Winter is coming, and that means it's time to think about staying warm! For me, that always starts with finding the perfect winter hat. I've spent years trying out different styles and materials to find what works best. It's more than just staying warm; it's about finding a hat that fits my personal style and doesn't give me hat hair!
Like many, I've struggled with finding a hat that's both functional and fashionable. I love the look of a slightly looser knit touque, especially one with a fleece band inside to cover my ears and forehead. The fleece band is a game-changer for keeping me cozy without needing a full fleece lining, which can sometimes be too warm. I find that a fleece band helps wick away sweat and keeps my forehead from itching. I also had the problem that when I wore a hat to workout, I struggled with sweat and the hat getting stinky.
One thing I learned the hard way is to be careful about wearing certain head coverings while biking. I tried wearing a balaclava-style hood under my bike helmet once, thinking it would add extra warmth. However, I later read that in the event of an accident, the knit fabric could compress and reduce the helmet's effectiveness. It’s much safer to choose a hat that doesn't interfere with the helmet's fit and function.
I also used to be really picky about hats, almost disliking wearing them altogether. Then, I discovered knitting my own! It gave me a chance to create hats that perfectly fit my head shape and personal preferences. I have an oval head, so I've found that hats with a fold, with or without a pompom, look best on me. I don't particularly like the elongated, standing-up styles; I feel like I look like a gnome or even a pope!
Another issue I faced was dealing with static and head sweat. It's not a fun combination! I found that opting for natural fibers, like merino wool or cashmere, helps a lot. These materials are breathable and less likely to cause static compared to synthetic ones.
I have fringe bangs, which presents another hat-wearing challenge. I can really only wear a touque on hair-washing days; otherwise, my bangs get completely flattened against my forehead. On other days, I often rely on the hood on my parka, but I've also been searching for some cute earmuffs to give me more options.
Through trial and error, I've developed a few go-to solutions for my winter hat needs. For those days when I want a lightweight, stylish option, I've been really impressed with some of the beanies I've found at WholeCustomDesign Best Sellers. They have a great selection of beanies that are perfect for milder weather or indoor wear.
I recently purchased the COKK Beanies For Men Women Unisex Summer Autumn Hats For Women Thin Beanie Hip Hop Cap Knitted Hat Female Male Bone Soft Black Black from WholeCustomDesign, and I've been wearing it constantly. It's lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for those in-between weather days. I love that it's unisex, so my partner can borrow it too! The soft knit is comfortable against my skin, and it doesn't cause static. It's become my go-to hat for running errands or just lounging around the house. I'm considering buying a second one in a different color!
For really cold days, I've learned that investing in a thick knit beanie for extreme cold is essential. Look for one that's made of wool or a wool blend, and make sure it covers your ears completely. A fleece lining can also add extra warmth and comfort. I’ve found that having a few different hats for various levels of cold has helped me a lot. I also learned that having a hat that is easy to wash is very helpful.
For earmuffs, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair. I'm looking for something that's both warm and stylish, and that won't mess up my hair too much. I’ve been looking at some with faux fur. I have found that the earmuffs with adjustable bands are the best.
Here are some tips I've picked up along the way to help you find the perfect winter hat: