Let me tell you, finding a good cold weather hat is tough. Finding one that fits a larger head? Even tougher! I've always struggled to find hats that are both warm and comfortable, without feeling like my head is being squeezed in a vise. I want to share my journey and what I've learned to hopefully help others in the same boat.
I remember one particularly chilly hike. I was determined to enjoy the scenery, but all I could focus on was how tight my hat felt. It was a constant, nagging discomfort that completely ruined the experience. That's when I decided I needed to find a better solution. My head isn’t just large; it’s also sensitive to tight headwear. So, the hunt began!
I tried a bunch of different options. Some beanies were too thin to provide any real warmth. Others were so bulky that they felt cumbersome. And of course, the vast majority were simply too small. It felt like I was navigating a minefield of ill-fitting headwear.
After what felt like an endless search, I finally stumbled upon a few solutions that worked for me. Here’s what I discovered:
I actually considered getting a custom hat made. I figured, if I know exactly what I want and have tried all the standard options, why not go custom? It turns out, it's not as expensive or complicated as I thought. There are talented people who can create a hat to your exact specifications. This is a great option if you're really particular about fit and materials.
I heard about Black Rock Gear and decided to give their products a try. I ended up getting one of their woolies and a down beanie. The woolie is great for milder temperatures, and the down beanie is perfect for when it gets really cold. The large size fits my head perfectly, and I was happy to find out that their woolie specs indicate that the large size fits heads measuring 23-26 inches. Plus, the woolie is super lightweight – only 27 grams!
Someone suggested I check out "hard hat liners." I know it sounds weird, but they're actually designed to fit comfortably under hard hats, so they tend to be a bit larger than regular beanies. They're often made of warm materials like fleece or wool, and they're surprisingly affordable. I found some great options online.
I also came across alpaca beanies from Hilltop Packs. Alpaca wool is incredibly warm and soft, and the beanie I got fits my XL head perfectly. It's become one of my go-to hats for cold weather activities. I love how it keeps me warm without feeling itchy or uncomfortable.
The “northxnorth Merino Wool Hooded Neck Gaiter” is another fantastic option. It fits my big head well and only weighs 57 grams. I used it on a long trip and it worked great. It's not super warm, so it's ideal for when you're moving around and don't want to overheat. You can find out more on the North x North website.
While not specifically for cold weather, I've also found that some slouchy berets can work well for larger heads, especially during milder seasons. I recently picked up a Women Summer Cap Crochet Beret Hats Soft Slouchy Beret Sun Cap Chic Cutout Beret Hats Knit Beanie Caps French Painters Hat Black from Wholecustomdesign. It's lightweight and comfortable, and the slouchy design means it doesn't feel too tight. It's a great option for adding a bit of style to my outfit without sacrificing comfort. Although it's described as a summer cap, I've found it's versatile enough for cool spring or fall days as well.