Covering up is key to keeping warm in winter and that includes your head. It is just as important to keep your head and ears toasty as it is any other part of your body.
Winter hats come in many guises and this guide is aimed at helping you find a winter hat that is best suited to your needs and style.
For those of you who instantly think “hats don’t suit me” luckily for you, we will also give you a bit of guidance on which hats suit your face shape.
If you are not sure what winter hat is best for you, first consider your face shape. Like hairstyles not every hat will suit every face shape. Not sure what face shape you have? Here are the most common:
Oval – Longer face with a curved jawline
Heart shaped – long pointed jawline and defined cheekbones
Oblong – Long, narrow face
Round – A face that is as wide as it is long
Rectangular – A long and wide face with a strong jawline
Winter hats will be made from warmer fabrics than summer hats, think wool, felt, fur and fleece.
There is no one type of winter hat that is suitable for every occasion but there is a style that will suit what you are looking whether for casual wear, sport of more formal occasions.
The colour of the hat will often play a part in what situations it is suited to. Hats in bold colours or patterned hats tend to have more casual associations so are best for leisure activities such as skiing or off duty weekend wear.
Bright, neon colours are ideal if you want to be seen for example if you are running or cycling at night or if you do extreme winter sports where you may need to be rescued. A neon hat may well be out of place for a formal do!
For work or more formal occasions stick to dark colours and neutral tones which are dressier. Black, brown, grey and navy hats are also a bit more versatile as you can wear them day to day without looking too out of place.
Beanie Hat
Beanie Hats
Beanie hats are probably the most popular knitted hat style and a winter staple for most. Beanie hats are most often made from polyester or acrylic but can also be made from wool or fleece.
Fleece linings, turn ups and bobbles are common features of beanie hats. Beanie hats can be found in plain colours and simple designs with more daring patterns or text designs becoming increasingly fashionable.
If you have an oval shaped face a fitted beanie would suit you best as it won’t lengthen your face. If you have a heart shaped face, opt for a slouchy beanie which will soften the angles of the face.
The casual style of the beanie hat make them best suited to off duty wear and less so to formal attire.
Bobble Hat
Bobble Hat
Always a popular hat choice for kids, now adults are getting in on the act. A bobble hat is usually a knitted beanie hat with a ‘ball’ on top, fur pom poms are a popular choice.
For those of you with an oval or oblong shaped face, like beanie hats, the bobble hat will compliment the shape of your face. In fact a bobble hat suits most face shapes.
Trapper Hat/Aviator hat
Trapper Hat
Trapper and aviator hats are essentially hats with ears (that can be flipped up) and are arguably some of the warmest winter hats. Trapper hats are similar to Ushankas which are a Russian style of hat typically made from sheepskin, rabbit or muskrat fur. The aviator hat is usually made from leather, with fur on the forehead and on the ear flaps.
If it is extremely cold a trapper or aviator hat would give you as much coverage from the cold and wind as you can get without wearing a balaclava. The ear flaps are designed to provide added protection from the elements.
Whether you opt for the traditional fur style or some more outrageous these style of hats will suit most face types and are popular with both men and women.
Deerstalker
Deerstalker Hat
A deerstalker hat is most closely associated with the famous Sherlock Holmes hat and as such is often associated with detective headgear. Deerstalker hats were originally worn by people in rural areas, who as the name suggests, hunted deer.
A traditional deerstalker is usually made from a wool tweed material, lined with satin or polished cotton. The main feature of this style of hats is its helmet shape, with visors in both the front and rear.
Fedora Hat
Fedora
A fedora is a more structured winter hat with a brim which is most commonly made from wool and felt and worn by both men and women. The traditional fedora hat has a crease down the centre and is pinched at the front of the crown.
The tapered grown of a fedora hat creates added length and for this reason is best suited to those with shorter face shapes. Choose a style with a smaller brim to avoid making your face appear smaller. If you have a rectangular face shape you can afford to choose a fedora with a wider brim.
Fur Hat
Fur Hats
Fur hats are often associated with glamour and are popular with those looking for a more formal winter hat. Traditionally, fur hats were worn by both male and females, however current styles in the UK tend to be more feminine. Unlike an aviator hat, Russian hats, also known as cossack hats,do not have ear flaps.
Fur hats are not for the shy and retiring but are well suited to those with a rounder face. If you are petite or have a small face you might find a Cossack hat dwarfs you.
Fleece Headband
Winter Headbands
Although technically not a hat, a fur headband is a popular choice for winter and can be easier to wear than a full fur hat. Fur headbands are well suited to those with a structured or round faces.
Headbands are also popular with skiers, with a ski headband normally usually made from a light fleece material. As well as keeping your head and ears warm, they’re great at keeping your hair out of your face when you’re on the slopes. Some are extremely thin and are able to be worn underneath your ski helmet. Many people prefer headbands to hat as they still provide extra warmth but won’t slide off your head like some hats can.