'Tis the season for bundling up. You might have a great winter coat and gloves, but if you are still shivering when you leave the house, you're definitely forgetting a crucial aspect of warm winter dressing — a great hat! If you’re going to invest in one new piece of clothing this month, consider a nice, warm hat.
Just like fashion, accessory trends come and go, and this season is no different, with many winter trends involving unique hat styles. This year, trapper hats have been trending as well as fur hats. To figure out what to best invest in for a winter hat, we spoke with style experts and editors to hear what they look for in a great hat and how to best style them.
Whether you’re going for an après-ski vibe, urban chic or — let’s be honest — you just want to look good for a quick trip to the grocery store, these cold-weather hats are sure to garner countless compliments and keep you toasty in frigid conditions.
What to look for in winter hats
There are a plethora of winter hats, and pretty much every clothing brand offers at least a couple of hats every winter. To find out what ones are worth adding to your cart, stylists Samantha Brown and Cynthia Kennedy share how to best shop for a really good hat.
Brown says to look for a wool or cashmere hats for the best chance of keeping warm, but says "most hats will be a blend with some synthetics for durability and stretch, but the higher the quality of the fabric content, the warmer it will be." If you tend to get an itchy head when you wear a hat, Brown says to look for blends with cotton because those will cause less irritation. Kennedy agrees that cashmere and wool are great options, "Merino wool, cashmere and fleece are at the top of the list. Cashmere is the softest, merino is the most breathable and fleece is snuggly and non-itchy. If you’re super sensitive to wool, try a double-layered hat that has wool on the outside and a soft cotton or fleece on the inside."
Though when it comes to having a great hair day, Brown confirms that the tighter the hat, the warmer you will be — but that also means your hair might get messed up. If you prioritize your look over warmth, go for something a little looser to preserve your hair. Kennedy also stresses that if you are in severely cold climates, it is important to find a hat that covers your ears. She says, "Styles like ribbed beanies, fisherman beanies, trapper hats and pom hats all have their place, pick one that suits you best."
Expert-loved winter hats
If you want a one-and-done winter warming accessory, this is your best bet. It combines a scarf, hat and gloves altogether. Kennedy likes these options, saying, "You don’t need to spend a fortune on a hat, scarf, and gloves, because this all-in-one set has you covered. It’s not only affordable but super practical, soft and warm."
If you’re worried about getting hat hair, then this beanie is your best bet for staying warm and having a great hair day. Shop TODAY contributor, Chassie Post, says they’re lined with 100% satin to help alleviate that dreaded hat hair and reduce frizz.
Brown recommends this affordable cashmere option from this editor-loved brand, Quince. She calls it "a classic warm beanie at a great price point." Pair it with matching gloves for an upgraded look. This cap has over 3k positive reviews and has customers raving about how soft it is.
For when you are outside for long periods of time, this hat will come in handy for warmth and light. Not to mention it is also reversible. Kennedy says, "If you need a hat for walking in the early morning or evening, the Headlightz’s reflective LED beanie is a no-brainer. It ensures you can see and be seen, while keeping you warm, and since it’s reversible, you get two hats in one."
Keep cozy in cold conditions with this classic cashmere beanie. Kennedy likes this hat, calling it "lightweight, warm, and doesn’t feel itchy or scratchy, making it an excellent choice for daily use."
Brown also recommends this beanie for warmth and style. She loves the unique design it has, "beautiful weave, a fun pom pom." The hat is made with a honeycomb style of knitting, so it fits snug on your head.
Editor-loved winter hats
A classic black beanie is always a great staple, and editor Evan Siegel is a big fan of this one from GU. He says it's, "An affordable, no-frills hat that serves its purpose: It keeps you warm! It’s made out of polyester and acrylic, so I doubt it’d be as suitable for the tundra as one made out of wool — but it serves me well enough in the city."
This fleece-lined beanie makes for a perfect gift for anyone who lives in cold temperatures. I love this hat because it is double-layered, making it super warm, and the soft fleece inside makes it easy to keep your hair intact.
