Contrary to what the kid from Jerry Maguire says, the average human head weighs more than 8 pounds (try telling that to his adorable face, though). We also don’t lose half of our body heat through our heads — studies show that amount lost is proportional to the amount of skin showing. There’s a weird amount of myths about the human head, but one thing is certain — a comfortable winter hat will help keep you warm in cold weather, regardless of how much your noggin weighs.
Of course, the best winter hat for men isn’t just one that’s insulating and comfortable, but also one that’s stylish. After all, a hat is one of the first things someone will see when they look at your face.
The most universally flattering and versatile winter hat for men is a beanie. Whether it’s acrylic, wool or cotton, the right beanie will provide plenty of warmth and a dash of style. That said, a beanie isn’t the only option. A bucket hat isn’t as insulating, but a water-resistant one can help keep you dry on a wet winter day. And if it’s particularly frigid, an ushanka (a Russian hat with a fur lining and ear flaps) is sure to keep you toasty. These are some of the best winter hats for men to buy.
1. Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
BEST OVERALL
The Carhartt beanie is a classic for a reason — it’s affordable, warm, stylish and available in three million colors, give or take. It’s made from acrylic and is meant to be hand washed. The cuff can be adjusted as needed for a more comfortable fit. We named this the best winter hat of 2020, and we may just do so again this year.
2. Amazon Essentials Knit Beanies – 2 Pack
BUDGET BUY
Amazon Essentials is a great go-to clothing line for everyday basics. This 2-pack contains a gray and black knit beanie that will keep your head and ears warm on those chilly winter days on the horizon. The colors will go with just about everything, and the price is pretty hard to beat.
3. Drake’s Lambswool Hat
BEST UPGRADE
Drake’s makes some of the finest men’s accessories, and they’re known worldwide for their ties. This beanie is made in Scotland from 100% lambswool, and it has a ribbed texture that adds extra visual flair. The dark green color is great for autumnal and winter tones. Available via Todd Snyder, it will go great with the designer’s new L.L.Bean collaboration.
4. Madewell Wool Five-Panel Baseball Cap
BEST CAP
If it’s not cold enough for a beanie, but you still want a warm hat that’ll tame your bedhead, consider getting a wool baseball cap. It’ll offer a little warmth while also complementing the look of wool jackets and sweaters.
5. Patagonia Fisherman’s Beanie
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
Patagonia’s beanie is made from a recycled polyester fabric, making it a great option if you find wool and acrylic itchy. The ribbed texture makes it stretchy, while also adding appealing visual texture. It comes in a range of colors and has a small Patagonia logo on the cuff. What can we say — we just really love this hat.
6. A Kind of Guise Khoni Trapper Hat
WARMEST HAT
Trapper hats and ushankas are unbeatable when it comes to warmth, but they can sometimes leave you looking like you stepped out of a Jack London novel. This trapper hat from A Kind of Guise comes in muted navy with a tonal shearling lining. The hat is made from a blend of wool and cotton, with a polyester faux-shearling.
7. LL Bean Men’s Pistil Tinh Beanie
BEST TEXTURE
Waffles aren’t just for eating — the waffle texture of this beanie allows it to easily stretch, while also providing insulation. It has a classic cuffed design and is available in several muted colors. It’s made from acrylic.
8. Rains Bucket Hat
BEST FOR WET WEATHER
Sometimes winter is cold, and other times it’s cold and wet. This Rains bucket isn’t as insulating as a wool beanie, but it’ll keep you dry, which is important for staying warm. It comes in a range of colors and features a subtle Rains tab logo.
9. Filson Watch Cap Beanie
BEST FOR HIKING
Filson is known for its legendary bags and outdoor clothing, and this watch cap brings a sense of the outdoors to your everyday routine, even if that just entails catching the bus to work. The orange “flame” color is a great eye-catching option. This beanie is made from American-sourced wool.
10. Goodthreads Men’s Sherpa Trapper Hat
BEST TRAPPER HAT
We like this Goodthreads take on the classic trapper hat. Instead of fur (or faux fur, more often) on the inner lining, these winter hats feature a sherpa-style lining. We also love the stylish check pattern, which makes this trapper hat stand apart from other winter hats for men.
11. Gap Organic Cotton Ribbed Beanie
BEST COTTON BEANIE
Synthetics and wool can be itchy, which is why cotton is king when it comes to softness. This beanie from Gap is affordable and made from a blend of organic cotton and acrylic. Best of all, it comes in a ton of different colors. Stock up and stay warm all winter long.
12. LL Bean Adults’ Katahdin Pom Hat
BEST PATTERN
If you’re not afraid of making a style statement, go with this pom hat from LL Bean. It has a mountain-inspired print on the beanie with a pronounced LL Bean logo on the cuff. If you wear it in the city, it’s as good as an “I’d Rather Be Camping” bumper sticker.
13. Target Goodfellow & Co Men’s Speckled Knit Beanie
BEST BUDGET
Need an item of clothing quickly and don’t have much to spend? Target has you covered. This beanie has a stylish speckled pattern and a ribbed texture. It’s made from a blend of acrylic and polyester, and the internal lining keeps you comfortable and warm.
14. Amazon Essentials Plaid Trapper Hat
HONORABLE MENTION
Not every man can pull off a trapper hat, but if these winter hats suit your sense of style, then more power to you! This plaid trapper hat will keep you warm and cozy all winter long. The ears, inner surface and forehead are lined with faux fur for comfort. This men’s winter has is also available in blue or black.
When You Gotta Workout in the Cold, You Need a Softshell Jacket