Winter Is Coming: Meet Editorialist’s 2021 Cozy Award Winners
Aug 9, 2022
Picture this: There's a peaceful snowfall outside, a roaring fire inside, and your space is filled with plush throw blankets and luxe candles. Maybe, you have plans to pull on a hat and scarf and head to the local ice rink. Or, you’re staying in to brew hot toddies and cook a hearty meal. In other words, it's an idyllic winter day, and you and your home are decked out in the coziest essentials.
If you're like us, you're excited just thinking about it. After all, reveling in hygge is one of the best things about the winter months—especially in recent years, when many of us have taken the art of nesting to the next level. To help you create the cozy space and wardrobe of your dreams, we conducted hours of research to deliver the pieces you'll find comfort in all season.
Our Cozy Award winners fall into several categories, from throw pillows and blankets to loungewear and gloves. Because of that, we couldn't grade them on one set of criteria alone. However, there were a few standards we considered:
- Brand ethos and sustainability initiatives
- Product materials and ingredients
- Production methods
- Trend resistance
- Level of coziness
Without further ado, here are Editorialist's 2021 Cozy Award winners. Hurry up and get shopping—the most wonderful time of year awaits.
Editorialist’s 2021 Cozy Award Winners
1/10
Best Candle: Boy Smells Cedar Stack Scented Candle
at Revolve
Cozy callouts: Clean burn, strong throw, luxe packaging
Created in 2015 by real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, fragrance brand Boy Smells set out to develop scents that go beyond the gender binary. Cedar Stack, our pick for the coziest candle of the year, is one of its long-time best-sellers. The woody-floral fragrance features top notes of juniper berry, orange peel, and black peppercorn, heart notes of sawdust, cedarwood, and cinnamon, and base notes of white musk, labdanum, and patchouli.
Cozy callouts: Clean burn, strong throw, luxe packaging
Created in 2015 by real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, fragrance brand Boy Smells set out to develop scents that go beyond the gender binary. Cedar Stack, our pick for the coziest candle of the year, is one of its long-time best-sellers. The woody-floral fragrance features top notes of juniper berry, orange peel, and black peppercorn, heart notes of sawdust, cedarwood, and cinnamon, and base notes of white musk, labdanum, and patchouli.
When you light this candle, you can rest assured it’s made from top-quality ingredients. The brand uses a coconut and beeswax blend, which is more sustainable and better for air quality than petroleum-based paraffin waxes. Boy Smells’ candle products are also hand-poured and hand-labeled near the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles. When cared for properly, your Cedar Stack will burn for approximately 50 hours.
When you light this candle, you can rest assured it’s made from top-quality ingredients. The brand uses a coconut and beeswax blend, which is more sustainable and better for air quality than petroleum-based paraffin waxes. Boy Smells’ candle products are also hand-poured and hand-labeled near the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles. When cared for properly, your Cedar Stack will burn for approximately 50 hours.
Runner Up: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Scented Candle
Cozy callouts: Clean burn, unique scent, hand-blown glass vessel
Seasonal candles are one of our favorite things about the winter months. However, they sometimes smell a dime a dozen, highlighting classic notes of fir, cinnamon, and sweets. This one from LAFCO takes things up a notch. With hits of smooth bourbon, maple, and vanilla bean, it’s an unexpected take on traditional winter fragrance that still captures the spirit of the season.
Cozy callouts: Clean burn, unique scent, hand-blown glass vessel
Seasonal candles are one of our favorite things about the winter months. However, they sometimes smell a dime a dozen, highlighting classic notes of fir, cinnamon, and sweets. This one from LAFCO takes things up a notch. With hits of smooth bourbon, maple, and vanilla bean, it’s an unexpected take on traditional winter fragrance that still captures the spirit of the season.
Like all LAFCO candles, White Maple Bourbon is made from a soy blend that allows for a powerful throw and a clean, 90-hour burn time. The limited-edition item is housed inside a hand-blown vessel that can be rinsed and reused as holiday decor. We imagine it with roses and winter greens for New Year’s brunch; you could also put a tealight inside for an ambient glow you’ll appreciate all winter.
