The best winter hats in 2025

National Geographic

05-02-2025

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Whether you're trekking through snow-covered mountains or exploring icy cities, your winter hat should keep you warm (but not hot), stylish, and comfortable.
Michaella Kim is no stranger to extreme outdoor activities in frigid weather. 'I did a 100-mile bike ride on New Year's Eve, and it was 30 degrees out and snowing,' says the Alexandria, Virginia-based ultrarunner, mountain biker, and fitness trainer. 'If you're moving and generating heat, you don't want your hat to be too thick or heavy. It's just too hot and uncomfortable.'
Materials like wool, cashmere, and alternative down fills are insulating while fleece linings are moisture-wicking. 'Starting with quality materials is a smart move,' explains New York City-based fashion stylist Lucy Armstrong . 'You want 100 percent natural materials that are going to last longer than one season. Once you have a quality material like cashmere or wool, then choose a style and shape that best suits your hair, face, and your coat.'
Our top pick, the Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie , balances lightweight materials with a unisex style that looks good on practically everyone. Below, we break down our picks for the best winter hats. Take your pick.
The best winter caps
The best winter hats marry form and function, so you look stylish while staying warm. Natural and earth-friendly materials cover the bases in our top picks for best winter hats. Read on for all the details.
Best winter hat overall: Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie
Photograph courtesy Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie
Buy it now at Outdoor Research
Why we like it: The Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie stands out for its lightweight and ultra-warm unisex design. Made with responsibly sourced 650-fill power down and a recycled Pertex Quantum shell, according to the brand, this beanie is wind- and water-resistant—especially ideal for extremely cold conditions.
'They're a really reasonable brand with quality products that aren't too expensive,' says James Austin Workman, a ski, snowboard, and mountain biking instructor in West Virginia.
Keep in mind: This winter hat may not be ideal for high-output activities due to its insulation, which could cause overheating.
Product details: Material: Recycled polyester; 650-fill power down | Size: S/M to L/XL | Colors: Amethyst, Black, Ranger Green
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Best winter hat for men: Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Photograph courtesy Carhartt
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Buy it now at Carhartt
Why we like it: A staple for men in cold climates, the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie is a classic. Made from acrylic rib-knit fabric, it's warm, cozy, and looks great. 'Basic knit beanies are what I wear for normal days,' says Austin Workman.
We love that you can toss it in the washing machine and that it comes in every color of the rainbow.
Keep in mind: The acrylic material isn't as breathable as natural fibers like wool.
Product details: Material: Acrylic | Size: One size | Colors: 12+
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Best winter hat for women: Athleta Cozy Hour Beanie
Photograph courtesy Athleta
Athleta Cozy Hour Beanie
Buy it now at Athleta
Why we like it: The Athleta Cozy Hour Beanie is stylishly simple. In a mix of wool and cotton, it's supremely soft and warm in go-with-everything colors like cream, gray, and black. 'If your hat is pretty basic and neutral, you can let your outerwear be the outspoken piece to express your personal style,' says Armstrong. You can also throw this one in the washer and dryer.
Keep in mind: This hat might not have enough insulation for very cold climates.
Product details: Material: Wool and cotton | Size: One size | Colors: Black, Bone, Quartz Heather
( 9 of the best winter boots for women )
Best winter beanie hat: The North Face Beanie
Photograph courtesy Amazon
The North Face Beanie
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Somewhere between a skullcap and a beanie, The North Face Beanie is classic and practical. It's made in a stretchy acrylic knit with a foldable cuff that you can adjust for more or less coverage. The jersey lining feels soft against skin for hours of comfort.
'I have sensitive skin so I always look for a lining in my hats and beanies,' says Kim. 'Especially when it's dry and cold outside, skin can get irritated if you're wearing a hat without a lining.'
Keep in mind: Acrylic may not be as durable as other natural materials.
Product details: Material: Acrylic | Size: One size | Colors: 50+
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Best wool hat: Fjallraven Byron Hat Thin
Photograph courtesy Fjallraven
Fjallraven Byron Hat Thin
Buy it now at Fjallraven
Why we like it: Crafted from 100 percent lambswool, the Fjällräven Byron Hat Thin is a luxe option for cold-weather comfort. Wool naturally wicks away moisture and retains heat, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. Its spare Scandinavian design with a folded leather logo is simple and stylish.
Keep in mind: This winter hat can only be handwashed.
Product details: Material: 100% lambswool | Size: One size | Colors: Autumn Leaf, Black, Chalk White, Dark Navy, Dark Olive, Graphite, Patina Green
