Best winter hats for women: bobble hats, beanies, berets and more

It’s hat season! For many people, finding the perfect winter hat is a daunting prospect, with much to consider as they vary in size, shape, texture and style. Plus, your head size and face shape will also determine which is the best winter hat for you. The good news is that investing in a good winter hat (or two) will not only elevate your winter wardrobe, but this winter staple will also keep you warm and ready to brave the chilliest of school runs, park visits and adventures outdoors.

With energy prices soaring this winter, you may even want to wear your winter hat around the house and keep the cold at bay with the best heated throw blankets in the UK or your trusty hot water bottle, should you decide to turn the central heating down this season.

Whether you love to make a statement or prefer to keep things snug and simple, we’ve got you (and your head) covered with this season’s best winter hats for women.

We've all got cosiness on our minds this winter, so we've rounded up the very best Mumsnet-recommended goodies to keep you toasty, whether you're relaxing at home or out and about. Here are our guides to the best blanket hoodies, the best heated throw blankets and the best heated gilets.

Here are the best winter hats for women in 2022.

1. Best overall winter hat for women: Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Beanie

Price on writing: £24.90 | Buy now from Uniqlo

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Black, off-white, red, beige, brown, yellow, green, navy | Machine washable? No, dry clean only

Reasons to buy

• Good quality

• Soft fabric

• Wide variety of colours

Reasons to avoid

• May not suit all head shapes

What Mumsnet users say

“Uniqlo have lovely beanies. Their cashmere version is my favourite winter hat.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter teezletangler)

“Uniqlo do good beanies. I've got a couple of their cashmere ones.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Ghostlyglow)

“A cashmere beanie in a brighter colour, probably from Uniqlo. I have a Uniqlo navy one already to go with my winter coat.”  (As worn by Mumsnetter Thinkle)

Our verdict

Favourite features? The soft cashmere fabric makes this beanie super comfortable to wear and the variety of colours available is a real bonus!

Simple, affordable and stylish – the Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Beanie has earned the top spot on our list for good reason. A firm favourite amongst Mumsnetters who love adding a pop of colour to their wardrobes, the soft cashmere fabric won’t scratch your skin as some wool beanies do and the wider, ribbed brim on this beanie offers extra warmth and comfort.

Plus, it has a snug fit to keep your head and ears warm. There’s no doubt that this Uniqlo beanie is cool, trendy and can be used as a go-to winter accessory to complete your look.

Mumsnetters swear by Uniqlo to keep them cosy - you'll find more of their range in our guide to the best thermal underwear for women.

2. Best budget winter hat for women: Toskatok Soft Ribbed Ponytail Beanie Hat

Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Black, charcoal, black grey, burgundy, China blue, cream, mid grey, morello, mustard, navy, olive, purple, red, teal | Machine washable? Handwash, or gentle cycle on low

Reasons to buy

• Affordable

• Won’t mess your hair

• Non-scratch material

Reasons to avoid

• Some don’t like the tag at the front of the beanie

• It may be too large for those with smaller heads

What Mumsnet users say

“I love the ones you can put your ponytail through. Not sure about being on trend but cosy and great for a school run.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter wishingchair1)

Our verdict

Favourite features? The stretchy ribbed material offers a warm, comfy fit and the ponytail hole is genius!

If you’re not a fan of beanies because they mess up your perfectly neat ponytail, you’re in luck with this affordable beanie hat from UK-based company, Toskatok. The elasticated loop hole at the top won’t let cold air in, but will ensure your hairstyle stays intact as it can be adjusted to suit all hair types and up styles.

The stretchy, comfy and thick knitted fabric is also super warm and can be pulled over your ears on cold and windy days. Available in 14 different colours at such an affordable price, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to add 2 to your basket at checkout!

3 Best stylish winter hat for women: John Lewis Cashmere Roll Beret

Price on writing: £32 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Light blue, black, light grey, berry, bright pink, bright red, dark green, teal, burnt orange, toast | Machine washable? Yes – on a wool cycle

Reasons to buy

• Stylish

• Soft and comfortable

• Available in a wide range of colours

Reasons to avoid

• It’s a smaller fit

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users have to say

“I'm 51 and have a wardrobe of berets, love them! They make a boring winter coat feel chic and stylish, and they are relatively easy to pull off even if you're not generally comfortable as a 'hat' person.”  (As worn by beret connoisseur and Mumsnet user, Trulyconfuseddotcom)

Our verdict

Favourite features? Soft, cosy and warm, this cashmere beret is so versatile, it’s a stylish wardrobe staple that can be worn from day to night.

What’s more stylish than a beret? Made from 100% pure cashmere for a luxuriously soft feel, this cashmere toll beret has a beautiful, ribbed trim for optimum fit and comfort. The type of cashmere, sourced from areas between northern China and Mongolia, is said to be finer, softer and more rounded, thus retaining its richer colour, even after repeated washes.

Plus, many reviewers have said that this style of beret doesn’t flatten your fringe like some beanies would and thanks to the solid rim and snug fit, it stays put even on the coldest, windiest days.

