What are the best winter hats for men?

Winter demands more from your wardrobe than a good-looking hat. You need gear that protects you from harsh elements and keeps your style intact.

The right winter hat shields you from freezing temperatures, biting winds, and the surprisingly intense winter sun that reflects off snow and ice.

Whether you're hitting the slopes or commuting to work, a good winter hat is the difference between comfort and misery. Explore winter sun hats for sun-protection, extreme cold, active lifestyles, and more.

SwimZip makes UPF 50+ winter hats for adults and kids, as well as super-stylish swimwear for the whole family.

Best men's winter hats for warmth

When temperatures drop, warmth is top priority. The best hats for cold weather feature insulating materials that trap body heat and protect your ears and neck from frigid air.

Trapper hats

Trapper hats (also called aviator hats or bomber hats) offer unbeatable warmth with their full ear flap coverage and often include a soft fleece or fur lining. These classic cold-weather hats originated with pilots and trappers who worked in extreme conditions, so they can handle serious cold. Look for options with adjustable chin straps to keep the hat secure during windy days and toggles that let you position the ear flaps exactly where you need them.

🧢Our Arctic Chill winter hat for adults combines the warmth of a trapper with modern performance features. It includes fleece-lined ear flaps that adjust up or down depending on the temperature, a wind and water-repellent outer shell, and an adjustable toggle strap at the crown for a customized fit.

Beanies

Beanies are the minimalist's choice for winter warmth. These snug-fitting knit caps cover your head and ears without extra bulk, so you can layer them under bike helmets or wear them during winter sports. The best beanies for men use merino wool or synthetic blends that insulate and wick moisture.

For maximum warmth, choose beanies with a folded cuff that adds an extra layer over your ears. Slouchy beanies offer a more relaxed fit and contemporary style, while fitted beanies sit closer to your head for a streamlined look under hoods.

Wool fedoras and felt hats

Don't overlook classic wool fedoras and felt hats for winter wear. Quality wool felt provides excellent insulation and naturally repels light moisture. These structured hats work well for business casual settings or dressier occasions when you need warmth and a professional appearance.

Best men’s winter hats for sun protection

Did you know that snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation? Reflection can double your UV exposure. At higher elevations, UV intensity increases about 4% for every 1,000 feet. Cold weather tricks you into thinking you're safe from sun damage, but winter sun burns are real and severe.

UPF-rated winter hats

The best winter hats for sun protection carry a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating that tells you exactly how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. UPF 50+ offers excellent protection by blocking 98% of both UVA and UVB rays.

☃️ Our sun-protective winter hats provide UPF 50+ sun protection without sacrificing warmth. This dual-purpose design means you don't have to choose between sun safety and cold protection.

Wide-brim options

Wide-brim hats cover more surface area of the face. Look for winter-appropriate materials like treated canvas, wool felt, or water-resistant synthetics that can handle snow and moisture. Many wide-brim winter hats include adjustable chin straps to prevent wind from catching the brim.

Baseball caps with ear flaps

For a sporty look with sun protection, try a heavyweight baseball cap. The best versions include fleece-lined ear flaps that fold down when needed and a longer brim that shields your face. Baseball caps don't offer the same all-around protection as wide-brim and UPF-rated hats, but they protect against moderate cold and provide forward-facing sun protection.

Best men’s winter hats for sports and active pursuits

Athletic activities in cold weather require hats that balance warmth and breathability. The best winter hat styles for men who stay active prioritize moisture management and wind resistance.

Performance beanies

Technical beanies made from synthetic materials like polyester or merino wool blends are great for winter sports. These fabrics wick sweat away from your scalp and maintain warmth even when damp.

Many performance beanies include reflective elements for visibility during early morning or evening activities, which runners, cyclists, and winter morning commuters may find useful.

Convertible winter hats

Convertible designs adapt to changing conditions during active pursuits. Hats with adjustable ear flaps let you increase ventilation as you warm up or batten down when you need more coverage.

🏂 Our convertible hats for adults feature an adjustable chin strap buckle that keeps the hat secure even during vigorous movement. The fleece-lined ear flaps adjust up or down, and the crown toggle lets you fine-tune the fit. The wind and water-repellent outer shell handles snow and sleet while the soft fleece lining provides warmth without bulk.

Ski and snowboard helmets

For high-speed winter sports, such as downhill skiing and snowboarding, helmets are mandatory. Modern ski helmets include built-in ventilation and cozy liner materials. Wear a thin performance beanie or headband underneath for extra warmth without compromising the helmet’s fit.

Best men’s winter hats for everyday wear

Your daily winter hat needs to balance warmth and a versatile style that works with everything from casual weekend wear to business attire.

Classic knit beanies

A quality knit beanie in a neutral color (charcoal, navy, black, or olive) complements virtually any outfit. Chunky cable-knit styles add texture and visual interest, while smooth-knit versions maintain a cleaner silhouette. Choose beanies with minimal branding for maximum versatility.

Wool caps with brims

Newsboy caps, ivy caps, and other flat caps offer a sophisticated alternative to beanies. Made from wool or wool blends, these structured caps provide moderate warmth and timeless style. The short brim protects your eyes from sun and precipitation without the bulk of a baseball cap.

