7 Best Winter Hats for Short Hair

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The best winter hats for short hair include knit beanies, berets, cloche hats, and trapper hats. The right one depends on your haircut, your head size, and how cold it gets.

If you have a pixie cut or very short hair, pick a soft hat that fits close without pressing hard on top. 

If you have a bob or layers, leave a little room so the hat doesn’t crush the ends. If your hair is curly, a satin-lined hat may help keep your curls from getting messed up.

Whatever you buy, check the size and make sure it covers your ears if you’ll be outside for a while.

Here are seven winter hats for different short haircuts, along with a few tips on sizing and keeping your hair from going flat.

Ladies Winter Hats for Short Hair: Quick Comparison

Compare all seven hats below, then click Full Review to read more about each one.

7 Best Women’s Winter Hats for Short Hair

Here’s a closer look at each hat and why it works for short hair.

1. Smartwool Merino Wool Beanie: Best for Everyday Winter Wear

The Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie is the best soft winter beanie if you want a thin, close-fitting merino hat for mild and cold days, but it fits snugly and can feel too tight on some heads.

It feels soft and doesn’t itch. Smartwool makes it from 100% merino wool, and the hat feels soft against your forehead and ears. Lots of wool hats feel scratchy, but this one doesn’t. If the size is right for your head, it stays comfortable all day.

It stays put. The fit is snug, so the hat sits close to your head and doesn’t slide around.

It’s light, not bulky. Smartwool calls the fabric mid-weight, but the knit feels thin. It doesn’t feel bulky, and it keeps you warm on mild and cold days without making you overheat.

Smartwool also says the merino moves moisture away from your skin, so you stay comfortable when you’re moving around.

The cuff adds warmth over your ears. Smartwool says the roll cuff gives extra warmth over the ears. You can also wear it with either side out, because the hat is reversible.

It is easy to wash, but it is not rain gear. Smartwool lists it as machine washable. It is not water resistant, so rain and wet snow will soak through.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The fit may feel too tight. It fits head sizes from 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Measure around your head before buying to see if this size will fit you. If you have a larger head or prefer a looser fit, this beanie may feel too small. In that case, our guide on finding hats for bigger heads might help you find a better fit.

It’s too thin for very cold weather. It works well on mild and cold days. However, on windy days or when the temperature drops well below freezing, it may not provide enough warmth. For those conditions, consider one of the earflap hats below.

Specs

2. Braxton Wool Angora Beret: Best for Pixie Cuts

The Braxton Wool Angora Beret is the best winter beret if you want a soft, fleece-lined hat with a dressier look, but it runs small and can feel snug on some heads, so measure your head before you buy.

It’s lined, so it’s warmer than most berets. Many berets are a single layer of thin knit or felt. This one has a fleece lining inside, so you get two layers over your head instead of one.

Braxton says the lining keeps the hat cozy in winter and cold fall weather. The listing calls it a medium-weight hat, so it works best on cool and cold days.

The fabric feels soft. The outside is a wool blend: 40% wool, 30% angora, 25% polyamide, and 5% acrylic. Angora is a soft, fuzzy fiber, and it keeps the hat from feeling scratchy. The fleece lining is soft too, so nothing rough rubs against your forehead.

You can pull it down over your ears. Braxton lists the hat as an ear warmer and says the long band covers your forehead well. Pull the hat down low, and it covers your ears too.

It looks dressier than a beanie. The classic French beret shape goes with coats, jackets, sweaters, and dresses, so it’s an easy way to dress up a plain winter outfit. It comes in several colors.

It’s well made, but wash it by hand. The hat feels like a quality piece. The label says hand wash only in 40-degree water, lay it flat to dry, and keep it out of the dryer. Wool and angora can shrink and lose their shape in a machine, so follow the care tag.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It runs small. The listing says one size fits heads from 21.6 to 23.2 inches around, but the fit is snug and can feel small on some heads.

Just measure your head circumference before you buy. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. If your number is close to 23 inches, a larger beret will be more comfortable.

It has less slouch than a classic beret. The top is shallow, so the hat sits more like a beanie when you tilt it to one side. If you want a big, floppy beret, look for a larger one. If you like a neat, close shape, this one works well.

