The cold season is here, and the search for the perfect accessories to see us through the season is on.
Curating a stylish winter wardrobe presents several challenges. Aesthetics are a must, obviously, but at the expense of protection against the elements, which are always out in force at this time of year? Well, put it this way: hypothermia is rarely en vogue.
Luckily there are plenty of sartorial defences to keep blue lips and fingers at bay, from waxed jackets and rainproof coats to scarves, boots, gloves and of course, the literal cherry on top - a good winter hat.
Even if you think you’re not a hat person, the category is so huge there’s bound to be a style that fits: think beatnik berets, elegant fedoras, casual beanies and retro baker boy styles. Recent years have seen the resurgence of bonnets, the design largely seen on babies, infants and Little Red Riding Hood getting an adult update while retaining its whimsical charm.
Whether tucked into a hoodie for an extra cosy layer or worn with the ubiquitous trench, a bonnet can be worn with anything and by all - yep, even the boys are giving them a whirl.
If you’re not sure where to start your hat search, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve sifted through the finest online offerings and whittled down the edit to the cream of the crop.
From designer to high street, find the best winter hats to spend the season in below.
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RAINS Insulated Fleece Hat
Merging style and protection is what RAINS does best. The Danish company has taken everything we love about its rain capes and bags and funnelled it into this insulated fleece hat. The dome is wrapped in RAINS signature waterproof PU fabric, keeping your head dry and your heart happy. Available in S/M and M/L sizes.
Buy now £49.00, RAINS
&DAUGHTER Wool hood
Red Riding Hood was due a makeover. Reimagine the fairytale character for the modern day in & Daughter’s fresh forest green hood. Hand knitted with Geelong wool in Scotland, the super soft design feels dreamy against the skin and ensures you’ll stand out in black and grey human traffic.
Buy now £185.00, Net-A-Porter
Gobi Cashmere Cap
Cosying up in cashmere is our consolation when summer fades. Gobi has some of the most coveted pieces we’ve seen this season, including this cashmere baseball cap. The unisex piece comes in taupe, charcoal grey and dark blue but it’s this deep Bordeaux red that’s captured us most. Worth getting hat hair for.
Buy now £129.00, Gobi
Arket Mohair-Wool Blend Hood
Winter may be underway, but the sales have started with accessories front and centre on the discount chopping block. We’re making a play for this honey-hued hood made from a super soft, super-hairy blend of wool and mohair fibres. Wear it under a hoodie for double the insulation when sub-zero digits come calling.
Buy now £23.00, Arket
Toast Beton Cire Contrast Rain Hat
Whether it’s a full-on downpour or light drizzle, raindrops are never far off in the UK - especially in winter. Leave cumbersome umbrellas at home and protect yourself with Toast’s Beton hat instead. Inspired by traditional fisherman hats, this style is finished with waxed cotton to keep your head and hair nice and dry. The flat brim is finished with a cord fastener to keep the hat in place even when gales start blowing.
Buy now £85.00, Toast
Ruslan Baginskiy Logo-Embellished Baker Boy Cap
Don’t want to sacrifice style for warmth? Get yourself a topper that can do both. Ruslan Baginskiy’s wool-blend baker boy comes in stop-traffic orange and is finished with a logo detail. Inside cotton lining adds further insulation and breathability.
Buy now £230.00, Browns
PURDEY Brushed Merino Wool Baseball Cap
Pairing well with outfits across the style spectrum from jeans and a tee to tweed suits, say hello to Purdey’s smart cap, covered in Merino wool to up the ante. The five-panel design has been brushed for softness, meaning it’s comfortable to wear all season long. Available in brown and charcoal grey.
Buy now £195.00, Mr Porter
& Other Stories wool blend fedora hat in black
Beanie just not your bag? Find solace with a fedora instead.
Made from a wool blend, the wide brim acts as an extra shield against winter’s elements - always a useful thing in our mercurial kingdom.
Buy now £57.00, ASOS
MISSONI Wool Beanie
For cool knitwear, you really needn’t look further than Missoni. The Italian label has warming accessories locked with its wool beanie, perfect for casual weekend strolls.
Buy now £130.00, Mr Porter
UO Teddy Bonnet
Wrapped in flannel, fleece and wool, you’ve already waded into teddybearcore territory - so why stop now? This adorable bonnet is not only made with cosy teddy bear fabric, but has two small peaks acting as ears too. Available in chocolate brown or black.
Buy now £22.00, Urban Outfitters
ASOS DESIGN Copenhagen label beanie in biscuit
Forever making style notes from Scandi fashion week? Emulate their laidback style with ASOS’s beanie, offered in a warming biscuit shade. The slogan tab adds interest to the full turn-up brim.
Buy now £12.00, ASOS
Uniqlo Heat Tech Ribbed Beanie
Keep it simple with a timeless beanie which will provide you with ample insulation for years to come. Uniqlo’s ribbed offering adds a military accent to any everyday look with its classic cut and khaki tone.
Buy now £14.90, Uniqlo
