Types of winter hats (And which one’s right for you)

The difference between a miserable winter day and an enjoyable one might come down to your hat. A great winter coat can’t stop heat from escaping from your head, so cover it up. But you don’t have to throw on a balaclava and toss fashion to the wind. 

To find the best winter hat, you’ll need to balance:

• Style
• Insulation for cold protection
• Coverage for wind resistance
• Sun protection for year-round UV defense
• Comfort for all-day wear

Your hat choice depends on where you live, how long you tend to stay outdoors, and what activities you want to engage in. We’ll walk you through the most popular winter hat styles so you know what to search for. Then, we’ll help you decide which one is right for you.

SwimZip makes UPF 50+ winter hats for adults and kids that block 98% of harmful UV rays while keeping your family warm and comfortable.

Beanies

Beanies (also called knit caps or watch caps) are the most popular winter hat style. These close-fitting hats cover your head and usually extend over your ears.

Classic cuffed beanies feature a folded brim that adds extra warmth around your ears. The cuff also lets you adjust how low the hat sits on your head. Cuffed beanies work well for casual wear and outdoor activities in milder weather.

Slouchy beanies have extra fabric that drapes at the back of your head for a relaxed, laid-back look. These work great when you want a less structured style while still keeping your head warm.

Ribbed beanies use a ribbed knit pattern that creates natural stretch. This design helps the hat fit snugly without feeling too tight, and the texture adds visual interest to your outfit.

Pom-pom beanies add a playful touch with a decorative pom on top. Kids love these fun hats, and they come in bright colors that make children easier to spot during snow play.

Earflap winter hats

Earflap hats (sometimes called trapper hats, bomber hats, or aviator hats) provide serious protection for extreme cold. These hats feature flaps that cover your ears and often include a chin strap to keep everything secure during windy conditions.

Trapper hats typically feature a water-resistant outer shell with fleece or fur lining inside. The ear flaps can be tied up on top of the hat when you don't need them, or fastened under your chin when temperatures drop.

Bomber hats offer a similar design but usually have a more streamlined look. They're excellent for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding because they stay put even during active movement.

🧢 Our Arctic Chill winter hat for adults merges trapper warmth with modern technical features. Wear our fleece-lined ear flaps up or down based on temperature, while the wind and water-repellent shell blocks harsh elements.

Fleece winter hats

Fleece hats combine the soft comfort of the material with practical winter protection. Unlike knit hats, fleece options often include weather-resistant outer shells and can be designed with UPF sun protection built right into the fabric.

Fleece-lined wide-brim hats offer exceptional coverage for your face and neck. The wide brim shades your face from both direct sunlight and snow glare, while the fleece lining keeps your head cozy. These hats work beautifully for families who spend lots of time outdoors during winter.

Convertible fleece hats feature adjustable elements like fold-down ear coverage or removable neck flaps. This makes them perfect for uncertain weather conditions; you can add coverage when the temperature drops or remove layers as you warm up during activity.

☀️ SwimZip's fleece winter hats combine cozy warmth with UPF 50+ sun protection, so you don't have to choose between comfort and safety. The fleece lining feels soft against your skin, while the weather-resistant outer shell handles snow and wind.

Baseball caps for winter

Baseball caps are usually summer gear, but you can also get winter versions. The best winter baseball caps feature heavyweight materials like wool or fleece and often include fold-down ear flaps.

The structured brim shields your face from forward-facing sun exposure, which is helpful during activities like running or cycling when you face the sun for extended periods. Some winter baseball caps also feature moisture-wicking properties that help during active pursuits.

While baseball caps don't provide the same all-around coverage as wide-brim or earflap hats, they work well for moderate cold and active lifestyles where you need sun protection and breathability.

Heavy-duty winter hats

When temperatures plummet below freezing, or you're facing harsh mountain conditions, you should leave the beanie at home. Heavy-duty winter hats combine advanced insulation with weather-resistant materials to keep you protected during the most demanding conditions.

Balaclavas offer the most comprehensive coverage available in winter headwear. These full-coverage pieces protect your entire head and neck, leaving only your eyes exposed (or covering everything with mesh eye panels). The seamless coverage eliminates gaps where cold air sneaks in, and many versions feature moisture-wicking fabrics that prevent sweat buildup during intense activity.

Insulated trapper hats with down fill take cold-weather protection to the next level. Unlike fleece-lined trapper hats, premium trappers use the same down insulation found in high-performance winter jackets. The down filling creates an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and keeps your head toasty without adding bulk. Look for versions with water-resistant outer shells, as wet down loses its insulating properties.

Technical winter sport hats are purpose-built for activities like ice climbing and winter mountaineering. These hats use advanced synthetic insulations like PrimaLoft or Polartec that maintain warmth even when damp. Many feature windproof panels over the ears and forehead where wind chill hits hardest, while breathable mesh zones prevent overheating during high-output activities. Helmet-compatible designs fit under ski or climbing helmets without creating pressure points.

👀 For families who enjoy winter sports together, matching winter hats create a coordinated look and keep everyone protected. SwimZip's winter sun hats collection includes options with serious cold-weather features alongside UPF 50+ sun protection for both the parents and the kids.

