While sweaters, base layers, winter coats and boots are more than important, hats, gloves and warm socks are essential and, all too often, forgotten. As the weather gets colder, having the right winter gear is a must to stay warm, and our extremities — especially our hands — and our heads often get cold first, especially if we’re not protecting them like the rest of our bodies. Even if you’re not a “hat person,” there are still tons of options to choose between, from your trusted beanies to trapper hats and pom pom options along with more stylish picks like berets or even bucket hats. If you’d like to skip long hours of browsing, that’s where we come in.
MOST POPULAR BEANIE FOR WOMEN
This simple beanie is insanely popular. It has over 137,000 Amazon reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars and is also a favorite pick of one of our own Textiles Lab analysts. The fabric is on the thinner side, making this soft, acrylic knit beanie great for year-round use, but it’s not the best choice for someone looking for the warmest option possible. While there’s nothing standout about the design, it’s available in more than 30 colors, so you’re sure to find an option you like.
BEST WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
With a fuzzy fleece exterior, this beanie adds the perfect touch to your favorite coat or jacket while keeping your head warm in windy winter weather. Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology has been a top performer in our outerwear evaluations, earning the top spot in our winter coat and puffer vest tests, and uses a thermal-reflective inner liner that’s designed to help retain heat without weighing you down. Our experts also appreciate that this style is available in two sizes with a wide variety of colors. Just be sure not to toss it in the washer — it’s hand wash only!
BEST POM POM WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Looking for a knit hat that will keep you warm and match all of your winter coats? This one’s an easy pick. It’s a popular choice on Amazon with nearly 30,000 reviews and an average 4.8 star rating that comes in all kinds of colors and patterns. Plus, it has a fleece-lined interior, which our experts love for trapping warm air, with a cute faux fur pom pom detail. Just note that the edges of the beanie aren’t lined with fleece, so your ears may not be fully covered in the warm, fuzzy material.
BEST VALUE WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Slouchy beanies are a go-to during colder months, especially during bad hair days. This one is has over 8,000 Amazon reviews, with an average 4.5-star rating, and is a fraction of the price of similar styles. It features a chunky knit design that’s available in a slew of neutrals, pastels and bold shades for the perfect winter accessory. Just keep in mind that it’s available in one size only, and some reviewers say it’s a bit too small for their heads.
BEST WINTER BEANIE FOR WOMEN
A popular outerwear brand, The North Face stands out in our tests for its quality construction and thoughtful design. This beanie is a favorite of several GH editors and analysts for its jersey knit fabric inner, which one editor says “sets it apart from other beanies I own, keeping everything extra warm.” It’s only available in one size and has a snug fit to help retain heat, but some reviewers say after a few wears, it easily accommodates their heads and GH analysts with thick hair agree.
MOST TRENDY WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Back and better than ever, bucket hats were all the rage in the summer, and this faux fur one is beyond perfect for this winter. One GH editor swears by fuzzy bucket hats saying, “I always reach for a fuzzy bucket hat in the winter when I want a bit of warmth but still want to look stylish,” and loves pairing a cream bucket hat with “a long black coat and cream scarf.” This popular Amazon pick is an easy buy, with a broad range of colors and patterns. Just take note that some reviewers found sizing across colors to be inconsistent, with some colors running large and some running small.
BEST SATIN-LINED WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
You’ve heard of hat hair and helmet hair — ugh — but when it’s beyond cold on a winter day, what else can you do? Freeze? This acrylic beanie is lined with satin, so you can stay warm and still have a good hair day when you take it off indoors. The smooth satin fabric helps minimize any additional friction on your hair. While it isn’t as likely to trap heat as some of our other picks, our experts like the wide variety of colorways. Plus, it’s got over Amazon 1,700 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars.
BEST MERINO WOOL WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Merino wool stands out for its soft feel and superior temperature regulation, keeping you toasty warm in cold weather without overheating on hotter days. This cuffed beanie from Smartwool is made from 100% merino wool and is reversible, giving you two looks to choose from for the price of one. The brand is known for their top-notch materials, especially wool, and has consistently performed well in our evaluations, claiming one of the top spots for the best socks for women.
BEST WINTER HAT FOR SKIING FOR WOMEN
Out on the slopes, every bit of coverage counts, especially when you factor in wind chill. This balaclava is thoughtfully designed, with a hood that hinges back in case you’re too warm, silicone details along the nose to keep your goggles in place and flat seams to minimize any friction or chafing. However, it’s a bit thicker than other balaclavas and doesn’t have a slit around the mouth for ventilation, so it’s best for cold winter skiing rather than more temperate weather.
BEST FAUX FUR LINED WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Nothing insulates as well as soft pile lining. This beanie is the matching hat to our best warm sock from Heat Holders and offers excellent insulation with the same cozy, fluffy interior. One Lab analyst who tried this style reported that it kept her warm while outdoors in sub freezing temperatures but left her hair messy once she took it off indoors.
Nothing insulates as well as soft pile lining. This beanie is the matching hat to our best warm sock from Heat Holders and offers excellent insulation with the same cozy, fluffy interior. One Lab analyst who tried this style reported that it kept her warm while outdoors in sub freezing temperatures but left her hair messy once she took it off indoors.
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