Must-have winter hats
Photo credit: WARM WEAR
Winter is here and the hats are on. I’m a big hat girl and have come to the conclusion that there are three must-have hats that you need in order to complete your hat quiver.
Lightweight workout hat
Fleece hat
Nice wool or cashmere hat
Lightweight workout hat
Photo credit: ARC’TERYX
Let’s start with the lightweight workout hat. I wish I could come up with a better name, but “lightweight workout hat” feels like the most clear description. This hat is for pretty much any outdoor winter cardio activity—hiking, running, Nordic skiing, skinning, etc.
This is the hat you grab when it’s cold, but you’re about to get your sweat on. A lightweight, technical design that will keep your ears warm and prevent a brain freeze without causing you to overheat.
Where I live, Skida pretty much dominates this space, however, there are several brands that make high-quality options in a range of fabrics. Lightweight merino wool, poly-blend fabric and thin fleece options are among our favorite materials.
Our top picks:
Fleece hat
I love a good fleece hat. A fleece hat is the most versatile of the bunch and—if I were forced to only have one hat for the rest of my life—it would be a fleece hat.
Perfect for sledding, skiing/snowboarding (though we always recommend a helmet), walking the dog, running a quick errand—the list goes on. This hat truly does it all.
Why are fleece hats the best? First off, they don’t itch. I can happily wear a fleece hat all day without itching my forehead every other minute. Secondly, they are warm, but not overly warm. I feel like fleece hats create this perfect climate for your noggin that regulates temperature and airflow, keeping your head perfectly happy. The last point I will call out is the lightweight aspect of a fleece hat. While they are still warm, they are still super light — you’ll forget you are wearing a hat!
Our top picks:
Nice Wool or Cashmere Hat
Finally, when we’re feeling fancy, or are simply stepping out for an errand or coffee, we’ll pop on our “nice hat.” These are the hats that can be dressed up or down and give you the ultimate “cool girl” look. While wool and cashmere tend to be a bit pricier, our top picks are classic beanie styles that are truly timeless and well worth the investment.
Whether you’re heading to an outdoor concert or grabbing a quick bite to eat, this is the hat you will feel confident in, no matter the occasion.
Our top picks:
Photo credit: WARM WEAR
That’s a wrap on our favorite, must-have winter hats. Trust us, this three-hat quiver is key when it comes to keeping your head nice and warm. We’ve owned some of these hats for years and they still look good and perform just as well.
Love,
WB