The cold weather has you looking all over your house for winter hats so your ears don't fall off? You are not alone! Though it might seem like we stepped into winter territory ages ago, the truth is the season has only just begun, and until spring makes its long-awaited return by late March, we should be swimming in winter coats, heat tech, beanies, mittens, and more.
While we all tend to pay attention to which coats we are going to buy for the winter season, a lot of us overlook headwear — and we should not. Ensuring your head and ears stay warm is the most foolproof way to brave the cold. (Of course, we are not saying you should leave your house in a winter beanie and underwear and call it a day. Bundle up!)
Aside from being a great added defense layer for the dropping temperatures, winter hats can also be a great way to accessorize an otherwise dull outfit. Think of them as the headbands of the winter! Cute, yes, but also brimming with functionality.
If you have been using the same beanie for 10+ years and it's practically disintegrating, we hate to break it to you, but it might be time for an upgrade. In case you need any help while crafting your wishlist, we have collated 20 of the best winter hats you should add to your wardrobe to make sure you stay warm, cozy, and stylish until spring rolls around. (Put those Christmas gift cards to good use with the selection below!)
Balaclavas had a major moment in fashion a couple of seasons ago, but the functional and stylish style is not going away anytime soon. This one from ASOS is perfect for all those winter wonderland 'fits you have planned in your head.
Pros: Trendy, affordable price, easy to wash.
Cons: 100% nylon.
If you love the idea of a balaclava that you can just throw on for everyday errands but that will also look good with practically any outfit, then look no further than this ribbed black style from H&M. This style is also available in dark grey and a light gray melange.
Pros: Versatile, timeless, affordable price.
Cons: Synthetic materials.
Fuzzy hats have been all the rage in women's accessories for a few seasons now. This one from ASOS, featuring a domed crown and short brim, will make sure you stand out. Though the fluff is extra noticeable, its neutral color makes it super wearable.
Pros: Statement piece, easy to wash, vegan.
Cons: Synthetic materials.
If you want to add a bit of color to your fluffy bucket hat without fully going neon, this option from H&M is perfect. The super soft and fluffy baby blue will make any all-black 'fit pop.
Pros: Lined crown, soft, colorful.
Cons: 100% polyester.
If you are after a timeless style, look into an elevated basic like this rib-knit beanie hat. Its blend of wool and alpaca gives it a more interesting look texturally. Though it features a wide foldover cuff, you could roll it even more to turn it into a watch cap style.
Pros: Made from alpaca and wool.
Cons: Flyaways can be a bit itchy.
The Year of the Bunny might be on its way out, but bunny hats are not going away. If you are looking for a super cute option without going the pom pom route, consider this style from independent Seoul-based brand Dainty Knit, which gives you the best of both worlds thanks to its detachable ears. If you were looking for a super warm and soft balaclava, look no further.
Pros: Detachable ears, handmade.
Cons: Requires delicate care.
If you have been wanting to add a Jacquemus piece to your collection, now's the perfect time because this shag knit pink beanie is now half the price. It features the brand's embroidered logo in its rolled brim and 2% stretch to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
Pros: Coveted designer, transitional.
Cons: 98% nylon.
Another super discount alert, to only $60 from $200 — yes, that's a 140 dollar! USD! difference — is this handcrafted piece from Sky High Farm Workwear, a label launched in 2021 to support Sky High Farm, “a nonprofit agricultural project committed to promoting food security by donating 100% of its harvests to organizations across New York.”
Pros: Made from 100% wool, statement piece, sustainable, charitable.
Cons: Can be a bit suffocating if the temperatures aren't cold enough.
Another major deal, with a sale price of only $53, is this classic big beanie for one of the most coveted designers coming from the USA: Marc Jacobs. The rib knit wool beanie, though not merino wool, features a subtle leather logo patch in its rolled brim. As far as wool hats go, it doesn't get much better than this.
Pros: 100% wool, coveted designer.
Cons: Non-vegan.
If you've ever seen anyone wearing a beanie, then you've seen this best-selling Carhartt acrylic beanie. The 9-gauge ribbed knit hat has become a unisex staple, so it's never too late to add one to your collection.
Pros: Timeless design, multiple colorways available.
Cons: Prone to pilling, so also add a fabric shaver to your cart before you checkout.
Going back to statement bucket hats, if you do want to be #seen, this Adrienne Landau piece is your baby. The plush faux fur fabric makes this one a super soft option when it comes to women's hats.
Pros: Statement piece, colorful
Cons: A bit expensive for 100% polyester
This super fluffy, long-hair faux fur aviator hat from Banana Republic will make sure your ears are never cold, and that you never lose your hat, thanks to its ear flaps and chin strap.
Pros: Extra warm, vegan, classic aviator-style, fully lined.
Cons: Synthetic, dry clean only.
This Sherpa fleece bucket hat from Stand Studio is for the coquette girls out there. Featuring a check pattern in green and off-white and full tonal plain-woven cotton lining, it's for those dreaming of spring in the middle of winter.
Pros: Coveted brand, unique pattern, 100% cotton lining.
Cons: Only 20% wool outer.
You've never truly seen a bucket hat if you've never seen a Kangol hat. While black, white, and red are classic options, why not opt for a fun pastel color like this lilac? Adding a Kangol hat to a ‘fit will always make it 10x better, and there are always plenty of special offers to choose from to help your wallets.
Pros: Timeless brand and design, multiple colorways and sizes available.
Cons: Only 45% Angora, unlined.
Similar to the previous baby blue option by H&M, this Amazon pick is also a great choice if you are on a budget. “This is an absolutely fabulous-looking hat. The faux fur looks real. High quality. I can’t express how pleased I am with my purchase. It’s even a surprise to me,” a reviewer raves.
Pros: Affordable, multiple colors available.
Cons: Some reviewers say sizes run big.
You've probably seen cat ear knit hats all over your FYPs, especially if you are into K-pop. If you've been wanting to dip your toes into the trend without breaking the bank, this Amazon option is a great one.
Pros: Unique style, comes in multiple color combinations.
Cons: Reviewers say ears are not as defined as the picture, so it takes a bit of adjusting to get the desired fit (which can be a pro if you are after a subtler style).
What's better than a regular fuzzy bucket hat? A Nike fuzzy bucket hat! If you are into athleisure and logomania, this super soft design is the one for you.
Pros: Classic brand, timeless design.
Cons: Can only be wiped clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
I bet you've all seen Toteme's embroidered scarf jacket (and its dupes) all over your FYPs, but the brand is more than just outerwear. This brushed rib knit navy beanie — which features an alpaca, polyamide and elastane blend — is the perfect intro piece to the brand thanks to the SSENSE sale.
Pros: 78% alpaca, coveted brand.
Cons: Flyaways can be a bit itchy.
This faux-suede aviator-style hat from Stand Studio features a Sherpa trim throughout and clippable ear flaps. Though faux-suede might not be known for its wicking properties, it's certainly more waterproof than a knit if you live somewhere rainy and hate carrying an umbrella.
Pros: Extra warm, can be worn two ways.
Cons: Mainly made from polyester.
This faux-fur bucket hat with plain-woven cotton lining is the fluffiest of winter hats. Also from Stand Studio, this one will never go out of style. Tan for the win.
Pros: Extra warm, 100% cotton lining.
Cons: Only 20% wool outer.