Like all LAFCO candles, White Maple Bourbon is made from a soy blend that allows for a powerful throw and a clean, 90-hour burn time. The limited-edition item is housed inside a hand-blown vessel that can be rinsed and reused as holiday decor. We imagine it with roses and winter greens for New Year’s brunch; you could also put a tealight inside for an ambient glow you’ll appreciate all winter.
Runner Up: Homesick Holiday Stroll Candle
3/10
Best Throw Pillow: Gucci Angry Cat Embroidered Pillow
at Farfetch
Cozy callouts: Intricate embroidery, dual-sided, 100 percent feather fill
Transform your space into a welcoming winter abode with a plush designer throw pillow. Gucci’s option, with blue and green hues on a bright pink background, appeals to the maximalist in all of us. The throw showcases the Italian fashion house’s Angry Cat print, first introduced in the brand’s Pre-Fall 2017 collection, as well as silk tassels and feather fill.
Cozy callouts: Intricate embroidery, dual-sided, 100 percent feather fill
Transform your space into a welcoming winter abode with a plush designer throw pillow. Gucci’s option, with blue and green hues on a bright pink background, appeals to the maximalist in all of us. The throw showcases the Italian fashion house’s Angry Cat print, first introduced in the brand’s Pre-Fall 2017 collection, as well as silk tassels and feather fill.
We chose this pillow as our winner because of its rich color scheme, plush texture, and intricate embroidery. The piece also has a conversation-starter quality we can’t ignore. (Fact: it’s impossible to see this pillow and not comment on it). Want to tone things down? Flip the pillow to display the lamé arrow jacquard.
We chose this pillow as our winner because of its rich color scheme, plush texture, and intricate embroidery. The piece also has a conversation-starter quality we can’t ignore. (Fact: it’s impossible to see this pillow and not comment on it). Want to tone things down? Flip the pillow to display the lamé arrow jacquard.
Runner Up: Missoni Home Agadir 20" Pillow
Cozy callouts: Hand-woven, hand-dyed, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
The Hermès H Dye Blanket is a verified icon. Created in Nepal from Mongolian cashmere, each one is hand-made from start to finish. First, the piece is woven with two vertical stripes. Then, it’s soaked in dye at each end to produce a plaid effect. The “H” detail is accomplished by affixing a wooden letter to the blanket before the dye. Finally, the blanket is finished with a cocotte stitch at the edges.
Cozy callouts: Hand-woven, hand-dyed, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
The Hermès H Dye Blanket is a verified icon. Created in Nepal from Mongolian cashmere, each one is hand-made from start to finish. First, the piece is woven with two vertical stripes. Then, it’s soaked in dye at each end to produce a plaid effect. The “H” detail is accomplished by affixing a wooden letter to the blanket before the dye. Finally, the blanket is finished with a cocotte stitch at the edges.
You’ve likely seen Hermès’ H Dye blanket on Instagram and the glossy pages of your favorite interior design magazines. That cult status—as well as the luxe softness, weight, and development process—made it our top pick in this category. Style yours at the foot of a bed or draped over a chair or sofa. It’s a cozy essential you’ll highlight in all your seasonal snaps.
You’ve likely seen Hermès’ H Dye blanket on Instagram and the glossy pages of your favorite interior design magazines. That cult status—as well as the luxe softness, weight, and development process—made it our top pick in this category. Style yours at the foot of a bed or draped over a chair or sofa. It’s a cozy essential you’ll highlight in all your seasonal snaps.
Runner Up: Brunello Cucinelli Ribbed Cashmere Blanket
5/10
Best Loungewear Brand: Pangaia
at Pangaia
Cozy callouts: Uses recycled materials, natural dyes, trend-proof designs
With fans including Tracee Ellis Ross, Bella Hadid, and Kourtney Kardashian, Pangaia is our go-to loungewear destination. The company puts innovation front and center, using bio-based and recycled materials, natural dyes, and other sustainable and eco-friendly practices. It even publicizes its technologies so other brands can use them to decrease their own footprints.
Cozy callouts: Uses recycled materials, natural dyes, trend-proof designs
With fans including Tracee Ellis Ross, Bella Hadid, and Kourtney Kardashian, Pangaia is our go-to loungewear destination. The company puts innovation front and center, using bio-based and recycled materials, natural dyes, and other sustainable and eco-friendly practices. It even publicizes its technologies so other brands can use them to decrease their own footprints.