A Carhartt beanie has been a staple in my closet for years; they are always really warm and won’t slip off your head. I wear them when I am out running errands or on a winter walk, and I know I will be warm the entire time.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender recommends this beanie for cold temperatures. "Nothing beats a beanie during the winter, and this rib knit option from Harley Davidson is as classic as it comes. I've been waiting to test drive this ever since I got it at a holiday preview, and I found the perfect occasion with New York City's first snowfall of the season. With its wool/acrylic knit material blend, it kept my noggin perfectly warm as I took a long hike around my local park," she says.
This beanie comes in at a wopping 85% off right now, and production associate Audrey Ekman has her eye on it right now. She says," These Missoni beanies have been going viral on TikTok, and I think they’re so cute. Would make such a good gift, too!"
This duo from Verloop is all you need for winter accessories. I have them and love how warm and secure they feel on my head and hands. The hat is made of a thick material, and the best part is, you can throw it in the washing machine. I plan on wearing it skiing under my helmet.
I knew I needed this cable knit beanie in my wardrobe, and after learning it is made from real wool, I knew it was going to be in my closet for life. I wear this all the time in the snow and love how snug it fits on my head. It is so soft, too, and I find that I rarely have crazy hair when taking it off.
I'm a huge fan of the brand Arc'Teryx because they have really functional clothing that is warm and really well-made. While this hat is polyester, it is the perfect size to go under a hood or a helmet for winter sports.
Looking for a chic but functional hat? This fur cap from Madewell is such a statement piece that is perfect for dressed-up events where you might be outside. Wear it with an elegant coat, and take your outfit to the next level.
I have recently been seeing trapper/cadet caps everywhere. While they are definitely a fashion statement, I love how functional they are as well. This one keeps my entire head and neck warm, and if I ever get too hot, I can roll up the flaps. You basically are getting two hats in one!
More winter hats to shop
This classic beanie has over 10,000 positive reviews and comes in over 10 colors. The brand says it is made with a cashmere-like material and works to hold in warmth.
If you're a fan of the trapper hat trend, you can take it to the next level with this version that is not only waterproof (so it's perfect for snow), but it also comes with a detachable face mask that keeps you extra warm. This is handy to have when you are shoveling snow or sitting around a bonfire.
If you want a thinner hat that is not as bulky, but just as warm, go for this hat from The North Face. It has a fleece headband inside to make sure heat stays on your head and does not escape. One reviewer notes how warm the hat was in 20-30 degree weather.
Hats can get itchy sometimes, so when you are tired of taking your hat on and off, try this balaclava from Free People. It fits inside your jacket and has a convertible hood that can act as a hat. You can cinch it tighter with their adjustable strings.
Love an oversized beanie look? Try this thick beanie from an editor-loved brand. It is made of a blend of knit, including wool and cashmere. The burgundy color is great for fall festivities.
Another great cashmere option is this beanie from NAADAM that is unisex, so it can fit a variety of head sizes. One reviewer says, "Women’s hats usually don’t fit me unless they’re L/XL. I love how stretchy this cashmere beanie is! It actually fits my head comfortably! It stays put no matter how I style it so I can wear it up a bit with the little point drooping, or I can pull it down all the way over my ears to keep them extra warm on cold days."
Frequently asked questions
Cashmere, wool and natural fibers are good at retaining heat. Stylist Cynthia Kennedy says, "When looking for true warmth, wool, cashmere, merino wool, or fleece are the go-to fabrics. They’re guaranteed to naturally insulate, retain heat, and feel cozy even when the weather is damp. Merino and cashmere are especially pleasant because they’re so soft, breathable and won’t irritate your skin like regular wool."
It should fit snug on the head to make sure the heat stays trapped.
How we choose
All of the hats included in this story have either been recommended by experts and editors or are popular among shoppers online. We also spoke with experts about how to find the right hat for your needs.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the best winter hats. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
- Samantha Brown is a stylist and the owner of Samanthabrownstyling.com.
- Cynthia Kennedy is a personal stylist and owner of cynthiakennedy.
