Arc'teryx makes four toques built for everyday use around town. Each balances style, warmth, and versatility for daily wear.
Bird Head Toque — The Streetwear Icon
Price: $60
Weight: 57g
Material: 50% Merino wool, 50% recycled polyester
Fit: One size
The Bird Head Toque is Arc'teryx's most recognizable beanie. The massive jacquard-knit logo makes it instantly identifiable, which explains why it's also the most counterfeited. Frank Ocean wore it at a Louis Vuitton show in 2019, Timothée Chalamet's been spotted in it, and it became a gorpcore staple.
The 50/50 merino-polyester blend provides warmth without excessive bulk. The wool regulates temperature as you move between heated buildings and cold streets. The brushed microfleece band around the inside adds softness and helps seal warmth around your ears.
The fit runs tight. Arc'teryx uses six-dart construction that creates a snug, close profile. If you have a larger head (58cm+), you'll struggle with this one. The one-size design works best for 55-57cm heads. At 57 grams, it packs easily into coat pockets for commutes where you might not need it the whole time.
The Bird Head works in temperatures between 15 and 35°F for everyday wear. Cold enough that you need real warmth, not so frigid that you need heavyweight insulation. The loose knit allows some wind penetration through the top, so it's not ideal for truly windy days.
Bird Word Toque — Lower-Key Branding
Price: $60
Weight: Not specified
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Fit: One size
The Bird Word Toque offers Arc'teryx branding without the massive logo. The integrated bird-and-word design sits smaller than the Bird Head's jacquard pattern, making it work for situations where you don't want attention.
The 100% recycled polyester construction provides consistent warmth and easy care. Machine washable without worrying about wool shrinkage or special detergents. The material dries fast if you get caught in snow or rain during your commute.
The fit sits between the Grotto and Bird Head—snug but not as restrictive as the Bird Head. The six-dart construction provides a secure, stay-in-place fit. Works for heads in the 55-59cm range comfortably.
The Bird Word handles 20-40°F everyday use. It's warm enough for winter commutes but breathable enough that you won't overheat on longer walks. The recycled polyester wicks moisture better than cotton or cheap acrylic, though it doesn't match merino's temperature regulation.
Grotto Toque — Warmest Daily Option
Price: $60
Weight: 95g
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Fit: One size
The Grotto Toque is my warmest beanie. The colorful abstract bird logo makes a bold statement; this isn't subtle branding. The heavyweight construction and mid-length design provide maximum insulation for standing at bus stops or walking in genuinely cold conditions.
The 100% recycled polyester usesa thicker knit construction than the Bird Word. The extra material means more warmth but also more bulk. At 95 grams, it's the heaviest toque in the everyday lineup. The added thickness makes it less packable than lighter options.
The fit is slightly more forgiving than the Bird Head. The stretch fit works well for heads in the 55-58cm range. Beyond 58cm, you might find it tight around the ears after extended wear. The double-layered construction adds warmth but also material pressing against your head.
The Grotto excels in 10-30°F everyday wear. This is the beanie for a serious cold when you're not generating heat through activity. Perfect for winter commutes where you're mostly stationary. Too warm for anything above 35°F unless you're standing around in the wind.
Which One for Daily Wear
Style preference matters most for everyday beanies since you're not optimizing for specific activity performance. The Bird Head makes a statement with its massive logo. The Bird Word keeps Arc'teryx branding visible but smaller. The Grotto adds color and warmth. The Classic stays subtle.
Temperature determines warmth needs. The Grotto provides maximum insulation for 10-30°F standing around. The Bird Head and Bird Word work in temperatures between 15-40°F, moderate cold. The Classic spans 20-45°F with its versatile blend.
Fit runs snug across the lineup. The Grotto offers slightly more room than the Bird Head. The Classic's blend material has decent stretch. All use one-size construction that works best for 55-58cm heads. Check the Arc'teryx Beanie Sizing Guide for detailed fit information.
Care requirements vary. The Bird Word and Grotto are made from recycled polyester that machine washes easily. The Bird Head's merino-polyester blend needs more careful washing. The Classic's merino-acrylic mix falls in between.
Counterfeit versions of the Bird Head, Bird Word, and Grotto flood secondary markets. Check my Real vs Fake Arc'teryx Beanie guide before buying from unlicensed retailers.