Pangaia’s designs are top-tier, too. The label’s 365 essentials range includes sweatshirts, track pants, and T-shirts that transcend seasons and trends. If you want in on one of the brand’s new drops, you better act fast; its limited-edition collections often sell out in minutes. Regardless, the wardrobe-staple neutral options are some of our favorites—and are almost always in stock.
Pangaia’s designs are top-tier, too. The label’s 365 essentials range includes sweatshirts, track pants, and T-shirts that transcend seasons and trends. If you want in on one of the brand’s new drops, you better act fast; its limited-edition collections often sell out in minutes. Regardless, the wardrobe-staple neutral options are some of our favorites—and are almost always in stock.
Runner Up: Donni Duo Pop Button Down
Cozy callouts: Affordable price point, fair trade, 100 percent cashmere
Every luxe loungewear look needs a comfy slipper. This one from NAKEDCASHMERE—our senior fashion editor’s favorite cashmere sweater brand—is made of 100 percent cashmere and features a suede outsole. It comes in eight neutral and pastel hues and has a convenient slide-on silhouette. Slip it on as you WFH or indulge in your self-care routine.
Cozy callouts: Affordable price point, fair trade, 100 percent cashmere
Every luxe loungewear look needs a comfy slipper. This one from NAKEDCASHMERE—our senior fashion editor’s favorite cashmere sweater brand—is made of 100 percent cashmere and features a suede outsole. It comes in eight neutral and pastel hues and has a convenient slide-on silhouette. Slip it on as you WFH or indulge in your self-care routine.
NAKEDCASHMERE creates each of its pieces using fair-trade cashmere from free-roaming goats in Inner Mongolia. The brand’s business supports local herders and manufacturers, and each of its herders uses cruelty-free practices in caring for their flock. Our favorite thing about NAKEDCASHMERE is its prices. By shipping directly from factories in Mongolia to consumers, the label keeps rates relatively affordable.
NAKEDCASHMERE creates each of its pieces using fair-trade cashmere from free-roaming goats in Inner Mongolia. The brand’s business supports local herders and manufacturers, and each of its herders uses cruelty-free practices in caring for their flock. Our favorite thing about NAKEDCASHMERE is its prices. By shipping directly from factories in Mongolia to consumers, the label keeps rates relatively affordable.
Runner Up: Bottega Veneta Wardrobe 02 Resort Shearling Slippers
7/10
Best Scarf: arch4 Nancy Ribbed Cashmere Scarf
at Net-a-Porter
Cozy callouts: Seven feet long, matches everything, 100 percent cashmere
Easier to keep track of than hats and gloves, a luxurious scarf is worth the investment. In choosing our winner, we wanted a piece that was neutral, soft, and had some bulk to it. Arch4's delivers on all three. Plus, it's seven feet long, meaning you can wrap it around your body at least twice for maximum warmth.
Cozy callouts: Seven feet long, matches everything, 100 percent cashmere
Easier to keep track of than hats and gloves, a luxurious scarf is worth the investment. In choosing our winner, we wanted a piece that was neutral, soft, and had some bulk to it. Arch4's delivers on all three. Plus, it's seven feet long, meaning you can wrap it around your body at least twice for maximum warmth.
The British-based brand arch4 offers luxurious knitwear made from sustainably-sourced baby goat cashmere from Inner Mongolia. This scarf has been flying off the shelves, so it seems like the fashion set agrees it’s a label to watch.
The British-based brand arch4 offers luxurious knitwear made from sustainably-sourced baby goat cashmere from Inner Mongolia. This scarf has been flying off the shelves, so it seems like the fashion set agrees it’s a label to watch.
Runner Up: Burberry Cashmere Classic Check Scarf
Cozy callouts: Made in Scotland, 200-year-old wool & cashmere brand, 100 percent cashmere
In Scotland, the art of knitting goes way back, and Johnstons of Elgin is one of the OG players. Since 1797, the company has spun textiles from natural fibers on the banks of the River Lossie. Artisans create each product from start to finish—as in, from raw fibers to completed garments—at the label’s two mills. The brand holds itself to high eco-friendly and ethical standards; it’s even the largest British textiles manufacturer accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.
