Best Winter Hats for Women
1. BEST WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Columbia Trail Shaker Omni-Heat Fleece Beanie
PROS
- Multiple sizes and colorways
- Fuzzy fleece exterior
- Lightweight yet warm
CONS
- Hand wash only
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!
2. BEST VALUE WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Brook + Bay Slouchy Beanie
PROS
- Cute chunky knit
- 8,000+ Amazon reviews
CONS
- Reviewers say it runs small
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.
3. MOST TRENDY WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Umeepar Faux Fur Bucket Hat
PROS
- Cute and stylish
- Soft faux fur
- Fabric-lined interior
CONS
- Reviewers say sizing is inconsistent
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.
4. MOST POPULAR BEANIE FOR WOMEN
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
PROS
- Soft acrylic material
- Over 30 colors to choose from
- Unisex
CONS
- Thinner than some of our other picks
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.
5. BEST SATIN-LINED WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
YANIBEST Satin Lined Knit Beanie
PROS
- Multiple colors to pair with your outfit
- Satin lining reduces friction on hair
- Acrylic knit exterior for warmth
CONS
- Not as warm as other picks
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.
6. BEST WARM WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
UNIQLO HEATTECH Ribbed Beanie
PROS
- Lightweight yet warm
- Cozy, chunky acrylic knit
CONS
- One size only
7. BEST POM POM WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
C.C Cable Knit Faux Fur Pom Fleece Lined Beanie
PROS
- Cozy fleece lining helps trap heat
- Cute faux fur pom pom look
- Tons of colors and patterns
CONS
- Not entirely lined with fleece
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.
8. BEST WINTER TRAPPER HAT FOR WOMEN
Eddie Bauer Hadlock Trapper Hat
PROS
- Keeps your entire head warm
- Soft faux fur lining
- Top-tested brand
CONS
- Some reviewers said it runs large
Say hello to the perfect buffalo plaid topper. It features faux fur lining with added insulation to keep your entire head — including your ears — warm even on the coldest days. Eddie Bauer is a favorite top-tested outdoor brand, with high scores in our winter coat, fleece-lined leggings and fuzzy lounge sock evaluations for their quality materials and great performance. Just note that while this hat comes in two sizes, some reviewers caution that it can run large.
9. BEST WINTER BEANIE FOR WOMEN
THE NORTH FACE Salty Dog Beanie
PROS
- Lined with soft, stretchy jersey knit material
- Top-tested brand
- Editor favorite
CONS
- One size only
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.
10. MOST STYLISH WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Free People Phoebe Slouchy Lieutenant Cap
PROS
- Warm wool felt
- Fitted yet relaxed chic look
CONS
- Doesn’t cover the ears
With a slouchy yet structured look, this fashion-forward option is a chic alternative to your typical winter beanie.It’s made of wool felt, which is known for offering great insulation in colder temperatures, although this style doesn’t cover the entire head. Regardless, it’s available in a few different shades that are sure to add the perfect finishing touch to your fall and winter outfits.
11. BEST MERINO WOOL WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie
PROS
- Reversible design
- Snug fit for heat retention
- Moisture-wicking knit fabric
CONS
- Merino wool can be pricey
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.
12. BEST CASHMERE WINTER HAT FOR WOMEN
Fishers Finery 100% Pure Cashmere Winter Slouchy Beanie
PROS
- Thin and lightweight
- Soft, luxe cashmere knit material
- Just as warm as more bulky hats
CONS
- Hand wash or dry clean only
Known for their high quality silk pillowcases and pajamas, Fishers Finery also offers cashmere hats and gloves to keep you warm in harsh weather, without sacrificing style. Cashmere is known for its soft and luxurious texture and has excellent heat retention while being thin and lightweight.This beanie has a simple, slouchy design that helps provide warmth without clashing with your wardrobe, making it great for both outdoor and indoor wear.