Which winter hat should you choose?

The retro knitted headband is having a moment this autumn, worn across the forehead with hair left artfully mussed. Here it is in chunky electric-blue knit, warm and soft to the touch.

The trapper hat has been a fixture for several seasons and is sticking around, offering warmth and style—especially when it comes with an on-trend jacquard pattern in bright colours and a cosy faux-fur lining—a warm option for windy days and long spells outdoors.

Animal print has taken over our beanies and looks trendy and ultra-soft on this leopard-print beret. It's by Catarzi.

The chapka is still in the mix, making the winter hat decision even harder. Chic black faux fur, elegant feel, Russian inspiration.

The old-school chunky knit beanie topped with a pompom should suit plenty of heads, with a playful, cosy look that's a given. Here, a cable-knit beanie in teal with a large tawny faux-fur pompom—we love it.

Another trend emerging this autumn, 100% retro and a little boho, is the turban, which seems set to crown our hair with its original, chic attitude. Here, an interlaced-effect turban in a lovely burgundy knit. A good alternative to the basic beanie.

We adore this elegant retro cloche hat, which gives the very idea of a hat a feminine, distinguished dimension. Here it's in 100% black wool and finished at the back with a leopard-print bow. Catarzi again.

An elegant, very autumnal hat in a lovely deep red—just the thing to win over hat sceptics. 100% wool for warmth and quality, a soft brim that ripples prettily, a ribbon tied around the crown, a hat unlike any other whose look we adore.

If for you it's a basic beanie or nothing, then go for the lovely cable-motif beanie from Ted Baker, a 100% wool accessory in a girly, zingy pink. Also available in black.

We finish with two little favourites: the soft oversized wool beanie from Lowie, with a bohemian vibe and a lovely grey cable knit; and the soft narrow-brim felt hat in orange from Whistles, a pretty shape, boyish feel and zingy colour—we like it.

This season, once again, it's settled: our heads will be crowned with hats. Beanie, beret, turban, chapka, cloche hat, felt hat, oversized beanie… there will be plenty of ways to change up your style every day, and the hardest part will definitely be choosing. Still, this autumn/winter, fashion is on our side: warmth, cosiness, softness and style—that's what we love about beanies, hats and headwear of every kind. Today we're rounding up a few of our favourite hats—expect wool, chunky knits, felt, faux fur, in short, everything you need to keep your head warm in style.

How to choose a winter hat

With so much variety, you're bound to hesitate. So before you buy, a quick bit of advice is in order—because a beanie that suits a friend won't necessarily look the same on you.

On face shape, the rule comes down to one word: balance. A round face benefits from being slightly elongated by a beanie that sits a little higher or a hat with a modest brim, while a longer face is softened by a beret or a beanie worn low on the forehead. The turban and cloche hat, meanwhile, create a pretty line without ruining your hair—handy when you don't want to start from scratch in the morning.

Next, the material depends on the cold you're actually facing. For harsh winters and long spells outdoors, go for wool—merino, angora or chunky knit—which genuinely insulates; acrylic, lighter and more affordable, is enough for transitional seasons and short journeys. Faux fur, meanwhile, is as much about style as warmth, best kept for pieces you're happy to wear with confidence.

Also think about care: wool should be hand-washed in cold water and dried flat so it doesn't lose its shape, while felt just needs a gentle brush and doesn't like rain too much. A hat that lasts several seasons is often a matter of looking after it.

Then there's how you'll use it. For everyday commutes, a soft beanie that slips into a bag is the most practical; for dressier outings, a felt hat or cloche hat makes all the difference; for the mountains or sport, prioritise a secure fit and good coverage. It's up to you to see which of these uses shapes your days—that will often make the decision for you.

Budget

As a guide, expect to pay around £8–£25 for a chunky knit beanie or turban, £20–£40 for a chapka or wool cloche hat, and up to £60 for a designer beanie or felt hat. Prices vary depending on material (merino wool or angora rather than acrylic), brand and finish. You'll find them in large retailers, at specialist accessories shops and from online fashion retailers—it's best to try before you buy where possible, as fit affects how they sit.

Sources

• Ted Baker, official site.
• Whistles, official site.