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Best Neck Warmers

Updated January 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nike Neck Warmer
Nike
Neck Warmer
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Expert Recommended
Bottom Line

This neck warmer offers a snug fit and is perfect for winter sports or days when users are outside for extended periods of time.

Pros

It's made with high-quality thermal fabric that helps pack in heat to keep you warm for extended periods. It has a contoured design for optimal fit and coverage and a reflective swoosh logo. It's one size fits all and machine-washable.

Cons

It might be too thick for those who want something more lightweight for mild coverage.

Best Bang for the Buck
Arctic Extreme 2 Pack Thermal Insulated Fleece Lined Unisex
Arctic Extreme
2 Pack Thermal Insulated Fleece Lined Unisex
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Those who work in freezing conditions or plan to visit colder regions will appreciate this neck warmer.

Pros

Sold as an economical two pack. Soft inner lining is very well insulated. Does not reduce visibility for outdoor work. The larger fit is great for users who don't want something close to their neck at all times.

Cons

The fit may be a bit too loose for some users.

Tough Headwear Fleece Neck Warmer - Reversible Neck
Tough Headwear
Fleece Neck Warmer - Reversible Neck
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

Versatile neck gaiter with a number of stylish patterns to choose from. Appealing price point.

Pros

Very effective as a windbreaker for the lower face. Print designs are stylish. Lightweight. Works great for users who want something that works for both outdoor and indoor activities. Comfortable for extended periods.

Cons

Tight-fitting, not a stretch material. Length is shorter than expected.

Turtle Fur Double-Layer Chelonia 150 Classic Fleece
Turtle Fur
Double-Layer Chelonia 150 Classic Fleece
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

The fit may be snug, but the double-layer design provides dry heat retention. Ideal for outdoor workers, motorcyclists, and skiers.

Pros

Can be doubled for additional insulation. Also protects the ears, mouth, and nose. The double layer resists condensation formation. The fleece material feels great against skin.

Cons

Material can shed and fall apart at seams.

TrailHeads Fleece Neck Warmer/Gaiter
TrailHeads
Fleece Neck Warmer/Gaiter
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This neck warmer offers more protection than a scarf but is not too constricting for most winter activities.

Pros

Elastic edges maintain strong hold on the nose and ears. The fleece lining is very soft and substantial. Stylish contrast stitching. Has a lightweight feel that doesn't feel constricting against users skin.

Cons

The fit can be loose, allowing cold air to penetrate. Length is shorter than expected.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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106
Consumers
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Buying guide for best neck warmers

Even with a heavy coat, the winter chill can find a way to seep inside and leave you shivering. A neck warmer is the perfect solution to braving the frosty months. Unlike a scarf, a neck warmer is a continuous piece of fabric, so there are no gaps to let the cold in and no risk of it blowing off on a windy day.

Not all neck warmers are created equal, though. It’s important to know what features to look for to ensure you stay warm no matter how low the temperature drops. With so many of these cozy accessories on the market, how do you find the right neck warmer for your weather?

If you’re ready to purchase a neck warmer, you can find our top five picks in the product list above. For more on what to look for in a neck warmer before you buy, keep reading.

To ensure that your neck warmer is always ready to wear, choose a style that’s machine-washable and can be dried.

What’s the difference between a neck warmer and a scarf?

A neck warmer, also known as a neck gaiter or buff, is a tube of a fabric that fits around your neck for added warmth. It is similar to a scarf, but a neck warmer stays comfortably around your neck even in high winds and doesn’t have any gaps.

A neck warmer isn’t wrapped like a scarf but pulled over your head.

Neck warmers are available in a variety of lengths, and some can be pulled up to cover your mouth and nose. Some neck warmers are long enough to be pulled over your head to cover your ears as well, with an opening for your eyes to maintain visibility.

The benefits of neck warmers

  • A neck warmer offers a snug fit with no gaps, so it provides better protection from the cold than a traditional scarf.

  • Because a neck warmer is a continuous loop of fabric, it won’t fly off or come undone on a windy day.

  • Neck warmers are typically made of very soft materials, so they’re comfortable to wear.

  • If you choose a long neck warmer, you can cover your chin, mouth, nose, and ears for extra warmth.

  • If you suffer from regular neck pain or stiffness, a neck warmer can keep the muscles warm and loose in cold weather, so the pain is reduced.

  • A neck warmer is ideal for vigorous activities like running or skiing because it won’t come unwrapped like a scarf.

