Arc'teryx Beanie Sizing Guide
If you've spent any time researching Arc'teryx beanies, you've seen the complaint that keeps coming up: "It's too tight." The Bird Head Toque, Grotto Toque, and other models have earned a reputation for running small, and I've seen countless reviews from people who developed headaches after wearing their new toques for an afternoon.
I've tested every beanie in the current Arc'teryx lineup, and I'm breaking down exactly how each one fits so you can avoid making an expensive mistake.
How Do You Measure Your Head for an Arc'teryx Beanie?
Grab a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your head, typically about an inch above your eyebrows and ears. Keep the tape level throughout.
Arc'teryx uses this sizing: S-M covers 55-57cm (21.6-22.4 inches), L-XL covers 58-60cm (22.8-23.6 inches), and One Size covers 55-60 cm (21.6-23.6 inches).
Here's the problem: most Arc'teryx beanies are "one size fits all," designed to fit heads between 55 and 60cm. If your head circumference is at or above the upper end of that range, you'll have issues with several models. I have a 58cm head, which puts me right in the middle, and even I find some of these toques snug.
Which Arc'teryx Beanies Have the Most Forgiving Fit?
Rho Toque (Most Forgiving)
The Rho Toque at $45 is the only beanie in the current lineup that comes in two sizes, making it the safest choice for anyone worried about fit. The Torrent microfleece has four-way stretch and conforms to your head without creating pressure points.
This is a thin, technical beanie designed to work as a helmet liner or standalone piece on cool days. It's not going to keep you warm in subzero temperatures, but the fit is the most accommodating in the lineup. Suppose you're between sizes. Size up. Stretchy material means it won't feel loose, and you'll avoid the vice-grip feeling that plagues knit toques. If you have a larger head (58cm+), the Rho in L-XL is your safest option.
Colour Block Toque
The Colour Block Toque at $55 is made from midweight Tech Wool fleece with decent stretch from the merino-polyester blend. The fit is comfortable for most heads in the 55-59cm range, and the thinner knit compared to the Grotto and Ribbed toques means less bulk pressing against your head. This shoulder-season beanie is designed for 35-50°F conditions, and its lightweight construction makes it more forgiving than heavyweight winter options.
Bird Word Toque
The Bird Word Toque at $60 splits the difference between the Grotto and the Bird Head. Made from 100% recycled polyester with six-dart construction, it creates a close, secure fit. Not as forgiving as the Grotto, but not as tight as the Bird Head. The polyester material has decent stretch, and the thinner knit means less bulk pressing against your head. Comfortable for several hours of wear without developing pressure points, working well for heads in the 55-59cm range.
Grotto Toque
The Grotto Toque at $60 and 95 grams is one of the more forgiving one-size models. The 100% recycled polyester has a bit more give than the wool blends. "More forgiving" is relative, though; it's still a snug beanie. The stretch fit works well for heads in the 55-58cm range, but if you're at 59-60cm, you might find it tight around the ears after extended wear.
Which Arc'teryx Beanies Fit in the Middle Range?
Satoro Merino Toque
The Satoro Merino Toque at $ 50 is made from lightweight jersey knit with low-profile stitching. The high-performance wool blend has some natural stretch from the merino component, and minimal seaming means fewer pressure points. The fit runs slightly more forgiving than the Bird Head and works for heads in the 55-58cm range. Designed for high-output hiking where breathability matters more than maximum warmth.
Embroidered Bird Toque
The Embroidered Bird Toque at $45 features a fleece-lined headband for extra warmth and softness. The 100% recycled polyester knit holds snug, designed to work even under goggles. The fleece headband adds comfort around your forehead and ears without creating excessive bulk. Works for heads in the 55-58cm range with some give from the stretchy knit.
Word Head Toque
The Word Head Toque at $50 and 52 grams uses six-dart construction for a secure, close fit. The merino-acrylic blend has some stretch but less than the full synthetic options. The reversible design features Arc'teryx's word logo on one side and a solid color on the other. The fit runs snug, working well in the 55-58cm range but feeling restrictive above 58cm. The close fit is intentional to keep it in place during movement.
