One of the hottest fashion trends this season is the balaclava - even Vogue is talking about this unique garment. Premium balaclavas have highly breathable mesh panels around the scalp to keep you comfortable. Some will include these panels over the ears to avoid interfering with the sound from your speakers. Please note: many of the projects in this post are knit using two yarn weights held together at the same time. You can choose to knit the pattern using the two recommended weights OR you can choose the weight that the combined weights equal. What materials are used? Typically, you’re looking for a combination of fleece and a stretchy material like spandex. So, here are my top 3 go-kart balaclavas. Best Overall Go-Kart Balaclava: Alpinestars Open Face Balaclava

Balaclavas can be knitted using very fine weight yarn and worn under helmets or hard hats. They can also be knitted using medium to chunky weight yarns and worn alone. High-end balaclavas are separated from more budget offerings by insulation per millimetre, wind/water-resistant properties and comfort. Both can also be particularly beneficial for riders who are going thin on top or who are already bald, as some may not like the feeling of the helmet against their skin or their head gets cold. Of course, one thing that can change a balaclava’s effectiveness is the fit; helmets are generally worn tight so that they remain in position on your head at all times. Available in one size, though its ultra-stretchy material seems to support a variety of head sizes. We haven’t heard any sizing complaints from the UK community.

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Flat-stitched seams help you avoid the ‘red lines’ on the face that are a feature of most riders in winter. Many veterans will tell you, ‘ If your balaclava isn’t comfortable, try turning it inside out.” Fit A thermal version will help keep the head warm in winter – essential particularly if, like me, you need vents open for airflow to keep you demisted. Similarly, a summer one will help with cooling on warmer rides with the same airflow helping dissipate the moisture and cool your head.

That said, let’s take a look at a few of the best go-kart balaclavas that I’ve found. My Top 3 Go-Kart Balaclavas Wearing another layer between your head and the inside of the helmet may affect the fit and/or the comfort levels, so we would advise trying before you buy if you can. Are you wearing other protective equipment? If you’re going to be wearing ski goggles or a helmet, make sure you buy balaclavas that won’t fog up your goggles and will fit snugly under a ski helmet. For starters, the Alpinestars Balaclava is made from a heavyweight material with moisture-absorbing properties. While the material isn’t named, it’s safe to assume that it’s polypropylene, which is heavier than cotton.The partial open-face design covers your head and mouth while it leaves your eyes and nose uncovered. The full open-face design is the same as the partial one, but it doesn’t cover your mouth. While I’m karting, I’ve noticed that breathing from the nose is essential, so either of the designs will be great. The open-face one, however, will also allow you to breathe from your mouth if needed. Price

Some riders will tell you that a decent balaclava will also help reduce wind noise by sealing up gaps and layering material over the ears. While this works for the body, there is no reason it won’t work for the head too and that is why a balaclava can be a useful addition for many riders. Most of the gear on our list is pre-formed to support an ergonomic fit. On trying on the Alpinestars Winter balaclava for the first time, this is very apparent.Another benefit is that if you have problems getting a helmet on over your ears – you wear earrings, for example – then a balaclava can help here by smoothing your head as it enters the helmet. How much of the face is covered? Do you want a ski mask that covers everything but your eyes, or a mask that leaves your nose, mouth or whole face uncovered?

My preference is for full-face balaclavas. They’re warmer, and keeping your nose covered and deflecting your breath down makes a huge difference to visor fogging in cold conditions. Some have a slit opening just for the eyes to keep the rest of the face warm during winter weather.The best motorcycle balaclavas should offer a comfortable and lightweight layer underneath your helmet to keep you warm in the colder months. Most riders should by now know the benefits of wearing base layers under their clothing, whatever time of year they are riding. We love Oxford’s ChillOut balaclava for its comfort, warmth and features. But even the cheapest option on our list will make a noticeable difference.