What is a neck gaiter? — FranchiHatz

2 min readOct 22, 2020

A neck gaiter is a warm looping scarf you put around your neck. It’s a short scarf that is connected all around and doesn’t fall off. Some gaiters are warm and tight while others are very loose like a big poofy necklace. Sometimes they are called neck warmers.

The cool thing about gaiters is that you can easily pull them up onto your face or push them down. It literally takes less than five seconds. You can even take it off with one hand. And with a little trick — start by putting it around the back of your head, you can put it on with one hand too.

What makes gaiters so great?

Super stylish and cool
Instantly warm your face and neck
Quickly change from ultra-warm to light-warm casual mode
Keep you warm while not messing with your hair
Easily packable
Come in a variety of materials from thick wool to thin cotton
A wide range of colors

When to use a neck gaiter?

They are ideal for those of us that change environments
When you need a warm cover while you are on the go
When you can’t risk scarf end getting caught
When you need 100% access to your hands
When you need to reduce wetness with moisture wicking

Alternatives to gaiters?

The main alternative is a scarf — which also looks trendy and can warm you up. It’s also easy to take off
You can use a coat with a taller neck collar, but then your basically in that ultra hot mode the whole time you are wearing the coat
You can use a hoodie and even one with strings to pull the hoodie tight, as well as pulling up the zipper on a sweatshirt
You can use a hat with ear flaps like a trapper hat or ivy cap. These hats are also convertible to adjust the heat slightly
You can tie a handkerchief around your neck, and maybe let the triangle part hang over your neck for extra warmth

Cool tricks

Slow down COVID by using the gaiter as a psuedo mask (not medically approved)
Use a gaiter like a ponytail scrunchie with a few wraps
Hold the gaiter on your wrists or forearm, also adds some nice warmness or pressure when needed
Pull the gaiter up to your forehead and use it like a headband
Put the gaiter on your head like a beanie cap with a somewhat open top

Conclusion

Neck gaiters are super trendy, flexible, and warm! They are super easy to put on, take off, and pack. Now you know how to look super cool while you stay warm!

Originally published at https://www.franchihatz.com on October 22, 2020.