White sun protective winter hat for kids
This Arctic Chill convertible sun hat keeps your kiddo's head and ears warm and protected from the sun's sneaky winter rays. Because yes, UV damage happens in January just as easily as July.
Cozy winter protection
The soft fleece lining on this trapper-style hat wraps your child in cozy warmth, while the wind and water-repellent outer shell shrugs off snow and those icy gusts that make little ears turn pink. And thanks to UPF 50+ protection that blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, you can check sun safety off your winter worry list.
Adapts to changing conditions
The convertible design means one hat works for any winter moment. Drop the ear flaps and buckle them under the chin for sledding down the big hill. Pull the flaps up and secure them on top for milder everyday activities. The adjustable toggle strap at the crown lets you dial in the perfect fit, so this hat grows with your child.
Go anywhere packability
This hat is light enough to toss in a backpack, but structured enough to keep its shape after being stuffed next to snack wrappers and mittens.
🧊 Love the Arctic Chill? Check out our convertible winter sun hat collection for the whole family—including matching adult styles!
Best for
- Cold-weather outdoor play: Sledding, building snowmen, ice skating, snowball fights
- Variable weather: Those days that start freezing and warm up by afternoon—just flip those ear flaps up
- Family matching: The Arctic Chill hat also comes in adult sizes, so parents and kids can coordinate their winter sun protection on the slopes or at the sledding hill
- Winter travel and vacations: Lightweight and packable for ski trips and mountain getaways
- Outdoor winter events: Holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, parades, and outdoor festivals where you need warmth and style
- Photography days: Clean white pairs beautifully with winter backdrops for family photos and holiday cards
Choose another hat for
- Babies under 6 months: This style starts at 0–6 months sizing, but very young infants may do better with our Frosty Fleece styles that offer a gentler fit
- Hot weather activities: This is a winter hat through and through, so save it for temps below 50°F
- High-speed helmet sports: If your child needs a helmet for skiing or snowboarding, pair it with a thin balaclava instead
How to choose the right winter hat for your child
- Think about coverage: A basic beanie covers the head but leaves ears and neck exposed. Trapper-style hats with ear flaps add ear protection while keeping a slim profile. Consider where your child spends the most time outdoors and what elements they're exposed to.
- Prioritize adjustability: Kids grow fast, and a hat that fits in November might be snug by February. Look for hats with adjustable toggles or drawstrings that let you fine-tune the fit. Adjustable features also help the hat stay secure during active play, because a hat that blows off every five minutes won't get worn.
- Check helmet compatibility: If your child skis, snowboards, bikes, or skates, their winter hat needs to fit comfortably under a helmet. Bulky pom-poms and thick crowns create pressure points.
- Consider versatility: Winter weather changes fast. A hat with convertible features, like ear flaps that fold up and snap down, lets kids adapt without carrying multiple hats. This is especially helpful for school days when morning drop-off is freezing but afternoon recess warms up.
- Don't forget sun protection: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, and winter sun sits at a lower angle that hits faces directly. Most winter hats focus only on warmth, but UPF-rated fabrics block harmful rays year-round. Look for hats with brims that shade the face and fabrics tested for UV protection.
- Get the right fit: Measure your child's head at the widest point, just above the ears and eyebrows. Most children's hat sizing is based on age ranges, but head circumference varies, so a 4-year-old with a larger head may need a size up. When in doubt, size up slightly and use adjustable features to snug the fit.
❄️ Shop our full collection of fleece winter hats for kids for more winter hat styles kids will love.
Why winter sun protection matters
Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun. Snow acts like a mirror, bouncing UV rays right back up at your child's face. Combine that with higher altitudes at ski resorts and thin winter air that filters fewer UV rays, and you've got a recipe for sneaky sunburns.
The Arctic Chill hat features UPF 50+ fabric tested and certified to block 98% of harmful UV rays. Our sun protection has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which means it meets the strictest standards dermatologists set for UV defense.
👕 Read more about UPF clothing and how it protects you from the sun.
What makes SwimZip winter hats different
SwimZip was founded by a mom who was diagnosed with skin cancer at just 26 years old. That experience sparked a mission to help families protect their skin without sacrificing style or comfort. We’ve taken our expertise in technical fabrics and dedication to skin health to create warm, UV-resistant winter hats backed by a passionate determination to protect children.
When you choose SwimZip winter hats, you get:
- Patented UV-protection that holds the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, a stamp of approval by leading dermatologists
- Durable products made to be stuffed in backpacks, stepped on, and washed without falling apart or showing excessive wear
- Adjustable features that maximize comfort and adapt to growing kids
- Cozy comfort that keeps kids warm in freezing temperatures
Plus, the whole family can match. The Arctic Chill also comes in adult sizes, so parents and kids can coordinate their winter sun protection.
👨👩👧👦 Planning a family trip this winter? Browse our sun protective winter hats to coordinate your cold-weather looks.