4 Best knitted winter hat for women: Barts Women’s Augusti Beanie Hat

Price on writing: £33.60 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes: 6 3/4 - 7 5/8 | Colours: Cream, black, dark celadon, dusty pink, Heather grey | Machine washable? No – handwash only

Reasons to buy

• Comfortable fit

• Made from premium wool material

• Has extra fleece lining to protect the skin

Reasons to avoid

• Pricey for a beanie

• Pom pom style doesn’t suit everyone

What Mumsnet users have to say

“I have an Augusti beanie hat from Barts. It's so warm. It has a velvet strip on the inside which stops that itchy feeling that you can sometimes get with wool.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user AWholeLottaRosie)

Our verdict

Our favourite features? This thick winter beanie is made from a good-quality wool blend and covers the ears nicely. We like the extra fleece lining on the inside of the rim

If you’re looking for a warm, yet comfortable knitted hat that can be pulled over your ears, this beanie option from Barts won’t let you down. It’s made from a premium virgin wool blend, which offers maximum protection in colder weather, and it has a clever soft fleece headband on the inside of the rim to prevent itchiness and irritation.

Reviewers say that it’s really cosy and flattering and this style comes in a variety of pastel colours (apart from black). We also like the faux fur pom pom that adds a trendy touch to this versatile beanie.

5 Best winter hat for running: TrailHeads Women’s Winter Merino Wool Hat

Price on writing: £40.50 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Black| Machine washable? Yes, on a cold cycle

Reasons to buy

• Made with antimicrobial odour-resistant material

• Covers the ears fully

• Quick drying

Reasons to avoid

• Pricey

• Only available in one size

What Mumsnet users have to say

“I have a couple of knitted caps, warm and the peak keeps the rain off my glasses.” (Style recommended by Mumsnet user Floralnomad)

Our verdict

Favourite features? Lightweight, yet ultra-warm and quick drying, this peak-style winter hat will protect your head throughout the colder months

Whether you’re walking the dog or running outdoors, you’ll need a good-quality, durable winter hat that’ll keep you warm, come rain or shine. The TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Hat is a good choice as it’s made from soft Merino wool that’s super soft and retains heat as you move.

Additionally, we like the wide 2.5” curved brim and contoured coverage around the back that’s been designed to protect your neck and ears from the elements. Plus, the slot opening for a high ponytail ensures the hat will stay put.

6 Best faux fur winter hat for women: Scotts of Stow Faux Fur Hat

Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from Scotts of Stow

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Black, burgundy, truffle| Machine washable? Wipe clean

Reasons to buy

• Stylish

• Good quality

• Warm and comfortable

Reasons to avoid

• Pricey

• Some say it’s too small for larger heads

What Mumsnet users have to say

“These are lovely and warm and just about cover the ears.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter MargeProopsSpecs)

Our verdict

Favourite features? A faux fur winter hat is a must for visiting Christmas markets (or walking the dog), and this one from Scotts of Stow is especially glamorous.

Reviewers say that it's really cosy and flattering as it’s made from a type of soft acrylic that is just like the real thing, plus it has a fleece lining to keep your ears warm and covered.

This winter hat is available in black, burgundy or lighter truffle and can be bought with a matching winter scarf (sold separately).

7 Best bucket winter hat for women: Lighthouse Women’s Storm Rain Hat

Price on writing: From £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes: S, M, L | Colours: Deep sea, fawn, fern, urban grey, plum, black, nightshade | Machine washable? Yes

Reasons to buy

• Stylish

• Good quality

• Waterproof

Reasons to avoid

• Not fleece lined

• May not be true to size

What Mumsnet users have to say

"I have this one and it's great. I bought a size L because I have lots of hair and don't like tight hats and it's a great fit” (Worn by Mumsnet user AntennaReborn)

Our verdict

Favourite features? The classic bucket style, waterproof fabric and wide brim will keep you cosy and dry in all weather conditions.

Bucket hats are back in a big way, and if you’ve not held onto yours for the past 20 years then this version by LightHouse is a worthy investment. The outer layer of this hat is 100% waterproof, and the downward sloping wide brim will keep snow, rain, and drizzle off your face.

Even though it’s not the cosiest hat on our list, it offers good coverage, and the practical style will keep you dry. We like that it comes in three sizes and seven colours, which means there’s an option for all heads.

8 Best bobble winter hat for women: Joules Knitted Pom Beanie Hat

Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from M&S

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Yellow, brown, navy | Machine washable? Yes

Reasons to buy

• Stylish

• Super warm

• Has an extra wide ribbed cuff

Reasons to avoid

• Not lined

• Not waterproof

• Pom beanies don’t suit all head shapes

What Mumsnet users have to say:

“I wear my Joules bobble hat, I think I look okay. The key is to have your hair out the bottom of it rather than tucking it inside.” (As recommended by Mumsnetter Sportyfool)

Our verdict

Favourite features? This pom beanie hat is great quality, super warm and offers the head, neck and ears good protection.

