Each year, like clockwork, fashion’s glitterati jet off to the snow-capped mountains of Aspen or the luxury resorts of Courchevel to debut their finest ski attire.
Skiing may be a sport, but the slopes make excellent runways for those with an eye for snow chic.
With the advent of ski season comes an avalanche of winter trends. Perfect Moment jumpsuits, metallic Moon Boots and a sea of Chanel ear muffs owned by die-hard alpine aficionados.
Unlike other headwear accessories, ear muffs sit perfectly between the realm of grunge and girlish. Once deemed twee, Noughties hair candy worn by Paris Hilton, ear muffs have surpassed their kitsch reputation to become an alternative - and practical - must-have.
This is evidenced by the flocks of arts students heading to campus in their oversized ear muffs, or the Y2K-obsessive Gen Z shoppers who frequent Portobello and Columbia Road every weekend. Ear muffs act as the cherry on top of any deconstructed outfit, belonging in the same vein as yeti boots, legwarmers and skinny scarves.
Yet despite a rise in consumer demand for the accessory, ear muffs aren’t the easiest to get a hold of. Designer options offered by Chanel, Gucci and Dior are favoured by fashion trailblazers such as Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Chloe Sevigny, yet for most, are wholly unattainable due to their luxury price tags.
Aside from Chanel’s ongoing love affair with the head accessory which dates back to the early 2000s, we have Gucci’s Cruise 2024 Aprés Ski collection and Burberry’s autumn/winter 2023 collection to thank for promoting ear muffs on the runway. Crafted from insulating shearling, such examples of designer ear muffs range from £350 to £830, all in the name of lobe warmth.
Then we have a limited supply sourced by Urban Outfitters, Jaded London and Weekday. Amidst the rails of mass-produced, ‘counter-culture’ finds that include ripped striped knits, Camden-esque biker boots and animal ear beanies sits ear muffs. A staple in trends ranging from soft grunge and dark feminine to rockstar girlfriendcore, no outfit of the above ilk is complete without some fluffy ear warmers, even when it’s not actually that cold.
In essence, no accessory treads the line between subculture and high fashion like a pair of ear muffs. The garment wouldn’t look amiss on Baby Spice or Avril Lavigne, and how many pieces of clothing can you say that about?
Whether grunge-girl glamour, or high-altitude high fashion is on the cards for you this year, you know what accessory to search for. Discover the best ear muffs below and take your accessories arsenal to new heights.
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Chanel Ear Muffs
The crème de la crème of ear muffs, Chanel’s extravagant head accessory is the peak of luxury. Owned by Chloe Sevigny, Sarah Snyder and Kylie Jenner, the ear muffs will automatically assert your style status on the slopes.
Buy now £830.00, Chanel
Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Ear Muffs
Keep your ears warm while oozing a cool-girl persona with some dusty rose-toned ear muffs. These affordable options by Urban Outfitters offer a quick hair fix to complement any grunge ensemble.
Buy now £7.00, Urban Outfitters
Just Sheepskin Harper Ear Muffs
Blanket your ears in insulation with a pair of sheepskin ear muffs to trap the heat. Just Sheeepskin’s renditions offer both comfort and style in equal measure during the most bitter of forecasts.
Buy now £50.00, John Lewis
Gucci Shearling Ear Muffs with Double G
One for hype shoppers, Gucci’s shearling ear muffs are a luxury pick for pink lovers Available in a range of tempting tones, the ear warmers come complete with Gucci’s iconic insignia in gold that twinkles in the winter sun.
Buy now £400.00, Net-A-Porter
Burberry Shearling Ear Muffs
The exact pair owned by Dua Lipa, Burberry’s ear muffs are not to be missed. An extra fluffy silhouette cushions the head and allows for an eye-catching statement piece to yield attention.
Buy now £350.00, My Theresa
NOOKI Design Edie Faux Fur Ear Muffs
Inject some vibrance into your winter wardrobe. NOOKI Design’s Edie ear muffs are bound to spark conversation with their shocking pink hue and dopamine-inducing fluff factor.
Buy now £30.00, Wolf and Badger
UGG Sheepskin Wireless Ear Muffs
Music lovers, listen up. There’s no need for your ears to get cold while waiting for the bus or running with UGG’s Bluetooth Wireless Ear Muffs. Plug in and enjoy a blanket of warmth provided by the genuine sheepskin, water-resistant piece.
Buy now £105.00, Office
New Look Brown Leopard Print Ear Muffs
While ear muffs are at their core a practical piece, they also attract attention by the very nature of their design. Showcase your personal style loud and proud with a Spice Girls-inspired leopard print rendition that is highly affordable and fun.
Buy now £5.99, New Look
Max Mara Teddy Ear Muffs
Leave it to Max Mara to amp up the elegance. The brand’s earmuffs come in a cloud-like blue hue and are crafted from alpaca wool and silk. Enjoy the oh-so-cosy headgear on the slopes or the city streets.
Buy now £175.00, My Theresa