Best winter hat with ear flaps: Melin Aviator Infinite Thermal
Photograph courtesy Zappos
Melin Aviator Infinite Thermal
Buy it now at Zappos
Why we like it: The Melin Aviator Infinite Thermal hat is designed for extreme cold. The thermal lining, water- and wind-repellent shell, and fold-down ear flaps provide great protection against the elements. 'During the coldest snowstorms, a hat with earflaps and a faux-fur lining is essential,' says Austin Workman. 'The flaps and fur protect my cheeks and face, and it's an easier style for wearing goggles.'
Keep in mind: The higher price point may not suit budget-conscious shoppers. This winter hat comes only in one color.
Product details: Material: Wool and micro fleece | Size: One size | Colors: Black
Most stylish winter hat: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Beret
Photograph courtesy Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Beret
Buy it now at Quince
Why we like it: Made from 100 percent Grade A Mongolian cashmere, according to the company, this highly rated beret feels extra soft and warm. We love the laidback style and the array of neutral colors for any outfit, plus the affordable price.
Keep in mind: Cashmere requires handwashing with delicate detergent or dry-cleaning
Product details: Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Size: One size | Colors: Black, Brown, Camel, Heather Gray, Ivory, Navy
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Best winter hat with pom pom: Winuesa Satin-Lined Knit Cap with Pom Pom
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Winuesa Satin-Lined Knit Cap with Pom Pom
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: What's more fun than a knit cap with a pom pom? The Winuesa Satin-Lined Knit Cap with Pom Pom has a satin lining that the brand says is designed to help reduce friction and retain moisture, so hair stays smooth with less breakage. We like that the cuff pulls down to keep ears warm.
Keep in mind: The pom pom makes the hat more casual than sophisticated.
Product details: Material: Acrylic with satin lining | Size: One Size | Colors: Gray, Mint, Oatmeal, Pink, Purple, White
How we chose the best winter hat
In building this list for the best winter hat, we took several factors into consideration. In addition to adequate coverage and warmth, we looked for winter hats with good construction, high customer ratings, and qualities that contribute to wearability, such as good color choices. Here's what we looked at:
• Third-party reviews: We evaluated customer feedback to make sure real-world performance aligns with manufacturer claims.
• Material quality: We prioritized hats made with sustainable and natural materials that are not just warm but also durable, stylish, and comfortable.
• Expert insights: We asked pros such as outdoor adventurers and stylists for recommendations and shopping tips.
Tips for buying winter hats
Type
Choosing the right winter hat depends on where and how you plan to wear it. Each type offers different levels of coverage and warmth. If you're touring a chilly city, perhaps try a cashmere or wool beret or beanie, like our top pick the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Beret . If your travels take you to wintry landscapes, you may want to go for a winter hat with ear flaps and down insulation, such as our overall favorite Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Beanie or the Melin Aviator Infinite Thermal .
Material
Choose materials based on warmth, durability, and comfort. Wool and fleece excel in insulation, while cashmere offers luxurious softness. Natural, sustainable materials will last longer than one season.
Weather
Make sure your hat suits the climate at your destination. Waterproof or windproof options are ideal for harsh and frigid conditions, where you plan to spend lots of time outdoors. Lighter materials, such as acrylic, are better for mild weather.
Activity
It goes without saying but if you're skiing or snowboarding, you'll need a winter hat that protects your ears and provides a secure fit. At the same time, look for light, breathable materials like merino wool, to prevent overheating. 'When you're moving versus being static, you want be warm but not too warm,' says Austin Workman. 'Overdressing, whether it's wearing the wrong clothes or a hat that's too insulated is the biggest mistake.'
Frequently asked questions
What is a winter hat called?
A winter hat is often called a beanie, a cap, or a chapka depending on the style and region.
How to care for a wool hat?
Winter hats made of wool should be handwashed in cold water with mild detergent, then laid flat to dry. Avoid wringing to help wool hats retain their shape.
What is the warmest hat for winter?
Winter hats made with down insulation or lambswool typically provide the most warmth due to their superior heat retention and moisture-wicking properties.
Maggie Kim is a lifestyle journalist and avid traveler, who spent over a decade living in Paris. Now based in Los Angeles, California, she covers beauty, food, fashion, and travel. Follow her on
is a lifestyle journalist and avid traveler, who spent over a decade living in Paris. Now based in Los Angeles, California, she covers beauty, food, fashion, and travel. Follow her on Instagram
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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