Sun-Protective Winter Hats with Ear Flaps for Kids and Adults

Sun protective winter hats with ear flaps

Don’t leave sensitive ears exposed to winter’s biting wind and cold. These winter hats have ear flaps that contain warmth around the sides of your head where heat escapes fastest. And these fleece-lined flaps can be worn down for maximum warmth or buckled up when you or your little ones warm up from playing, so you and your kids can keep comfortable in any conditions.

An adjustable chin strap keeps the hat secure on windy days and holds the ear flaps in place when they're tucked up. You won’t have to chase loose hats around the windy playground or listen to complaints about cold ears.

And unlike standard winter beanies, our hats include a 2.5" brim that shields eyes from glare and protects faces from direct sunlight and snow reflection.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shop our full collection of fleece winter hats for kids for more family-friendly ear-flap styles.

Best for

Our winter hats with ear flaps shine in situations where the whole family needs reliable protection:

Snow play: Sledding, building snowmen, snowball fights, and backyard adventures
Winter sports: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating
School and recess: Keeping kids warm during outdoor play time
Family outings: Hiking and exploring in cold weather
Daily activities: Walking to school, running errands, and commuting
Spectating: Watching kids' sports games and outdoor events
Outdoor work: Yard work and jobs that keep you outside in the cold

Not ideal for

Our ear flap hats work hard, but they're not the right choice for every situation:

Warm weather: The fleece lining provides too much insulation once temperatures rise
Water activities: These hats are water-repellent, not waterproof—great for snow, not for swimming
High-speed helmet sports: If your child needs a helmet for skiing or snowboarding, pair it with a thin balaclava instead
Very young infants: Our smallest kids' size starts at 2 years

🎿 Need lighter coverage for milder days? Check out our adjustable UPF baseball hats.

How to choose the right winter hat with ear flaps

Size and adjustability: Kids grow fast, so look for hats with adjustable crown toggles that accommodate changing head sizes. Our winter hats for kids come in multiple size ranges, each with an adjustable circumference to maximize usage before sizing up. The sizes run from 2–8 years through 8–14 years. Adult hats fit up to 23.5" and fit men and women.
Sun protection rating: Look for UPF 50+ fabric that blocks 98% of harmful rays. Our hats carry the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, a third-party verification that the protection actually works.
Weather resistance: A wind and water-repellent outer shell creates a barrier against the elements while soft fleece lining traps warmth. The combination keeps everyone dry and comfortable without adding bulk.
Ear flap flexibility: Some days call for full ear coverage; other days, active kids warm up quickly. Convertible hats with ear flaps let you adapt without changing hats. Buckle them under the chin for sledding, then secure them on top when it's time to head inside.
Secure fit for active wear: Kids run and tumble, and their hats need to keep up. The adjustable chin strap keeps everything in place during active play, and the crown toggle ensures a snug fit that won't slip down over eyes or ride up off ears.
Coordinating family styles: Our hats come in the same colors for kids and adults, so family matching is easy. Choose classic navy or white for understated coordination, or go bold with aqua or yellow so everyone stands out on the slopes.

Why sun protection matters in winter (especially for kids)

Most parents remember sunscreen at the beach, but many forget about winter UV exposure. UV rays don't take snow days. UVA rays (the ones that cause long-term skin damage) are constant throughout the year. And winter conditions can actually amplify exposure in ways that catch families off guard.

Snow acts like a giant mirror, and can bounce up to 80% of UV rays back at your face. Higher altitudes make it worse, with UV intensity increasing about 10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. A day on the ski slopes can deliver more UV exposure than a day at the beach.

Kids are especially vulnerable because their skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Plus, they're often outside for recess and snow play, so exposure accumulates over the winter months.

☀️ Learn why sun protection matters year-round.

Care and maintenance

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cool water and air dry to preserve the water-repellent finish. Skip the fabric softener, which can compromise the protective coating. The durable construction holds up to regular washing, so your hats maintain their performance through many winters of family adventures.

📖 Learn about UPF fabric care.

Ear flap winter hats FAQ

How do I find the right hat size for my child?

Measure your child's head circumference at the widest point, just above the ears and eyebrows. Then, check your measurements against our sizing chart. Our kids' hats come in multiple size ranges (2–8 years and 8–14 years), each with an adjustable toggle at the crown for a customized fit.

Will kids actually keep these hats on?

Our ear flap winter hats prioritize comfort and security. The soft fleece lining feels good against skin, the lightweight construction doesn't weigh down little heads, and the chin strap keeps things secure during active play. Many parents find that kids want to wear these hats because they're genuinely comfortable—and the trendy trapper style looks cool.

Do these hats work for kids with long hair?

Yes. The adjustable crown toggle accommodates most hair volumes and styles. Long hair fits comfortably, whether the ear flaps are up or down. Many people find the trapper style particularly convenient because it doesn't compress or mess up hairstyles the way fitted beanies do.

UPF 50+ Ear Flap Winter Hats for the Whole Family