The 5 Best Winter Hats for Women

“Don’t forget your hat.” At one point in time you probably heard your mom say that. And you probably forgot your hat and regretted it the moment you stepped out into a wintery day. Hats can absolutely be fashionable but they’re quite functional as well, especially when it comes to the cold weather. A good winter hat will help you regulate body heat and stay warm. Luckily, the options are pretty stylish as well, whether you want more of a modern feel or a vintage style.

Furtalk Beanie Winter Hat

The perfect slouch

The classic beanie gets a slouchier look and feel that’s far from sloppy, but totally stylish.

Best Overall

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Beanies are a pretty good pick for a winter hat. The knit material and snug fit keeps your head warm, but this hat is even better for quite a few reasons. Most beanies fit super tight on your head, but Furtalk’s variety has a slightly slouchier look. That means your hair isn’t getting totally squished and the elastic doesn’t feel like a vice grip around your head. Also, the interior is lined with super soft fleece that not only keeps you warm but isn’t as harsh on your hair as wool.

Pros:

Double layer of fleece
Stretchable band fits a variety of head sizes
Trendy, slouchy fit

Cons:

Doesn’t cover the ears if you have a bigger head

Jeicy Wool Beret

Chic on top

Channel your inner Parisian in a beret that’s elevated and warm.

Best Beret

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For a fancier vibe, try on a beret. The style is so classic and automatically gives off an effortlessly cool, Parisian chic look. Even if you’ve never been to the City of Lights, this hat will make you feel international. Rock this with your hair down or in a super low, tight bun. You can center the hat directly on your head or tilt the beret for major style points. As an added bonus, the beret comes with a silky scarf and brooch. You can’t beat that for this price.

Pros:

Available in more than a dozen colors
Soft material

Cons:

No lining on the inside
No stretch around the perimeter

Hindawi Winter Wool Ski Cap with Visor

Knit with a twist

A hat that safeguards you from all the elements.

Best Knit Cap

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Another knit cap with a slouchy feel but the addition of the visor kicks this up a notch. From the inside out, this hat is an absolute winner. The exterior features knit material that’s perfect for any winter or chilly day when you want to provide your head with extra warmth. Also, the interior of the hat is lined with faux fur. Again, more warmth and this is less harsh on your precious strands. The addition of the visor is sure to keep any snowflakes out of your eyes or just protect you from the sun.

Pros:

Easily covers your ears
Securely stays on your head

Cons:

Runs small if you have a larger head or a lot of hair
Some of the bright colors aren’t as bright in person

Scala Packable Wool Cloche Hat

Pack and go

Bend it, twist it, fold it and it still maintains its unique shape.

Best for Travel

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Inspired by the 1920s cloche style of hat, this topper has that vintage-y feel but for the modern woman. It will absolutely keep your head warm, thanks to the 100 percent wool material, and standing at more than three inches high, the style is for the woman who wants to stand out. This works really well for those days or evenings when you want to wear a hat but need something a bit more stylish than your typical beanie. Also, the hat is totally packable. You don’t have to worry about this getting smashed in the bottom of your bag or even suitcase. The material doesn’t lose its shape even when it’s folded countless times.

Pros:

A more elevated style for winter
Fits larger head sizes
The brim can be folded a variety of ways

Cons:

The wool can feel itchy to sensitive skin
The colors can be a bit off

C.C. Cable Knit Ponytail Beanie Hat

No need to sacrifice your ponytail

The handy elastic opening makes it easy to maintain your updo.

Best for a Ponytail

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If you have longer hair, you usually just wear your hair down when wearing a hat. But this beanie gives you the option to switch that up. The hole at the top makes it easy for you to pull your ponytail or bun through the opening. The opening can stretch up to 3.5 inches, so it works well for thicker hair as well. The cable knit material will keep your entire head warm on even the coldest of nights.

Pros:

Great for hair of different lengths and thickness
Comfortable elastic around the perimeter

Cons:

The sizing can be off, depending on what color you order

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of hat is best for winter?

The choice of hat can vary based on your preference. However, a great choice for a warm winter hat can be one that’s made of wool or a cozy cable knit material. The addition of faux fur pom poms adds a nice touch and a lining on the inside of the hat will protect your hair from breakage and static cling.

Do I need to wear a hat in the winter?

You could skip wearing a hat but once the weather gets really cold, it’s best to wear a hat. The hat can help regulate your body temperature and prevent heat loss. Some hats even cover your ears, which can also be extremely sensitive to cold and an area of the body where frost bite can set in.

How do you clean your winter hat?

Most knit winter hats can be cleaned by hand with a gentle detergent. Let air dry and the hat is as good as new.