Choosing winter hats by activity

Different activities call for different hat styles. Here's how to match your winter hat to your lifestyle:

• For active winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing): Choose earflap hats or technical beanies that stay secure during movement. Look for moisture-wicking materials that prevent sweat buildup.
• For casual outdoor activities (building snowmen, winter walks, playground time): Fleece-lined wide-brim hats or cuffed beanies are sufficient. Prioritize comfort and sun protection over extreme cold-weather features. Bright colors and high-visibility options help you keep track of your children during snow play.
• For everyday wear (commuting, running errands, outdoor work): Classic beanies or winter baseball caps offer practical protection without bulk. Choose neutral colors that coordinate with multiple outfits, or make your hat a bold statement piece.
• For extreme cold (prolonged outdoor exposure, Arctic conditions): Balacravas or trapper hats with full ear coverage and chin straps provide maximum protection. Look for water-resistant outer shells and insulated linings.

Winter hat materials and features

The material your winter hat is made from affects both warmth and sun protection:

• Wool provides excellent insulation and maintains warmth even when damp. It's naturally breathable, which allows moisture to escape while keeping your head cozy. Wool felt used in wide-brim winter hats offers some inherent UV protection due to its dense weave.
• Fleece is soft, lightweight, and warm. It's often used as a lining material in other hat types or as the primary fabric in fleece winter hats. High-quality fleece wicks moisture away from your skin while providing insulation.
• Synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic have material properties that improve performance hats. They dry quickly, resist water, and can be treated with UPF coatings for sun protection. Many athletic winter hats use synthetic blends.
• UPF-rated fabrics block UV radiation. These materials protect your skin just like sunscreen but won't wear off or need reapplication. Look for UPF 50+ ratings for maximum protection.

Features to consider when choosing a winter hat:

• Ear coverage: Full coverage keeps your ears warm in extreme cold
• Adjustable sizing: Helps the hat fit properly as your child grows
• Water resistance: Important for snow play and winter sports
• Breathability: Prevents overheating during active pursuits
• Visibility: Bright colors and neon options help keep children safe around water and in snowy conditions. Our neon hats offer enhanced visibility that helps parents spot their kids on the ski slopes or during crowded snowball fights.

Children’s winter hats need safety and comfort

Kids need winter hats that stay put during active play while providing serious protection. Look for these features when shopping for children's winter hats:

• Secure fit: Hats with chin straps or adjustable closures stay on during snow angels and sledding. Kids won't constantly pull at a properly fitting hat.
• Easy on and off: Children should be able to manage their own hats at school or during play dates. Simple pull-on styles or easy-to-use fasteners work best.
• Machine washable: Kids' winter hats need frequent washing. Choose durable materials that hold up to repeated laundering.
• Growth-friendly sizing: Adjustable features or size ranges that accommodate growth make the hat last longer.

SwimZip winter hats keep you warm and protected

The best winter hat is one you'll actually wear, so choose a style that fits your activities, protects your skin from winter elements and UV rays, and matches your style. Our sun-protective products have been evaluated by leading dermatologists and carry the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

❄️ Explore our winter sun hats collection for styles that keep your whole family protected and comfortable all winter long.

Types of winter hats FAQ

What's the warmest type of winter hat?

Trapper hats with full ear flaps and insulated linings provide the most warmth. These hats offer complete coverage and wind protection, making them ideal for extreme cold. For serious Arctic conditions, look for versions with genuine fur or high-quality synthetic insulation, such as our Arctic Chill hats.

What type of winter hat works best for active kids?

Fleece hats with ear flaps or secure-fitting beanies work well for active children. Look for options with chin straps or adjustable closures that stay put during play. Bright colors and neon options add visibility for safety around parking lots and ski areas.

Do winter hats prevent heat loss?

A quality winter hat traps escaping heat. Your head has many blood vessels close to the skin surface, which means heat escapes quickly from an uncovered head. A well-fitted winter hat retains body heat and keeps you warmer overall.

How do I choose a winter hat for skiing or snowboarding?

For winter sports, choose hats that fit comfortably under helmets or that have secure fastening systems if worn alone. Look for moisture-wicking materials that prevent sweat buildup, and consider options with earflaps for added protection.

Are wide-brim hats practical for winter?

Yes, wide-brim winter hats made from appropriate materials work beautifully for cold weather. Look for versions made from wool felt, water-resistant synthetics, or treated canvas. The brim provides excellent sun protection from both direct rays and snow glare while keeping precipitation off your face.

What's the difference between UPF and SPF?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures sunscreen effectiveness, while UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures fabric protection. UPF 50+ fabric blocks the same UV percentage as SPF 50+ sunscreen but won't wear off, wash off, or need reapplication throughout the day.

Learn more about the differences between SPF and UPF here.

Can you wear sun hats in winter?

Absolutely. In fact, winter sun protection is just as important as summer protection due to snow reflection and high-altitude exposure. However, you need winter-specific sun hats with warm materials like fleece lining and weather-resistant shells (don't wear your lightweight summer hat in cold conditions).

Further Reading

What are the best winter hats for men?

Should I wear sun protection during winter?

What are the best winter hats for women?

Does UPF wash out of clothing?

Differences between sun poisoning and a sunburn