Specs

3. YANIBEST Satin-Lined Knit Beanie: Best for Short Curly Hair

The YANIBEST Satin-Lined Beanie is a good choice if you want a warm, soft winter hat that helps reduce frizz, but it may feel too tight or keep slipping up on some heads.

The satin lining is the main reason to choose this beanie. The outside has a cable-knit design, while the inside has a smooth satin lining. YANIBEST says the lining helps reduce frizz and breakage and keeps hairstyles in place. This may help your hair look smoother when you take the hat off, but it won’t stop the hat from flattening your curls or bangs.

It’s warm and soft. The outer layer is thick, cable-knit acrylic, so the hat holds in heat well. The satin inside feels smooth on your skin, which makes the whole hat feel soft. 

It’s stretchy and designed for a snug fit. The knit stretches, and YANIBEST says it fits almost all head sizes. The hat is 9 inches tall, so you can fold the edge up or pull it down over your ears.

You can wear it with or without the pom. The faux fur pom snaps on and off, and it comes in a separate pack. Snap it on for a playful look, or leave it off for a plain one.

It’s easy to care for, but you need to wash it by hand. YANIBEST recommends hand washing the hat to help keep its shape. Remove the pom-pom before washing and let the beanie air dry. The listing also suggests using cool air from a hair dryer and a small comb to fluff up the faux fur pom-pom if it arrives flat.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The fit can be too tight or too loose. Some people find the beanie tight, while others say it slips up over their ears. Medium fits head sizes from 21.6 to 23.6 inches, and Large fits 22 to 23.6 inches. Compare your head measurement with the size chart before ordering, especially if you prefer a looser fit.

The pom-pom may come loose. It attaches with a snap, so you can remove it when you want to wear the beanie without it. However, the snap may come undone and the pom-pom can fall off. If you prefer a simpler look, you can leave it off.

Specs

4. Comhats Vintage Cloche: Best for Short Bobs

The Comhats Vintage Cloche Hat is the best cloche if you want a dressy, packable hat for cool and mild winter days, but it’s a light hat, so it won’t be enough for freezing weather.

It looks dressier than a regular winter hat. The Comhats cloche sits close to your head and has a 2.4-inch brim and a scarf-style band with a small bow that gives it a 1920s look. 

There’s a wire inside the brim, so you can shape it the way you like. You can wear it with jeans and a coat for everyday outings or with a dress for a party or dinner.

It’s soft and has a little stretch. The outside is 95% polyester and 5% spandex, so the fabric can stretch a bit. Inside, there’s a soft lining made of polyester and cotton. The hat feels light on your head, but don’t expect it to keep you warm on very cold days.

You can adjust the fit. A drawstring inside the sweatband lets you tighten the hat if it feels loose. There’s also a removable chin strap to help keep it on in the wind. The brim has a thin wire inside, so you can bend it to the shape you like.

It comes in Medium (21.7–22.8 inches), Large (22.8–23.6 inches), and XL (23.6–24.4 inches).

It’s easy to pack for a trip. You can fold or roll the hat into your suitcase, making it easier to carry when travelling.

It’s easy to care for. Hand wash it in cool water with mild detergent, then let it air dry. You can also spot clean it. The hat is listed with a sun protection factor of 50, but it isn’t water resistant, so use an umbrella in the rain.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Its fit can be inconsistent. The hat may feel too loose even after tightening the drawstring, while the smaller size may feel too tight. Check your head measurement against the size chart before ordering. 

It’s a light hat. The fabric is lightweight polyester, and it’s on the thin side. It works well in fall and on mild winter days. On freezing days, pick one of the warmer hats below.

Specs

5. C.C. Brimmed Knit Hat: Best for a Casual Winter Look

The C.C. Brimmed Knit Hat is a warm knit hat with a short brim, so it looks more like a pageboy hat than a regular beanie. You can pull it down over your ears when it’s cold or wear it higher when you warm up, but the loose knit won’t keep much wind out on very cold days.

The short brim gives it a different look. At 2.5 inches, the brim makes this hat look less like a regular beanie and helps keep the sun out of your eyes. If you find plain knit hats a bit boring, this style gives you another option without looking too dressy.

