Who says winter’s all that bad? Nobody who appreciates the look of a few additional cold weather accessories would dare complain about the weather this time of year, right?

Well, maybe they would. But winter is certainly a great time to show off a little extra style with clothing that is usually stored away during the warmer months. When the weather forecast calls for frigid temperatures, blustery wind and the possibility of precipitation, we all would do well to plan ahead and - as our mothers likely reminded us - dress accordingly.

That of course means bundling up with layers of warm shirts and sweaters underneath sturdy coats, plus adding the necessary winter accessories, such as gloves, hats and scarves. If you put the level of thought and care into your appearance that we do, then you will certainly agree that none of these wardrobe elements can be overlooked.

This is especially true for hats. In this post, we will take a quick look at how to find the best men’s hats for winter and all the elements Mother Nature can throw your way.

Hats are essential in winter

You have heard it before: Cover your head when you venture outside in the winter because if you don’t, then you will lose too much body heat. That’s true, but there’s nothing special about the head when it comes to retaining warmth. In reality, any body part that is exposed puts you at risk of losing body heat.

But that does not mean you can skip the hat. Again - any exposed area of skin can lose heat, so make sure to not only cover your head, but also your neck and hands, too.

So, yes, hats are very much needed in the winter. Plus, as we will discuss more, they are also a great way to cap off a very stylish look. Pardon the awful pun.

Function, function, function

What really matters when it comes to men’s hats for winter is function. The whole idea of adding a hat to your outfit is to keep you warm. If the hat fails in that basic area, then you may as well go without - and that’s something we certainly do not recommend.

With hats, you are going to want to go with fabrics that are warm. Select wool hats or hats that are made out of a wool blend. Felt hats are another great option, as are leather hats with warmer, thicker inner linings.

Also, keep an eye out for hats that advertise synthetic fibers that can help wick away sweat and moisture. If you are going to be active, or if you are dealing with wintery precipitation, then that moisture wicking capability will go a long way in keeping you warmer for longer throughout the day.

Formal winter hats

Most gentlemen who must deal with winter months will need a more formal headwear option in their wardrobe. In many cases, the more of your head, face and ears that a hat covers, the less formal it is. There are, of course, some exceptions to this, but it’s a good rule of thumb to at least keep in mind when shopping for the perfect hat.

One solid choice for a formal winter men’s hat is the wool newsboy style. These are usually made from thicker fabric weaves and sit just on top of your head for a very sharp, stylish appearance.

Newsboy style caps can also be comfortably worn before the temperatures outside drop too far, which means they are great from the beginning of fall to the end of winter. If the thermometer plunges too far, though, you may want to find another option that covers your ears.

As a rule, when you are looking for a formal appearance, choose a hat that has a thinner, less soft material. Thicker and softer material, in general, presents a more casual look.

Business casual and casual options

Other less formal options for caps involve any style with ear flaps and longer bills, such as warmer, wool baseball-syle caps.

Browse our selection of hats and you will find many caps that fit comfortably between formal and informal, making them truly versatile headwear options.

Let’s talk about beanies

Before we send you off searching for hats, we really should mention beanies. Also known as stocking caps, beanies are a very common winter headwear item for men.

But unless they are worn properly, beanies can make the wearer look a little sloppy and even a tad bit juvenile. However, don’t throw away your beanies or stuff them in the closet to be forgotten. There are ways to wear beanies that can make you still look good.

One of the first considerations this comes down to is color. Stay neutral. Go with a grey, black, brown or navy beanie - none of those elaborate patterns or sporty, neon colors. Save those for the days off or on your way to the gym.

Another piece of advice is to pair your beanie with a coat, suit or sweater that matches its texture a little better. If you are wearing a knitted beanie, then you can match that with a flannel suit and wool overcoat. Think business casual here.

Add scarves to finish the look

Need one last garment to finish off your impressive cold weather wardrobe? Consider adding a scarf.

Scarves are known for their versatility and can add a good amount of protection and warmth for your neck and face. They also represent an opportunity to add a little bit of extra color to your style. Take advantage of this versatility by adding more than one color of scarf to your repertoire.

Stock up for winter at Hansen’s Clothing

From hats, scarves, gloves, outerwear and more, Hansen’s Clothing is well-stocked with hand-selected men’s winter clothing that is sure to meet your sense of style and demand for quality.