Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque: how it looks in person, how it fits and which colour to choose
The Bird Head Toque is the most recognisable beanie in Arc'teryx: the large bird logo worked into the knit, wrapping from the front to the side of the head. In photos it looks like a simple beanie with a logo. Worn, you understand better how it sits, how much it covers and how the colours change. Here you'll find what it's like in person, how it fits, what it's made of and how to choose the colour. It comes in one size: the only choice is the colour.
In short
- One size, unisex: no size to choose.
- Material: 50% merino wool and 50% recycled polyester, with the wool certified RWS (Responsible Wool Standard).
- Inner band in brushed microfleece, soft on the forehead and warm over the ears.
- Shape: six-panel construction, close-fitting without squeezing, no turn-up.
- Weight: about 57 grams, folds up and fits in a pocket.
What it's like in person
The first thing you notice is the logo. The bird is not a patch: it is worked into the knit, large, in a contrasting colour to the background, and it covers much of the beanie. On the lower edge there is the embroidered Arc'teryx wordmark. The result is a beanie that is essential in its shape but very recognisable, noticeable even from a distance.
The knit is dense and even, with a clean, non-fuzzy look. The beanie has a soft, rounded shape: it is worn pulled down to the ears, without a peak at the top and without a turn-up. Below you can see it worn in different situations: in town, running, on the piste and on the chairlift. Tap a photo to open the colour.
Seen on
In town, on a run, on the slopes
Tap a photo for the colour
How it fits
The Bird Head Toque is designed to fit snugly. The six panels follow the shape of the head, so the beanie doesn't widen or slip, and the inner band keeps it in place. Wearers often describe it as enveloping but not tight, and note that it keeps its shape after many uses.
Two things to know before choosing it:
- It is a short beanie. On an average-sized head it covers the ears; with a large head or voluminous hair it may only just reach the lobe. If you're looking for a long beanie to wear loose or with a turn-up, another model is better.
- It is thin. For this reason many people also wear it under a ski or bike helmet, where a thick beanie would not fit.
Material: warm but light
The fabric blends merino wool and recycled polyester in equal parts. Merino wool keeps you warm even when damp and regulates temperature well; the polyester makes the knit more durable and helps it dry faster. The inner microfleece band adds warmth where it is needed most, on the forehead and ears, and makes the beanie soft against the skin.
Arc'teryx describes it as a slightly insulated and breathable beanie, suited to mountain days, on-piste and off-piste skiing and ski-touring outings. In everyday life it is a light city beanie that can be taken off and put in a pocket. For more intense cold, with strong wind and very low temperatures, a thicker beanie or the hood of your jacket worn over it is better.
Which colour to choose
Each colour has two shades: the base of the beanie and the logo. The base decides what it goes with, the logo decides how much it stands out. Below are the colours currently available in the shop and, for each one, how to pair it.
Orca: black with white logo
The easiest colour. The contrast between black and white highlights the bird design, but the beanie stays neutral and goes with everything: with an all-black look, with grey, with coloured jackets. If it's your first Bird Head Toque, this is the safest choice.
24K Black: black with gold logo
Same black base as Orca, but the gold-coloured logo makes it warmer and more elegant. It goes very well with black, camel and brown jackets, and with wool or velvet pieces.
Ultima/Aquaculture: burgundy with light blue logo
A dark colour but not black, with a light blue logo that stands out. It works best with warm tones: brown, beige, camel, light denim, as in the video with the brown jumper and white jeans.
Blurple/Kasumi: purple with lilac logo
The boldest colour in the range. The purple base and lilac logo are tone-on-tone, so the effect is vivid but orderly. It works well with neutral pieces, black, grey and white, where it becomes the colour accent of the look.
Sea Salt/Kasumi: cream with lilac logo
The only light colour: cream base, lilac logo and orange lettering. It is bright and delicate, perfect with cream, beige, camel and denim pieces. On a dark jacket it creates a sharp contrast and becomes the detail that catches the eye.
Lt Renegade/Rose: antique pink with white logo
A dusty pink with the white bird, in the women's version. With a black puffer jacket, as in the video, it adds colour to the look without being too bright. You can find it on its product page.
How to wash it
The Arc'teryx care instructions are those of a wool item:
- hand wash in cold water, or machine wash on a low temperature with a gentle programme;
- wool detergent, no fabric softener and no bleach;
- dark colours should be washed separately;
- do not wring it out and let it dry flat;
- no ironing and no dry cleaning.
A wash that is too hot is the quickest way to shrink a wool beanie: stick to cold and it keeps its shape for a long time.
Bird Head Toque or another Arc'teryx beanie?
Arc'teryx makes other beanies with the logo, and the names are similar. The Bird Head Toque is the one with the large bird knit into the fabric and the internal microfleece band. The Bird Word Toque has the word Arc'teryx in large letters and is reversible. The Embroidered Bird Toque has only a small embroidered logo and is made from recycled polyester. If you like the big logo, the Bird Head is the right model.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bird Head Toque one-size?
Yes, it is one-size and unisex. It fits snugly and covers the ears on an average-sized head.
Is the Bird Head Toque made of wool?
It is made of equal parts merino wool and recycled polyester, with an internal microfleece band. The wool is RWS certified.
Can it be worn under a helmet?
Yes, it is thin and light, about 57 grams: for this reason many people use it under ski or bike helmets.
Does it itch?
Merino wool is finer than traditional wool and the internal microfleece band sits against the forehead: wearers generally describe it as soft and not itchy.
Can it be machine washed?
Yes, at low temperature on a delicate cycle with a wool detergent, then laid flat to dry. Alternatively, hand wash in cold water.
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