Winter hat with pom pom
Add a touch of whimsical style and extra warmth with this charming hat, perfect for those who enjoy a fun accessory.
Style, Jewelry & Accessories
Winter hats
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A winter hat is one of the few gifts that gets worn almost every day from November to March. That's why it works for a partner, a parent, a friend or a boss. What gets worn is a hat that fits well, doesn't itch and suits the coat it goes with. Most people search for a warm women's beanie or a men's winter hat, and those two styles cover most of what people give. Think about how the person spends winter. Someone who walks the dog at dawn needs different warmth than someone who goes from car to office. Choose a colour that matches their outerwear, not your own taste.
Kind 1 of 8
A women's beanie she'll wear all season
A women's winter beanie is a close-fitting knit hat, sometimes with a pom pom on top. It suits almost anyone who wants something warm that still looks put together with a good coat. Before buying, think about her hair: a smooth lining or a soft yarn causes less static and fewer flattened curls than rough acrylic. Look at the cuff, since a folded cuff adds warmth over the ears. Pick a neutral or a colour from her scarf or coat so the hat gets worn instead of saved for special days.
Kind 2 of 8
Men's winter hats for real cold
Men's winter hats include everything from simple knit toques to trapper styles with earflaps and a fuzzy lining. A trapper hat suits someone who spends long stretches outside, like shovelling, ice fishing, walking to transit or working outdoors. Check how it fastens under the chin or folds up when it's milder. Check that it fits over his usual haircut without sitting too high. If he mostly goes from the driveway to the office, a slimmer knit hat will probably get more use than a heavy trapper.
Warm trapper hat with earflaps
Ideal for extreme cold, this hat offers superior warmth and protection for the head, ears, and often the chin.
Kind 3 of 8
A warmer beanie for him
A men's winter beanie is a knit hat made for colder days, often with a fleece lining for extra warmth without extra bulk. It suits the guy who wears one toque all winter and wants it to hold up. Before buying, check the depth. Many men find shallow beanies ride up and leave their ears cold. A fleece lining also stops scratchy yarn from bothering someone with a sensitive forehead. Dark greys, navy, black and olive go with most men's jackets and hide wear well.
Cozy fleece lined beanie
Experience enhanced comfort and warmth with this hat, featuring a soft inner lining that feels gentle against the skin.
Kind 4 of 8
The everyday men's beanie
A plain men's beanie is the classic ribbed knit hat with a folded cuff. It's the one that ends up in coat pockets and car door compartments. It suits dads, husbands and friends who like simple, practical things. Look for a snug rib that springs back after stretching, because loose knits sag within a few weeks. A cuff lets him adjust how low it sits. This is also an easy gift for a coworker or boss, since it's useful without being too personal.
Classic knit winter beanie
This versatile hat provides essential warmth and a timeless look for anyone braving the cold weather.
Kind 5 of 8
Wool hats with texture and warmth
A wool winter hat, often in a cable knit, is warm and has a timeless look that pairs well with wool coats and heavier parkas. It suits someone who likes natural fibres and doesn't mind a slightly heavier hat. Before buying, think about sensitive skin. Some people find straight wool itchy, so a lined band or a softer merino blend can help. Check the care label too: many wool hats need hand washing and flat drying, which not everyone wants to do.
Stylish cable knit winter hat
This hat features an intricate textured pattern, offering a classic and sophisticated look for cooler weather.
Kind 6 of 8
Women's hats beyond the basic toque
Women's winter hats cover more than beanies. Earflap styles, knit hats with ties and chunkier shapes all fit here. An earflap beanie suits someone who walks a lot in the cold or finds her ears get cold first. Before buying, check whether the ties can be tucked away or removed, since not everyone likes them dangling. Also check that the hat sits comfortably with a ponytail or longer hair. Softer colours and simple patterns tend to go with more coats than bold novelty designs.
Protective earflap beanie
This practical hat combines the classic beanie shape with integrated earflaps for enhanced coverage and warmth where it's needed most.
Kind 7 of 8
A softer, finer wool beanie
A wool beanie in a finer yarn, such as a cashmere blend, is lighter and softer than a chunky knit. It works as a slightly more special gift for a partner, parent or boss. It suits people who wear a hat to work or into town and want it to look neat. Before buying, check the fibre breakdown on the label, because "blend" can mean very different amounts of the soft fibre. Finer knits can pill with heavy wear, so a gentle wash routine matters.
Luxurious cashmere blend beanie
Indulge in premium softness and lightweight warmth with this elegant hat, crafted for sophisticated comfort.
Kind 8 of 8
Relaxed and slouchy beanies for women
A slouchy beanie has extra length at the back, so it sits loosely instead of hugging the head. It suits someone with a casual style, anyone who wears her hair up under a hat, or someone who finds tight hats uncomfortable. Before buying, notice how much slouch there is. A little looks relaxed, but too much can slide off in wind. A stretchy band at the base helps it stay put. Mid-weight knits work best, since very thick yarn makes the slouch look bulky.
Relaxed slouchy knit hat
Perfect for a casual and laid-back style, this hat offers a relaxed fit that drapes loosely at the back of the head.
How to choose winter hats as a gift
- Match the colour to the coat they wear most. A hat that goes with their outerwear gets worn every day.
- Think about how long they spend outside. Long walks call for linings or earflaps, while quick commutes suit lighter knits.
- Check the fibre content if they complain about itchy sweaters. Linings, merino and cashmere blends are usually gentler.
- Look for enough depth to cover the ears, because shallow hats ride up and quickly end up in a drawer.
- Read the care label and choose machine-washable yarn for anyone who won't bother hand washing.
Usually safe to skip
- Novelty hats with jokes or big characters get a laugh on Christmas morning but rarely get worn outside after that.
- Very thin fashion beanies look nice but don't give much warmth in a real Canadian winter.
- Loud colours that clash with their coat tend to sit unused, however nice the knit is.
Questions people ask about winter hats
- What size winter hat should I buy as a gift?
- Most knit beanies stretch to fit a wide range of adult heads, so one size is usually fine. If the person has a larger head or thick hair, choose a deeper hat with a stretchy rib, or a style with a folded cuff that can be adjusted.
- Is a wool hat itchy?
- It can be for people with sensitive skin, especially around the forehead. A fleece or cotton lining, a merino yarn or a cashmere blend usually feels much softer. If you're unsure, choose a lined hat so the wool doesn't sit directly against the skin.
- What is the difference between a beanie and a toque?
- In Canada, toque is the everyday word for a knit winter hat, and beanie is the more common term in the US and online shops. They mean essentially the same thing: a close-fitting knit hat, with or without a cuff or pom pom.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All winter hats picks
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