Alternative headwear styles that will keep your head warm and stylish during the coldest time of the year
For the Field Journal team, our standard method for staying warm when the cold weather sets in is to grow your hair long and wear a hat until spring brings some warmth. When it comes to winter hats, wool is the preferred choice, cotton is also acceptable, and acrylic, while not ideal, will do the trick in an emergency. Despite the wide range of hat materials and colors, there’s still plenty of room for more styles, and outdoor gear manufacturers offer a number of unique, high-quality caps, beanies, and hoods that can serve the same purpose.
So, the question is, what is the best hat to wear in winter? For warmth, we usually choose wool or wool blends. Natural fibers like merino wool are best due to their antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating properties. Soft, stretchy fabrics usually don’t provide good weather protection, so we also choose nylon or other versatile, weather-resistant materials that are sometimes treated with a DWR (durable water repellent). Earmuffs are very useful in cold weather and can be worn inside out to extend the life of the hat. Brims effectively protect against sun, wind, and rain, but they are not always necessary. Reversible wear is nice, but not essential.
So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best winter hats (not just a few types of beanies).
Inspired by a five-panel baseball cap, Patagonia combines a denim top with a warm, soft plaid fleece lining for an understated Carhartt/workwear look. The short brim effectively blocks the sun, and there are ties at the ear flaps for warmth.
Why not add a new style to your beanie? With 650-density goose down side baffles, this is one of the warmest winter hats we’ve seen, and one of the most packable.
The North Face has joined the fray with this classic ushanka hat, made from recycled, multi-colored wool that was traditionally made from whatever furry animal American pioneers could find.
You’ve got puffer jackets, puffer pants, and even puffer boots. Complete your camo look with this warm nylon beanie from our friends at Topo Designs. The earflaps on this beanie look equally good up or down, making it even more fashionable for the in-between seasons.
Ultralight sleeping systems often lack the typical cocoon hood to save weight, so many ultralight sleeping system fans opt to wear a down balaclava when the weather turns cold. Given the unique look of the Montbell headgear, you may get some strange looks if you decide to wear it on a daily basis, but at least your head will be very, very warm.
Clothing giant GORP has created a unique hybrid winter hat for its loyal fans, combining a classic hunting cap with a vintage aviator, adding a bit of GORP’s signature style. The short brim doesn’t do much to block out the sun, but the faux fur and Primaloft insulation will definitely keep you warm.
A British outdoor brand specialising in expedition outerwear and winter accessories, like this premium beanie, made from recycled Pertex with a DWR coating and filled with high-performance recycled Primaloft insulation. Unlike bulky winter hats, this one has a focus on functionality, allowing it to be stored in storage bags and jacket pockets when not in use.
Our Managing Editor recommends this Burlington, Vermont-based hat brand, which offers a wide variety of hats, caps, and winter accessories, like a pair of deep-pile sherpa gloves ($54) that pair perfectly with a deep-pile beanie. Thanks to Tanner for the recommendation!
With over a century of history behind them, Stormy Kromer hats are a true American classic. The lining comes in a variety of materials, but nothing beats the classic style of this plaid wool-blend flannel lining. When it gets colder, you can loosen the front lace and pull the headband down for extra warmth.
This super-classic men’s winter hat (unisex, of course) is made from classic mackinaw wool and genuine Filson sheepskin and goes well beyond the average earmuff to give you that Elmer Fudd look you’ve always dreamed of. The wool hunting kit is sold separately, but Filson has plenty of those, too.
Fans of Kavu’s signature graphic beanies with bands will love the Seattle outdoor retailer’s winter offering. Lightweight fleece keeps you warm, while easy-to-fold earmuffs provide quick ventilation and even improve your hearing.
The Canadian hat experts (huh?) chose a stunning camo fleece to create this retro cuffed beanie that we’d love to wear on the slopes of a resort or a remote spot. Check out their extensive catalog of knit hats, wool hats, pom-pom hats, and just about every style imaginable.
Japanese brand Jackman specializes in quality basics like sweatpants and this waffle-knit beanie, which is made entirely in Japan. Those little corner slits might provide a little warmth, but overall they look pretty cool.
The thicker the hat, the more comfortable it is. The reason is simple! These knitted hats, made in Japan, come in a variety of solid colors – get a few to complement your favorite winter coat.
If you spend some time window shopping on eBay, Etsy, or in the windows of your favorite antique store, you’ll be able to find a ton of great vintage wool hats, like cable knit beanies, safari bucket hats, and fancy pom-pom hats. For example, we’re particularly fond of the ’80s and ’90s styles, which come in some pretty amazing patterns and colors (as shown above). Not only are you getting something that’s a little rarer than the average item, you’re also upcycling a trendy item that’s already in circulation, which is a nice little perk in terms of sustainability. Win-win.
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