Which Arc'teryx Beanies Run the Tightest?
Chunky Ribbed Toque
The Chunky Ribbed Toque at $60 uses thick ribbed knit construction with a rolled cuff. The 100% Merino wool provides natural warmth and odor resistance, but the chunky knit pattern creates more material and less stretch than smoother knits. The rolled cuff adds material around your forehead and ears, which can create pressure points for larger heads. Works for 55-57cm comfortably, and above 57cm, you'll start feeling compression.
Ribbed Toque
The Ribbed Toque at $65 features chunky-knit construction with a rolled cuff, made from Tech Wool fleece that combines merino and recycled polyester for a heavyweight build. The thicker construction means more material pressing against your head compared to lighter options. Works for 55-57cm heads, and at 58cm and above,e the bulk becomes uncomfortable during extended wear. This is the warmest hiking option, but it comes with less stretch and more pressure.
Mallow Toque
The Mallow Toque at $ 60 features a chunky, double-layered construction that sits low-profile and hugs tightly. The 50/50 wool-polyester blend has less stretch than full synthetic options. Works comfortably for 55-57cm heads, and at 58cm and above, you'll feel compression around the ears. The seamless design reduces bulk at the top, but the overall fit is snug.
Bird Head Toque
The Bird Head Toque at $60 and 57 grams is one of the tightest in the lineup. Six-dart construction creates an aggressive, close-fitting profile, and the massive jacquard-knit logo adds stiffness, reducing overall stretch. If your head is 55-56cm, you might find it comfortable. At 57-58cm, it'll feel tight but wearable for a few hours. Above 58cm, expect pressure headaches. Check the Real vs Fake Arc'teryx Beanie guide before buying,g since this is the most counterfeited Arc'teryx beanie.
Grotto Rib Toque (Tightest)
The Grotto Rib Toque at $60 uses chunky knit with a ribbed cuff for extra warmth. The wool-polyester blend creates a thick, substantial beanie, and the fit runs very tight due to the chunky construction and ribbed cuff. Works only for heads in the 54-57cm range. Above 57cm, the combination of thick knit and cuff creates uncomfortable pressure.
What Size Should You Buy Based on Your Head Measurement?
For 55-57cm (small to medium) heads, you can comfortably wear most Arc'teryx beanies. Choose based on comfort and preferred style. The Grotto provides more room if you prefer a less restrictive feel.
For 58-59cm (medium to large) heads, stick with the Rho Toque in L-XL, the Grotto Toque, the Colour Block Toque, or the Bird Word Toque. The Bird Head, Word Head, Mallow, and Ribbed toques may feel tight after extended wear.
For 60cm+ (large) heads, the Rho Toque in L-XL is your only reliable option from the current lineup. The one-size models will likely be uncomfortable for all-day wear.
Which Arc'teryx Beanies Work Under a Helmet?
If you're buying primarily for use under a ski, snowboard, or climbing helmet, fit changes. You want a thin, low-profile beanie that doesn't add bulk or create pressure points.
Best for helmet use: the Rho Toque is designed specifically for this with thin microfleece that adds warmth without bulk. The Bird Head Toque's snug fit keeps it in place without bunching. The Word Head Toque sits low profile and secure. The Embroidered Bird Toque's fleece headband provides warmth and holds snug under goggles.
Not ideal for helmet use: the Grotto Toque's heavyweight construction adds too much bulk; the Ribbed Toque's chunky knit and rolled cuff create too much material; and the Chunky Ribbed Toque is extremely thick and not designed for it.
Suppose you're buying secondhand, research that specific model. Check the complete list of Arc'teryx beanies for historical sizing information, or browse the beanie timeline to see how sizing and materials have evolved across every model since 2003. Browse the current lineup at Arc'teryx's site.