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For your safety
Skin that’s exposed to cold temperatures can become irritated and inflamed. An insulated neck warmer will ensure you don’t wind up with rough dry patches on your neck during winter.
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Features to look for when buying a neck warmer

Coverage

Some neck warmers are only long enough to cover your neck. Other styles are long enough that you can pull them up over your chin, mouth, and nose, so the neck warmer can serve as a face mask and provide additional warmth on particularly cold days.

With a long neck warmer, you don’t need to add a hat or earmuffs to your winter gear.

Material

  • Fleece

For a neck warmer that’s especially effective at keeping out the cold, choose one made of fleece. You can also find cotton or merino wool neck warmers with fleece insulation to increase their warmth.

  • Cotton

If you plan to use a neck warmer in milder weather while running or riding a motorcycle, a cotton style is the most breathable.

  • Spandex

To ensure that a neck warmer has enough stretch to pull up over your head, look for one that contains spandex.

Fit

A neck warmer should have a snug fit to keep the cold out, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable.

Most neck warmers aren’t available in multiple sizes, though. Instead, there’s one size with some stretch to it, so it can accommodate a range of body types.

Some brands do make men’s and women’s neck warmers to account for the differences between men’s and women’s bodies. If you’re particularly large or small, you may want to look for one of these neck warmers to get a better fit.
 

"To keep the cold from seeping down into your coat, tuck your neck warmer into your coat’s collar for better coverage."
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Uv protection

Some neck warmers are made from fabric that’s treated with UV protectant. These neck warmers protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This is an important feature if you’re outdoors for long periods, such as when skiing, snowboarding, shoveling snow, or sledding.

Antimicrobial coating

If you plan to use your neck warmer for vigorous activities like running or skiing, it will probably get sweaty. Look for a neck warmer that’s treated with an antimicrobial coating, so it resists bacteria growth and won’t develop odors.

Color and pattern

Neck warmers are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so there’s bound to be an option that matches your winter coat or jacket.

For the most versatility, choose a reversible neck warmer. Some feature a solid color on one side and a pattern on the other, while others have different colors or patterns on each side.

You can reverse the neck warmer depending on the coat or jacket you’re wearing or just to change up your look.

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Did you know?
If you plan to wear your neck warmer for running or other vigorous activities, it’s important to choose a style with a moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric to tackle sweat.
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How much do neck warmers cost?

Neck warmers vary in price based on material, insulation, and coverage, but you can typically expect to spend between $10 and $40.

  • Inexpensive

For a small, uninsulated neck warmer, you’ll usually pay between $10 and $20.

  • Mid-Range

For a medium-length neck warmer with some insulation, you’ll usually pay between $20 and $30.

  • Expensive

For a large neck warmer with insulation, you’ll usually pay between $30 and $40.

Content Image
For your safety
The nasal passages may be more susceptible to infections and bacteria when they’re exposed to cold temperatures, so it’s a good idea to pull your neck warmer up over your nose during cold and flu season.
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Tips and tricks for wearing a neck warmer

  • To keep the winter chill from seeping inside your coat, pull your neck warmer up to cover your chin and the back of your neck.

  • A neck warmer can protect you from the sun as well as the cold. Just be sure to pull it up all the way over your neck in both the back and front.

  • You can pull your neck warmer up over your mouth to serve as a face mask if you need protection from dirt and dust in windy environments.

  • A neck warmer can double as a helmet liner if you’re biking or riding a motorcycle in cold weather.

  • Neck warmers are ideal for children because you don’t have to worry about them coming loose and falling off like scarves.

Choose a neck warmer in a neutral color like black, gray, or tan to complement most coat and jackets.

FAQ

Q. Are all neck warmers one size fits all?

A. Neck warmers usually come in one size. However, some one-size-fits-all neck warmers are larger than others. Some neck warmers are available for men or women, with the men’s sizes slightly larger.

Q. What features should I look for in a neck warmer for hiking or running?

A. For outdoor activities, look for a long neck warmer that you can pull up over your mouth and the top of your head if the temperature drops and you need extra warmth. It’s also a good idea to choose a neck warmer made from UV-resistant fabric, so it can protect you from the sun’s rays when you’re outdoors.

Q. Are neck warmers only suitable for winter use?

A. Neck warmers are used primarily to keep you warm during cold weather. However, some people find they come in handy year round. If you own a motorcycle, dirt bike, or ATV, you can use a neck warmer as a face mask to protect you from dirt and dust or as a liner for your helmet.