How to Choose a Winter Hat: Styles, Materials and Sizing

By Winter Styled Editorial Team · Updated 1 November 2026

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A good winter hat does two jobs. It keeps your head and ears warm, and it finishes an outfit. The right one can make an everyday coat look put together, and the wrong one can be itchy, too tight or always slipping up off your ears.

Here's how to pick a hat by style, material and fit.

Why a hat matters

You may have heard that most body heat escapes through the head. That's an exaggeration. Your head loses heat roughly in proportion to how much skin is exposed, like any other part of the body. But because your head and ears are usually uncovered when the rest of you is bundled up, a hat makes a noticeable difference to how warm you feel. Ears are thin and easily chilled, so covering them helps a lot on windy days.

Winter hat styles

Classic cuffed beanie

A fitted knit hat with a folded cuff. The cuff doubles the fabric over your ears for extra warmth. It suits almost everyone and every coat.

Slouchy beanie

Longer at the back, with a relaxed fit. Casual and comfortable, and works well with longer hair. Less snug, so a bit less warm in strong wind.

Pom-pom beanie

A beanie with a pom on top, either yarn or faux fur. Adds height and a playful touch. Some have detachable poms for washing.

Fisherman beanie

A short, shallow beanie that sits above the ears. A fashion choice more than a warmth choice.

Trapper or aviator hat

A hat with ear flaps and often a fleece or faux-fur lining. One of the warmest choices for very cold, windy weather. Search trapper hats with ear flaps if you face bitter wind chills.

Beret

A wool or felt beret is chic with wool coats, but it doesn't cover the ears. Best for milder cold days.

Fleece-lined bucket hat

A brimmed hat with a cozy lining. Keeps sleet off your face and suits casual outfits.

Headband or ear warmer

Keeps ears warm and leaves hair styles intact. Good for running or mild days.

Balaclava or hood scarf

Covers head, ears and neck. Popular for very cold commutes and outdoor sports.

Materials compared

• Wool: warm and breathable, stays warm when slightly damp. Some people find coarser wool itchy.
• Merino wool: finer and usually softer, with good temperature regulation.
• Cashmere: very soft and light, but delicate and needs gentle care.
• Acrylic: affordable, easy to wash and often soft, but less breathable. Can feel sweaty.
• Fleece lining: adds warmth and blocks some wind. A fleece-lined knit is a great combination.
• Blends: wool-acrylic blends balance warmth, softness and easy care.

If wool irritates your forehead, look for a hat with a soft lining or a cotton or fleece band inside. A fleece lined beanie is a good itch-free option.

How to measure your head

1. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows and ears, where a hat would sit.
2. Keep it level all the way around.
3. Note the measurement and compare it with the hat's size chart.

Many knit hats are "one size" and stretch to fit a range. If you have a larger or smaller head, look for brands that list specific sizes or stretch ranges.

Fit tips

• Covers your ears fully without needing to be pulled down constantly.
• Snug but not tight. Tight hats can cause headaches and leave marks.
• Doesn't ride up. If it slips up when you walk, it's too shallow or too loose.
• Room for hair. A slouchy style or a hat with a ponytail opening helps with buns and ponytails.

Choosing a hat for your face shape

These are loose guidelines, not rules. Wear what makes you feel good.

• Round faces: hats with height, like pom-pom or slouchy beanies, add length.
• Long faces: cuffed beanies worn lower on the forehead, or wider berets, balance length.
• Heart-shaped faces: slouchy beanies and berets worn slightly back soften the forehead.
• Square faces: slouchy or rounded shapes soften angles.
• Oval faces: most styles work.

Matching hats to coats

• Wool overcoat: cuffed beanie in a neutral tone, or a beret.
• Puffer jacket: chunky beanie, pom-pom hat or trapper.
• Parka: trapper or fleece-lined beanie.
• Shearling-style jacket: a ribbed knit beanie.

Coordinate with a scarf and gloves for a polished look; see our winter accessories capsule and how to tie a scarf.

Caring for winter hats

• Hand-wash wool and cashmere in cool water with a gentle detergent.
• Press water out in a towel instead of wringing.
• Dry flat, reshaping as it dries. Drying a hat over a balloon or bowl helps keep the shape.
• Remove pills with a fabric comb.
• Take off detachable poms before washing.

For more on staying warm from head to toe, see our cold-weather layering guide.

Read next: Thermal Base Layers Guide: Merino vs Synthetic vs Cotton →