You can wear it in different ways. Pull it down over your ears on cold mornings, then push it up when you head indoors. The stretchy knit gives you some room to adjust the fit, but the regular version doesn’t have a ponytail opening, so you can’t pull your hair through the back.

It’s soft and lightweight. The hat is made from 100% acrylic knit, so it feels light on your head. The knit has some stretch, but the one-size design may not fit everyone equally well.

It’s better for mild cold than freezing weather. The 100% acrylic knit adds some warmth, but the hat isn’t lined. It may not keep you warm enough on very cold or windy days.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It may be too tight for larger heads. The knit stretches, but the hat may still feel tight or sit too high to cover your ears. If you have a hard time finding hats that fit, see our guide on how to find hats that fit big heads.

The knit doesn’t block much wind. The hat has no lining, and cold air can pass through the knit. It’s better for mild winter days than for very cold, windy weather.

Specs

6. Wmcaps Fleece-Lined Earflap Beanie: Best for Cold Weather

The Wmcaps Fleece-Lined Earflap Beanie keeps your ears warm with its fleece lining and built-in ear covers, so you don’t need separate earmuffs. The stretchy knit fits many head sizes, but the one-size design may feel too tight if you have a larger head.

It keeps your ears covered. The earflaps come down over your ears, so you don’t have to keep pulling the hat down as you might with a regular beanie. They also give it a different look from a beanie folded up around the ears. 

The fleece lining makes it warmer. The soft fleece inside adds warmth on cold days. But the hat isn’t waterproof, so rain or wet snow can soak through.

It has a simple look. There are no big logos or bold patterns, and the earflaps cover your ears without the need for separate earmuffs.

You can wear it for walks, commuting, or working outside in cold weather. It comes in several colors, so you can choose one that goes with your winter jacket.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It may feel too tight for people with larger heads. Some people find it comfortable, while others say it feels tight even after stretching it. It can also ride up and leave their ears uncovered.

It isn’t water-resistant. Rain or wet snow can soak through, so this beanie is better for cold, dry weather.

Specs

7. Zavelio Leather Aviator Ushanka: Best for Extreme Cold

The Zavelio Leather Aviator Ushanka is the best trapper hat if you want extra warmth and full ear coverage in freezing weather, but the fit is snug, so check the size chart before you order.

It’s very warm. The hat has a leather outside and a thick sheepskin lining, and it keeps your head warm in freezing temperatures. The leather also helps block cold wind.

It covers your ears, forehead, and neck. The earflaps cover the sides of your head and your neck. On cold, windy days, tie them under your chin to keep them in place. When you warm up, fold them up and tie them on top.

It’s sheepskin and leather. The listing describes the hat as 100% genuine sheepskin, with leather on the outside and fur on the inside. If you avoid animal products, this hat isn’t for you.

It handles snow, but it needs careful cleaning. The listing says the hat is water resistant, so it keeps out snow and a little rain. It isn’t fully waterproof, so don’t wear it in a long, heavy rain. You also can’t wash it in a washing machine. The label says to dry clean it only.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It runs small, so measure your head before you order. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Then match your measurement to the chart below:

• Small: 21.2 to 21.6 inches
• Medium: 22 to 22.4 inches
• Large: 22.8 to 23.1 inches
• XL: 23.5 to 24 inches
• 2XL: 24.4 to 24.8 inches

If you’re between sizes or near the top of a size range, go one size up.

The wool lining can feel scratchy. Some people get used to it after a few wears, but if it bothers you, wear a thin hat liner underneath.

Specs

Best Winter Hats for Different Short Haircuts

Here are some winter hat options to consider for your haircut.

Note: These are general suggestions, not fixed rules. The right winter hat also depends on your head size, the weather, and how much warmth you need.

If you have a pixie cut, our guide to the best hats for pixie cuts covers more options for this specific hairstyle.

How to Choose a Winter Hat for Short Hair

A winter hat can be too tight, too scratchy, or not warm enough. You may not notice these problems until you wear it, so here’s what to check before you buy.

Check the Hat’s Size, Depth and Fit

Size: Measure around your head and compare it with the size chart. Don’t skip this on one-size hats, because they may not fit every head.

