Next to coats, hats are probably the most important item of clothing in the winter. We release quite a bit of heat from the top of our heads so it’s crucial that it is protected. This is especially true for those of us with short hair. Hats are a practical garment so they are, sadly, often frowned upon. A lot of people also claim that they’re “aren’t hat people” so they refuse to wear them despite temperatures dropping well below zero. However, we’re here to tell you that it’s possible to protect your head and look good. Here are our choices for the most stylish winter hats this upcoming season:
Materials
First and foremost, when shopping for a new winter hat, look for the following fabrics:
- Cashmere
- Wool
- Felt
- Fur (faux or real)
- Suede
- Cotton
They are all warm and insulated while being durable and long-lasting. We don’t recommend purchasing a hat made out of synthetic materials because it likely won’t maintain its shape, texture and colour throughout the winter months.
Beanie or Toque
Beanies, or as us Canadians say, “toques” are a classic staple winter hat. If you don’t have one already, you’re not doing winter right. These hats come in pretty much every colour under the sun. You could realistically buy one to match every single one of your outfits. You could either go for the typical look with a plain all-over colour or switch it up. Most brands make a toque with their logo printed on the cuff so go to your favourite store to find one. There are also plenty of beanies on the market with words or phrases embroidered on them so you can make a statement. You could even personalize your hat by embroidering it yourself. A more recent popular style of toque is one with a fur or wool pompom sewn onto the top. This is a cute and trendy way to keep your head warm. Whatever you call them, this style of hat is definitely tried and true so you cannot go wrong.
Trapper Hat
Take some inspiration from hunters or the Russian military this winter with a trapper hat. This style is super practical and warm. It comes with two flaps that can be connected with snaps or a tie beneath the chin so your ears, cheeks and chin will be nice and cozy. When looking for a good trapper hat make sure the exterior layer is made from a water-repellent fabric so you’ll be able to wear it outside when it’s snowing. Ensure the interior layer is made from fur or fleece for maximum warmth. Not a lot of people are wearing trapper hats and we can’t understand why because they’re a much more insulated option than the toque. With the right fabrics and the right outfit, you can make a trapper hat look super stylish. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner Elmer Fudd this winter!
Newsboy Cap
These hats were first made popular by newspaper peddlers in the early twentieth century and have stood the test of time. They’ve remained stylish for decades for a reason. These flat wool caps have a short brim to protect your face from the sun reflecting off the snow on nice days. Go for a thick wool to keep the top of your head insulated. It’s not the best for extremely chilly days or when there’s precipitation but it’s a great winter hat for a short jaunt outside.
Bucket Hat
Bucket hats are a massive trend. They’re an extremely popular throwback look. You may associate these cotton hats with summer but in different fabrics, they can easily make the transition into winter. It’s a daring choice but you can look for a bucket hat in fur, velour or felt for a warmer look.
Headband
The “athleisure trend” is still all the rage. Look to ski culture in the 1980s and 1990s for a tight wool headband in either a solid colour or funky pattern. If you’re having a good hair day it’s good way to protect your ears while showing off your ‘do. It’s a way more fun version of earmuffs.
Beret
Berets are also a massive trend. There is a wide variety of textures and styles from classic wool with embroidery to leather to fur. You can really make it your own. Berets are basically France’s answers to toques. They’re a timeless and elegant winter hat.
At Love Your Purse, we are pleased to offer professional hat cleaning services. We clean and restore everything from felt to suede hats. Contact us today to make sure your winter hat is in the best shape it can be for the upcoming colder months.
