Custom balaclavas by style
Open Face Balaclava Manufacturer
An open face balaclava covers the top of the head, the sides and the neck, and leaves the whole face free. Mr Balaclava manufactures open face balaclavas to order in fleece, merino, Lycra and knit, finished with your branding, from 50 pieces per design and with a standard lead time of 14 days.
Updated
- 50 pcsMinimum order
- 14 daysStandard lead time
- 100K pcsMonthly capacity
- ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
- SedexMember (Eco Jersey Limited)
Specifications
Open face balaclava specifications
What we can build into an open face balaclava, and the terms that apply to every order.
| Coverage | Head, sides and neck, with the face left open from the forehead to the chin |
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| Construction | Knitted in one piece, or cut and sewn from single or double layers with flatlock seams |
| Fabrics | Fleece, merino wool, spandex and Lycra blends, thermal knits, bamboo blends and recycled polyester |
| Options | Brushed interior for warmth, breathable mesh panels, a longer neck or bib, a thinner crown for helmets |
| Branding | Flat and 3D embroidery, jacquard knit logos, screen printing, sublimation, heat transfer, woven labels, rubber and silicone patches |
| Sizes | Kids, adult and oversized fits, or graded to your own size chart |
| Minimum order | 50 pieces per design |
| Lead time | Samples in 5–7 days; production in 14 days as standard or 7 days on request, up to one month for complex products or very large orders (100,000–200,000 pcs) |
Buyer's guide
What is an open face balaclava?
An open face balaclava is a close-fitting hood that covers the head, ears and neck but leaves the face uncovered. Because nothing sits over the mouth or nose, it breathes easily and does not fog goggles or glasses, which makes it the usual choice as a helmet liner.
It can be made thin enough for a helmet or thick enough to wear alone in winter. If your customers want the face covered too, see our full face balaclavas.
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Helmet liners
Thin Lycra or merino under ski, bike and motorcycle helmets, keeping the head warm and the helmet clean.
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Winter sports
Fleece and thermal knit hoods for skiing and snowboarding, often paired with a separate neck gaiter.
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Streetwear
Knitted open face hoods in rib or chunky knits, a staple of winter fashion collections.
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Work and tactical
Plain, hard-wearing hoods for outdoor crews, security teams and tactical suppliers.
Customization
Build your open face balaclava
Every part of the design is yours. Our design team sends a preview of each logo and label placement before production starts.
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Choose the weight
A single thin layer for helmets and mild weather, a double layer or brushed fleece for cold days, or a knit for fashion.
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Shape the opening
A tight or relaxed face opening, a longer neck that tucks into a jacket, and a crown shaped to sit under a helmet.
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Pick eco options
Bamboo blends and recycled polyester for brands with sustainability goals, with recyclable packaging.
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Brand it
Embroidered or printed logos on the forehead, the side or the neck, woven labels and your own packaging.
How ordering works
Three steps to your order
Every order starts with your brief and ends with tracked delivery. The standard production lead time is 14 days.
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Send your brief
Tell us the style, fabric, quantities, branding and deadline. We reply with a quote and suggest suitable materials.
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Approve the sample
We confirm every measurement, colour and logo placement in a mockup and a tech pack, then send your sample within 5–7 days.
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Production and delivery
Bulk production takes 14 days as standard. Every piece is inspected, packed to your specification and shipped with tracking.
Request a balaclava quote See the full manufacturing process
More styles
Other balaclava styles
Compare the other styles we make, or see materials, uses and business models on the custom balaclavas page.
By Style
Full FaceOne-hole balaclavas that cover the head, face and neck.
HoodedRoomy hoods that cover the head and shoulders, in fleece or knit.
ConvertibleOne piece worn as a full mask, a hood or a neck warmer.
Ninja-StyleClose-fitting balaclavas with a narrow eye slit and a clean look.
With Hair HoleAn opening at the back for ponytails, braids and locs.
FashionStatement balaclavas for streetwear and designer collections.
FAQ
Open face balaclavas: frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for open face balaclavas?
The minimum order is 50 pieces per design. Larger runs are made on the same lines, with a monthly capacity of around 100,000 pieces.
What is the difference between an open face and a full face balaclava?
An open face balaclava leaves the whole face uncovered and protects the head, ears and neck. A full face balaclava also covers the nose, mouth and chin, leaving only the eyes open. Open face styles breathe better; full face styles protect more against wind and cold.
Can an open face balaclava be used as a helmet liner?
Yes, it is the most common helmet liner shape. We make liners from thin Lycra or merino with flatlock seams, so they sit flat under ski, bike and motorcycle helmets.
Which fabrics work best for open face balaclavas?
Lycra and merino for helmet liners, fleece or thermal knits for cold weather, and rib knits for streetwear. Bamboo blends and recycled polyester are available for eco collections.
How long does open face balaclava production take?
Samples are sent within 5–7 days of your order. Once the sample is approved, standard lead time is 14 days; 7 days is possible on request. Complex products or very large orders (100,000–200,000 pcs) can take up to one month. Express shipping by DHL, FedEx or UPS then takes 3–6 working days.
Buyer guides
Further reading
Guides from the Journal on helmet fit and choosing the right balaclava.
Product Guides & ComparisonsOne-Hole, Two-Hole, Three-Hole or Open Face? Balaclava Openings ExplainedBalaclava face openings explained: one-hole, two-hole, three-hole and open face compared for breathing, goggles, glasses, helmets, fabrics and uses.Read the guide 
Product Guides & Comparisons · 7 min readSki Balaclava Under Helmet: How to Choose the Right FitChoose the right ski balaclava under helmet for warmth, and breathability, and a secure fit on every snowy mountain adventure this season.Read the guide 
Performance & Use Cases · 6 min readThin Ski Balaclava: Why Low-Profile Designs Work Better Under HelmetsLearn why a thin ski balaclava with a low-profile design offers better helmet fit, comfort, and warmth on the slopes.Read the guide