Depth: Hat depth means how far the hat comes down over your head, from the top to the lower edge. If it’s too shallow, it may sit high and leave part of your ears uncovered. Before buying, check the product photos to see how low the hat sits. If a depth measurement is listed, use it to compare hats.

Fit: The hat should stay in place without squeezing your head or slipping off. If you’re buying online, check customer feedback to see whether the hat runs small or feels loose. If it has a drawstring inside the band, you can use it to adjust the fit.

Choose the Right Material and Lining

Once you’ve found the right size, check what the hat is made of. Some materials feel softer against your skin, while others do a better job of keeping you warm. The lining matters too, especially if you want to reduce friction against your hair.

Wool and Merino

Wool is a natural fiber from sheep that helps keep your head warm. Merino is a type of wool with finer fibers that usually feels softer. Consider merino if regular wool feels itchy against your forehead. Keep in mind that a thin merino hat may not be warm enough on windy days or well below freezing.

Cashmere and Alpaca

Cashmere comes from cashmere goats, and alpaca comes from alpacas. Both are soft, warm fibers. Consider them if you want something softer than regular wool. They often cost more than regular wool, so check the care tag before you buy.

Fleece and Sherpa

Fleece is a soft lining that adds warmth and feels comfortable against your forehead and ears. Sherpa is a thicker, fluffier lining. For cold weather, look for a lined hat instead of a thin, unlined knit.

Satin Lining

Some hats have a smooth satin lining inside. Consider one if you have curly hair or want less frizz, as the smooth surface may help reduce friction against your hair. It won’t stop a hat from flattening curls or bangs.

Consider Warmth and Ear Coverage

Choose a hat based on the weather you deal with most, then check how well it covers your ears.

Mild days: A thin knit or lightweight hat may be enough, such as a thin merino beanie or a light cloche.

Cold days: Choose a fleece-lined hat or a thick knit. Both hold heat better than a thin, unlined knit.

Freezing and windy days: Choose a warm hat with full ear coverage, such as a sheepskin-lined trapper hat. Thin, unlined knits may not provide enough protection in strong winds.

Ear coverage: Earflap hats cover your ears. Beanies and berets may cover them when you pull them down low. A hat that is too tight can ride up and leave your ears bare.

Wet weather: Rain and wet snow can soak through hats that aren’t water-resistant. For snow and light rain, look for a water-resistant hat, like a leather trapper hat.

How to Wear a Winter Hat With Short Hair

Pull your winter hat down to cover your ears, and make sure it stays in place without squeezing your head.

If it keeps riding up, it may be too tight. If it feels loose, tighten the drawstring inside the band, if your hat has one. 

Any hat can flatten your hair. When you take it off, lift your hair with your fingers if it looks flat.

If you want more tips on styling short hair, see our guide on how to wear a hat with short hair.

How to Avoid Hat Hair With Short Hair

Your hair will probably get a little flat under a winter hat. But you can do a few things to make it easier to fix.

• Don’t wear a hat that’s too tight. It presses your hair against your head and can leave it flat when you take the hat off.
• Try a satin-lined beanie if your hair gets frizzy. The smooth lining can help reduce friction, but your curls or bangs may still get flat under the hat.
• Check how the lining feels. If it feels rough against your forehead or ears, try a hat with a softer lining.

Headbands and Earmuffs as Alternatives

Winter headbands: If you want to keep your ears warm but don’t want to cover your short hair, try a fleece or knit headband. Just make sure it covers your ears comfortably.

Earmuffs: Earmuffs are another option if you don’t want to wear a hat. They keep your ears warm, but the top of your head stays uncovered. On very cold or windy days, you may be more comfortable in a warm hat.

Choose the Best Winter Hat for Your Needs

• If your hair gets frizzy under a hat, try the YANIBEST Satin-Lined Beanie.
• If you want a dressier look, go with the Braxton Wool Angora Beret.
• If you want a soft, thin beanie for mild days, pick the Smartwool Merino Cuffed Beanie.
• If you need the warmest pick for freezing days, choose the Zavelio Leather Aviator Ushanka.

Whichever you choose, measure your head first, then use our hat size calculator to find your size. Several of these hats run small, so the right size matters more than the style.