Cozy callouts: Made in Scotland, 200-year-old wool & cashmere brand, 100 percent cashmere
In Scotland, the art of knitting goes way back, and Johnstons of Elgin is one of the OG players. Since 1797, the company has spun textiles from natural fibers on the banks of the River Lossie. Artisans create each product from start to finish—as in, from raw fibers to completed garments—at the label’s two mills. The brand holds itself to high eco-friendly and ethical standards; it’s even the largest British textiles manufacturer accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.
This ribbed beanie exemplifies everything we love about the brand. It’s made of 100 percent cashmere, features a timeless design, and can be paired with almost anything in your wardrobe from fall to spring. Wear it with a folded cuff for a fitted appearance or loose for a slouchy look. It’s an elevated piece of outerwear you’ll keep for life.
This ribbed beanie exemplifies everything we love about the brand. It’s made of 100 percent cashmere, features a timeless design, and can be paired with almost anything in your wardrobe from fall to spring. Wear it with a folded cuff for a fitted appearance or loose for a slouchy look. It’s an elevated piece of outerwear you’ll keep for life.
Runner Up: The Row Ayfer Cashmere Beanie
Cozy callouts: Made in Mongolia, affordable price point, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
No cozy night in is complete without a pair of cashmere socks. NAADAM’s range comes in eight neutral hues, so you have one set to go with each of your matching sweatsuits. The mid-calf socks can also be worn under boots and sneakers, adding a dose of luxury to your everyday. (Do note, however, that they’re hand-wash and dry-clean only.)
Cozy callouts: Made in Mongolia, affordable price point, 100 percent Mongolian cashmere
No cozy night in is complete without a pair of cashmere socks. NAADAM’s range comes in eight neutral hues, so you have one set to go with each of your matching sweatsuits. The mid-calf socks can also be worn under boots and sneakers, adding a dose of luxury to your everyday. (Do note, however, that they’re hand-wash and dry-clean only.)
A relative newcomer to the cashmere scene, NAADAM was founded in 2013 by friends Matthew Scanlan and Diederik Rijsemus. After visiting Mongolia, the pair learned from herders that cashmere brokers drove up prices on the precious material. They developed a direct-to-consumer business model and began paying herders more and selling their cashmere pieces for less. If you ask us, they’re doing a great job. In a six-week test, our senior fashion editor named NAADAM’s Essential Sweater the best affordable cashmere sweater.
A relative newcomer to the cashmere scene, NAADAM was founded in 2013 by friends Matthew Scanlan and Diederik Rijsemus. After visiting Mongolia, the pair learned from herders that cashmere brokers drove up prices on the precious material. They developed a direct-to-consumer business model and began paying herders more and selling their cashmere pieces for less. If you ask us, they’re doing a great job. In a six-week test, our senior fashion editor named NAADAM’s Essential Sweater the best affordable cashmere sweater.
Runner Up: Prada Intarsia Knitted Socks
Cozy callouts: Historic glovemaker, 100 percent leather exterior, 100 percent alpaca interior
Since it was founded in 1937 in Saint-Junien, France, Agnelle has produced leather gloves for designers such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Artisans at the brand use traditional techniques to create each piece, and their methods are often considered the gold standard in glove making. In 2006, France’s Minister of Economy even recognized the house as a Living Heritage Enterprise; the award acknowledges businesses that provide rare, renowned, or ancestral expertise.
Cozy callouts: Historic glovemaker, 100 percent leather exterior, 100 percent alpaca interior
Since it was founded in 1937 in Saint-Junien, France, Agnelle has produced leather gloves for designers such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Artisans at the brand use traditional techniques to create each piece, and their methods are often considered the gold standard in glove making. In 2006, France’s Minister of Economy even recognized the house as a Living Heritage Enterprise; the award acknowledges businesses that provide rare, renowned, or ancestral expertise.
We chose this glove as our winner because of its heat-locking design. It features a supple leather exterior and soft alpaca lining. The silhouette hits high on the wrist to prevent the cold from slipping into your jacket. With a subtle, quilted chevron detail, it’s a go-anywhere do-anything accessory you can wear anywhere from errand runs to the opera.
We chose this glove as our winner because of its heat-locking design. It features a supple leather exterior and soft alpaca lining. The silhouette hits high on the wrist to prevent the cold from slipping into your jacket. With a subtle, quilted chevron detail, it’s a go-anywhere do-anything accessory you can wear anywhere from errand runs to the opera.
