Story by:
Claire
Beat the chill in stylish handmade winter beanies and woolen scarves - with a back story that makes them something extra special
Get snug and warm in cool beanies and scarves
Whether you have grand outdoor or travel plans or if you're planning a simple winter staycation, it's time to break out the woolies. Winter beanies and wool scarves are unmistakable winter and cold weather essentials. No matter your age, hair do (or hair don't), or style preferences, it is a truth universally acknowledged that wool knitwear is one of the best things for warmth and winter style in the city or roughing it on multi-day camping adventures. The Safari Store's Thusk range of winter caps and men's and women's woolen scarves aren't your run-of-the-mill knits, however. They have been hand-knitted by a team of Zulu grandmothers in South Africa from sustainably sourced wool as part of a community project - because the cosiest knits should have a heartwarming story behind them too. Read more about the Thusk knitwear story.
Top 4 Things to Look for in the Best Beanie Hat and Winter Scarf
- Wool - a winter classic: Is there a more traditional winter material than wool? The fact that it has been trusted by generations across winters stretching back into history is testament to its performance. This natural fibre also has a range of features that give it the edge (a soft and snug edge, that is). Wool is naturally moisture wicking and breathable, which means it is amazing for insulation, but also for temperature regulation when it warms up. It is also anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. As a bonus, it's easy to care for, stain resistant, and retains its shape well.
- Knitwear in timeless designs: Well-made knitwear has got to be some of the most timeless fashion items money can buy. So many patterns exist, but it's hard to go wrong in a simple rib-knit or cable-knit design. When it comes to the best beanie hats, choose how to wear them to match your personal style. Folded over in a fisherman beanie fashion or worn as a slouch beanie hat, enjoy versatility as the years go by. What is the best colour for a beanie or scarf? Our advice is to stick to the classics. Neutral shades never go out of style, which means they are sure to fit right in with the trends for many winters to come.
- Beanies and scarves - style with a story: In an age where so many of the things we buy are mass-produced, hand-crafted clothing is a luxury. One can't think of handmade knitwear without thinking about the heart that goes into grandmothers' knitting. The Thusk community knitting project directly supports a team of Zulu grandmothers in South Africa - a group of ladies who are empowered to support themselves and their families with the help of this invaluable additional income. These women professionally and lovingly craft Thusk winter beanies and scarves by hand in Africa - all made from sustainably sourced South African wool.
- Performance Features: If you opt to move away from wool, consider performance features like nanoweave technology that are a match for the elements. Sun protection and windproofing are a couple of examples of how the right fabric helps to accessorise for the elements.
Thusk Winter Beanies and Wool Scarves: Buy Into the Benefits
- Handmade knitwear: Our range of cool beanies, winter scarves, and women's wool headbands are handmade by our team of African knitters as part of the Thusk community project - with incredible individual attention to detail.
- Sustainable, soft wool: Wool is wonderful! Not only is it warm, it is hypoallergenic, breathable, and durable, so you can enjoy the snugness of your favourite knitwear winter after winter. The wool used for Thusk knitwear comes from sheep which have been reared by a selection of sustainable farmers in South Africa. Now, that's a feel-good thought for knitwear that feels great!
- Expedition, Alpine, and style tested: At The Safari Store, we believe in putting our products to the test to ensure that they are the best for safari, snow, and the city. While a warm layer is undoubtedly a key safari essential (it gets cold in Africa - especially during early-morning and evening safari activities), we are committed to ensuring our knitwear is the perfect fit for city life as well as every camping trip, outdoor hobby, or chilly day. Every Thusk item has been expedition-tested in Africa, snow-tested in the Alps, and style-tested in a wintery Paris to ensure you get the best of all worlds from your Thusk winter knitwear.
- Environmentally-conscious: All Thusk knitwear is packaged in paper bags as part of our 'say no to plastic' philosophy.
- Suitable for men, women, and children: Thusk's one-size-fits-all designs mean they are suitable for men, women, and children.
The Best Beanie Hats: Shop Thusk Winter Beanies and Winter Caps
Thusk Cable-Knit Beanie• Made for men, women, and children from 100% wool.
• Handmade beanie hat - available in two colours.
• Can be worn folded over as a fisherman beanie or as a slouch beanie hat.
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Thusk Rib-Knit Beanie• Handmade from 100% wool. Available in two colours.
• Ribbed pattern is both stylish and helps beanie to retain its shape over time.
• Can be worn folded over as a fisherman beanie or as a slouch beanie hat.
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Winter Scarves for Women, Men, and Children
Women's Thusk Button Scarf• 75% wool, 25% acrylic. Buttons made from coconut husk.
• Handmade in South Africa.
• Unique, wraparound design for warmth.
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Thusk Bow Scarf• Unique, pull-through bow design. Suitable for men and women.
• Handmade from 100% wool.
• Rib-knit pattern.
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Mara&Meru™ Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf• 100% polyester nanoweave fabric. Suitable for men and women.
• SPF50+, windproof.
• Eight ways to wear it.
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Women's Wool Headband
Thusk Women's Knitted Headband• Made from 100% wool.
• Classic cable-knit pattern.
• The perfect way to keep warm - and keep hair out of the way for winter and cold-weather activities.
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Get Even More Warmth With Warm Outerwear & Socks
Rufiji™ Men's Bonded Fleece Jacket• Made from premium double-bonded fleece fabric.
• Elasticated cuffs and an elasticated, adjustable waist to trap warmth.
• Two zipped hand pockets, one zipped chest pocket, two interior pockets.
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Rufiji™ Women's Bonded Fleece Jacket• Made from premium double-bonded fleece fabric.
• Elasticated cuffs and an elasticated, adjustable waist to trap warmth.
• Two zipped hand pockets and full-length zip with storm flap.
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Rufiji™ Children's Bonded Fleece Jacket• Made from premium double-bonded fleece fabric - for boys and girls.
• Elasticated cuffs and an elasticated, adjustable waist to trap warmth.
• Two zipped hand pockets and full-length zip with storm flap.
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Ultimate Safari Hoodie• Made from premium cotton with microfleece feel on the inside.
• Generous-depth hood with drawstring. Kangaroo hand pocket.
• Made for men and women.
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Mara&Meru™ Everyday and Safari Blister-Free Socks• Double layered with a Hydrovent outer and Tactel inner to prevent blisters.
• Moisture wicking and quick-drying to promote dry feet when it gets wet and cold.
• Suitable for men and women.
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1000 Mile Blister-Free Running Socks• Double layered to prevent blisters.
• Achilles tendon protection and arch bracing.
• Moisture wicking for dryness.
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1000 Mile Skiing Socks• Made from a warm and comfortable blended fabric (acrylic, wool, nylon, lycra).
• Arch support and Achilles tendon support.
• Protective padded shin.
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