Convertible trapper hats

For maximum versatility, choose trapper-style hats where the ear flaps fold up when you don't need them. This design transitions seamlessly from outdoor cold to heated indoor spaces without looking out of place.

❄️ Our navy Arctic Chill convertible winter hat exemplifies this versatility. Wear the ear flaps down during your morning commute, fold them up when you arrive at the office, and adjust the fit throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate. The trendy trapper style works with casual and semi-casual outfits, and the color works well with any man’s wardrobe.

Best men’s winter hats for extreme cold

When temperatures plummet into single digits or below zero, standard winter hats won't cut it. Extreme cold demands specialized gear that covers maximum surface area and uses premium insulating materials.

Full-coverage balaclavas

Balaclavas cover your entire head and neck except for your eyes. These offer maximum warmth for extreme situations, like winter mountaineering or Arctic expeditions. Balaclavas use moisture-wicking fabrics and articulated designs that don't restrict movement or breathing.

Fur-lined ushanka hats

Traditional Russian ushanka hats feature substantial fur or faux-fur lining with extra-long ear flaps that tie under the chin or on top of the crown. The thick insulation makes these hats exceptionally warm, though less practical for high-output activities where you might overheat.

Insulated trapper hats with technical features

High-performance trapper hats combine excellent coverage with technical materials like synthetic insulation, waterproof shells, and adjustable closures. These hats handle extreme cold and offer better breathability than fur-lined options.

Best men’s winter hats for rain and wet conditions

Winter isn't always snowy; sometimes it's just cold and wet. The best hats for rainy winter weather prioritize water resistance but maintain breathability.

Waxed canvas hats

Waxed canvas is breathable and provides excellent water resistance. These hats develop a unique patina over time and can be re-waxed to maintain water repellency.

Waterproof synthetic hats

Hats made from Gore-Tex or similar waterproof-breathable membranes keep rain out but allow moisture vapor to escape. These technical fabrics work well for active pursuits in wet conditions where you need a fully waterproof barrier.

Water-resistant trapper hats

For moderate wet conditions, water-resistant outer shells provide adequate protection without the expense or potential stuffiness of fully waterproof materials. Our Arctic Chill hats for adults feature a wind and water-repellent outer shell that handles light rain and wet snow, while the fleece lining maintains warmth even if the exterior gets damp.

SwimZip winter hats for men keep you warm and protected

The best winter hats for men combine cold-weather protection with styles that match your lifestyle and preferences.

❄️ Explore our winter sun hats collection for styles that keep your whole family safe and comfortable during winter adventures.

Best winter hats for men FAQ

What is the best hat for a man over 50?

The best hat for men over 50 balances classic style with practical protection. Structured options like wool fedoras or quality trapper hats offer timeless sophistication. Prioritize comfort features like soft linings and adjustable sizing.

Who makes the best beanies for men?

Several brands make high-quality beanies for men, each with different strengths. Carhartt produces durable, affordable beanies for work and casual wear. Patagonia and The North Face create technical beanies perfect for outdoor activities. Premium brands like Canada Goose and Arc'teryx offer high-end options with superior materials. For budget-friendly choices, Uniqlo and Columbia provide solid quality at accessible prices.

What winter hat style is most popular?

Current trends favor minimalist, functional designs over flashy styles. Classic knit beanies remain the most popular everyday winter hat, with slouchy and cuffed versions both in style.

Trapper hats have seen a resurgence, particularly modern interpretations with technical fabrics and streamlined silhouettes. Cold-weather baseball caps (with ear flaps or insulated materials) appeal to younger demographics.

For dressier occasions, fedoras and felt hats are popular among men who value classic menswear.

Does a hat make you look younger?

The right hat can create a more youthful appearance, but the wrong hat can have the opposite effect. Slouchy beanies, modern bomber hats, and casual sun protective baseball caps tend to read as youthful. Conversely, dated styles or poorly maintained hats can age your appearance.

Fit also matters; a hat that's too large looks sloppy, while one that's too tight appears uncomfortable and unflattering. Choose styles that complement your face shape and personal aesthetic rather than trying to look younger.

Can you wear hats in the winter sun?

Yes, and you should. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, especially in snowy environments where UV radiation reflects off snow and effectively doubles your exposure.

Not all winter hats provide adequate sun protection, though. Look for hats with UPF ratings. UPF 50+ blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, such as our Arctic Chill sun-protective winter hat.

☀️ For more information about year-round sun protection, read our sun protection tips.

How do you keep a winter hat from smelling?

Winter hats develop odors from sweat, body oils, and bacteria. To prevent smells, wash or clean your hat regularly based on its care instructions. Air out hats between wears rather than immediately storing them in closed spaces. Use hat liners or headbands that absorb sweat and can be washed frequently.

For hats that can't be machine-washed, spot clean the interior headband area where sweat accumulates most. Sprinkle baking soda inside the hat, let it sit overnight, then shake it out to absorb odors. Store hats in breathable containers or open shelving rather than plastic bins where moisture gets trapped. If a hat develops persistent odors despite cleaning, it may be time to replace it.