Stylish Ways to Cover Your Head and Keep Warm in Winter

Last Updated: January 7, 2021 References Tested

Winter hats are the perfect accessory. They keep you warm and show off your sense of style. It’s really easy to lose body heat in the cold weather—in fact, even if you’re wearing warm socks, boots, pants, and a jacket, you still may feel cold if your head is uncovered.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source} Thankfully, it’s really easy to fight the winter chill. Just choose between a variety of different hats and headgear until you find one that best meets your needs for the cold weather.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cozy Hats

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Stay cozy in a beanie. Beanies are a classic, simple way to keep your head covered and toasty as you brave the winter elements. Choose a hat that fits over your head and ears comfortably while still keeping you cozy. If you’re feeling extra stylish, try to match your beanie with your outfit!^{[2]
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- For instance, if you’re wearing a blue sweater and jacket, consider wearing a matching blue beanie.
- Look for beanies made with satin, cashmere, and silk. These will be comfortable to wear without the risk of itching.^{[3]
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- You can wear your hair however you’d like with a beanie. Feel free to leave it down, or tie your hair up in a bun and place a beanie overtop.
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Keep your head covered in a wide-brimmed hat. Look for a hat that fits you comfortably, with a brim that goes all the way around your head.^{[4]
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Research source} Wide-brimmed hats are a great way to protect your eyes if you’re going out on a sunnier day.^{[5]
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- In colder weather, look for wide-brimmed hats made with felt.^{[6]
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- Generally, it’s easier to coordinate outfits with neutral-toned, wide-brimmed hats.
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Dress up with a stylish beret. Berets don’t cover quite as much surface area as a more traditional winter hat, but they still get the job done. As you head out, center the beret over the top of your head, letting the rest of the hat slouch along the side of your head. With a beret, you can wear your hair down or in a bun, depending on what you’re in the mood for.^{[7]
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- You can choose a neutral-toned beret for your outfit, or pick or a more brightly colored alternative.
- It may help to spritz your hair with some texture spray to give it some extra support.
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Slip into a detachable hood for extra warmth. Also known as “snoods,” detachable hoods are a quick, easy way to keep your head warm during the cooler weather. Wear this accessory to keep your head, neck, and ears covered, which will be very useful during the winter months.^{[8]
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- Look up “snood hood” online to find this particular accessory.
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Wear a knit turban as a loose option. Add this hat to your winter ensemble, which will keep your head and ears warm and snug. Knit turbans do a better job of keeping you warm than ear muffs or head wraps, and won’t feel that tight, like other types of headgear might.^{[9]
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- Knit turbans are a great option if you usually wear your hair up, or if you want some headgear that won’t mess with your hair.
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Wear an ushanka for a super warm option that makes a statement. Ushankas are fluffy, cylindrical hats that are traditionally worn in Russia. Search online or in a department store for an ushanka that comfortably fits you.^{[10]
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- Members of the Russian military wear ushankas.
- Ushankas can go with just about any outfit and hairstyle. Traditionally, these hats come in more neutral tones, like white, brown, or gray.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Warm Accessories

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Slip on a headband so you don’t overheat. Pick out a knitted headband that will help insulate your head without making you feel uncomfortable. Slip it over your ears to keep the winter chill at bay. If you’re trying to make a statement, choose a headband with a decorative bow that really adds to your outfit.^{[11]
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- It helps to comb your hair back instead of worrying about parting it correctly. You can also pull your hair into a ponytail for an easy look.
- Or, tie up your hair in a bun behind your headband for a classy look.
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Insulate your ears with a pair of earmuffs. Find a pair of earmuffs that fit snugly over your head, and keep your ears completely covered. Slide on these muffs before you head out, which helps you feel warm even if your head isn’t completely covered.^{[12]
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- You can always go the extra mile and wear earmuffs with a winter hat.
- As you wear your earmuffs, tie your hair in a braid or ponytail for an easy, on-the-go hairstyle.
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Wear a balaclava to battle extremely cold weather. A balaclava, or facial covering, is a great option if you’re hoping to protect your skin from really cold conditions. It’s also a good choice if you’re an avid cyclist who’s looking for a way to stay warm in the winter months. Arrange the covering over your head and mouth so your face can stay warm while you brave the great outdoors.^{[13]
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- You can find a balaclava online. Typically, these coverings come in more neutral tones, like black.
4
Bundle up with a scarf or neck warmer to stay toasty. Slip a scarf around your neck if you aren’t going to be moving around a lot. If you’re planning on being more active in the cold, like hiking or skiing, consider wearing a neck warmer instead. You can choose a neutral-toned accessory, or you can pick something that goes well with the rest of your outfit.^{[14]
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- For instance, you can pair a white scarf with a colorful sweater and hat.

Warnings

There are many false rumors about the best ways to stay warm in cold weather. Despite how it may make you feel, alcohol does more harm than good when it comes to staying warm in the cold.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
University of Rochester Medical Center
Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research
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