNIQLO’s HeatTech line of long and short sleeve shirts (turtlenecks, v-necks, crewnecks) and Ribbed Tee’s tencel v-neck undershirts which are perfect to wear under dress shirts.

10. Flask

Can’t go wrong with a mini flask to carry around your favorite liquor of choice. Myself, I’m a whiskey bourbon kinda guy. It’ll help to warm you right up. 

11. Lip Balm

Chapped lips are the worst. It not only looks bad, but also hurts. To avoid unhealthy or worse, bleeding lips, use lip balm regularly in the cold weather to keep your lips moisturized, feeling and looking healthy.

In addition to the lip balms above, I’ve been using the new Tiege Hanley lip balm for the past several weeks. I spoke with the Tiege team and it seems that a lot has gone into their formulation and it definitely shows. From the texture to the scent, they really nailed it.

12. Hand Lotion/Moisturizer Stick

This one is often overlooked. Similar to chapped lips, dry hands are never a good feeling. Combat the dryness by using a masculine hand lotion or moisturizer stick if you prefer something more portable and EDC ready.

13. Lint Remover

And finally, while not winter specific, a lint roller or brush is an essential accessory that will keep you looking your best.

Some clothes like wool peacoats for example, are lint magnets and as lint begins to gather on your dark colored clothing, it’s never a good look. Keep the fuzzies away with a lint roller or portable brush this winter.

ONTO YOU. WHAT’S ON YOUR LIST OF WINTER ACCESSORIES?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.