How to Pick a Winter Hat

To keep warm and cozy and winter, it’s imperative that you don a hat. This can often be easier said than done if you think winter hats are goofy or you hate what they do to your hair. However, you can pick a winter hat that is stylish, warm and does the least amount of damage to your coif with a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Assess the winter climate. Winter hats for people northeastern states are going to be vastly different from those even in the northwest. Figure out how cold it usually gets and how much it rains or snows. Then you can figure out how heavy a hat you need, the material it should be made of and if you want a brim.

2. Analyze your hairstyle. If you are bald, or your hair is choppy, short or can be wrapped up beneath your cap, your options are pretty much open to anything from ski caps on down. Those who are looking to preserve a hairstyle should instead opt for a looser fit or a fedora-type style that allows hair to hang down without too much crushing.

3. Cover your ears. Winter hats are so much more effective if they cover your ears. Those with longer hair have more options as their hair may do part of the job. Some hats come with ear flaps that can be folded down if the climate is usually not drastically cold but you want the option. Those with hair issues may choose a hat that comes with a scarf sewn inside the brim that can be tied around the neck. This will crush the head less. If you absolutely must have a hat that doesn't cover your ears, get a thin scarf to do the job and wrap it over your head before you put the hat on.

4. Match your coat and other winter wear. For a hat that is truly stylish, it should fit in with the rest of your winter wardrobe. Don’t buy a bright orange hat if you usually wear a bright pink coat. Actually, don’t buy a bright orange hat unless you are going hunting. Plaid and patterned hats can spruce up a solid coat as long as it’s in the same color family. Basic solid hued hats work best for ornate coats.

5. Try it on. Don't buy a hat without trying it on to make sure you don't look wholly ridiculous or it does not fit your needs. Hats that look great on the rack can often look dumb on the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Rainy winter climates work well with leather, vinyl or other non-porous hats with brims.
• Mild winter climates work well with a thin cap sporting optional ear flaps.
• Freezing winter climates do well with fur, wool and tight-fitting hats that won’t blow off in the wicked winter winds.
• Don’t go for cute over warmth. Just because a hat looks adorable doesn’t mean it’s the right winter hat if it doesn’t keep your head toasty.
• Don't get a ski caps with pom poms--unless you are in third grade.
• Don’t go overboard. It’s doubtful you will need a thick fur hat with mouth, eye and ear flaps for winters that don’t dip into subzero temperatures. Otherwise it will just make your head sweat and you look stupid.