With a super wide and stretchy ribbed cuff and thick, woolly material, you can rest assured that this Pom Beanie Hat from Joules will keep your head, neck and ears warm this winter. And who doesn’t love a luxe faux fur pom to finish the look?

Reviewers claim that this bobble hat not only looks smarter than your average beanie, but it also fits well and is good quality, making it a good option to see you through the colder months. Available in bright yellow, neutral brown or classic navy – there’s bound to be a colour to suit your style.

9 Best beanie hat for women: Black Sunrise Satin Lined Hat

Price on writing: £22 | Buy now from Black Sunrise

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours:  | Black, pink, silver, red, dusted rose | Machine washable? Handwash or cold, gentle cycle

Reasons to buy

• Warm and comfortable

• Satin lined

• Stretchy and flexible

Reasons to avoid

• Might feel too loose for some

What Mumsnet users have to say:

“I love these Black Sunrise hats. I have a beanie and its lovely quality. They’re satin lined so don’t cause frizz or damage to your hair.” (As worn by Mumsnetter TLIMSISNW)

Our verdict

Favourite features? This warm, satin-lined beanie offers a great fit and is brilliant for protecting your curls or favourite hairstyle, whilst keeping your head and ears warm.

Made from acrylic wool and lined with premium satin, the Black Sunrise Satin Lined Hat has a loose, flexible fit and offers warmth and comfort but without compromising your hairstyle goals. In fact some reviewers have worn it with a bun! Plus, the satin lining helps to protect your hair and scalp while the hat itself retains heat.

Manufacturers claim that the satin works well to avoid itchiness and irritation in the scalp area, as well as prevent frizz and static electricity by locking moisture into your hair. However, this beanie hat offers a large, flexible fit so might not be ideal for those with smaller heads.

10 Best thermal winter hat for women: Heat Holders Chunky Thermal Beanie Hat

Price on writing: £14 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Sizes: One size | Colours: Black, cream, light grey, purple, rose | Machine washable? Yes

Reasons to buy

• Offers thermal protection

• Retains heat

• Easy, relaxed fit

Reasons to avoid

• Might not be suitable for those with smaller heads

• Some say the colours vary from the pictures shown

What Mumsnet users have to say:

“I swear by my Heat Holders Thinsulate lined bobble hat! Best ever!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter TheVanguardSix)

Our verdict

Favourite features? A bobble hat is a style classic, and the Heat Holders chunky ribbed cuffed fleece-lined version is extra warm, too.

This cosy hat features specially developed thermal yarn and a super soft, insulated interior that retains the heat on your head whilst keeping cold air out. It’s perfect for those snowy winter days with temps hovering around zero degrees.

The hat itself has been designed with a little more slouch than your average beanie, making it the ideal choice for those who want a more relaxed fit, and the faux fur on top is so soft and fluffy!

How to choose the best winter hat

Hats are both practical and stylish. To choose the best winter hat for you, you should consider what style suits you, as well as the colours that you like to wear. Look for a sturdy, good-quality design so you can wear your new favourite hat for years to come.

When choosing your winter hat, here are a few things to consider:

The fabric: Most beanies and bobble hats are made from a mix of acrylic or synthetic fibres and wool which is a good thing because acrylic generally holds its colour, keeps its shape, is easy to clean and durable. If you like the idea of a winter hat that’s made from 100% wool, but you know that it causes itchiness and irritation to your scalp, then the Black Sunrise Satin Lined Hat is a good option or opting for a softer cashmere wool you’ll find in the Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Beanie. If you’re looking for a warm, yet stylish fabric then faux fur is always a good choice too.

The style: In addition to the style of hat you like such as a peak cap, beanie, bucket hat, bobble or beret, the next important question to ask yourself is, “Will this hat keep me warm and adequately cover the areas it needs to?” For instance, if you’re wearing a peak cap for winter, you may want extra protection around your neck and ears like you’ll find in the Trailheads Women’s Winter Merino Wool Hat.

The fit: Many winter hats only come in one size, which can be tricky if you’re looking for a particularly snug or loose fit, so it’s always a good idea to check on the reviews whether the hat is true to size.

Your lifestyle: Choosing the perfect winter hat for you comes down to what you need it for most and how you spend your time. If, for instance, you walk the dog most days and need a durable, waterproof hat, then our top choice is undoubtedly the Lighthouse Women’s Storm Rain Hat. But if you’re commuting to work and need a warm, stylish option then a faux fur hat or beret will fit the bill. Of course, if budget allows, you could always have a selection of winter hats for every occasion!

What’s the warmest material for a winter hat?

Natural fibres generally offer greater warmth than synthetic materials like acrylic (and they’ll last longer too). Materials like cashmere and wool are great for keeping cosy. A faux fur trim or fleece lining to your hat will also provide added warmth.

What’s the best women’s winter hat to buy?

When it comes to Mumsnetter’s favourite winter hat, the Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Beanie has earned the top spot. It’s not only ultra-soft, warm and comfortable (as a winter hat should be), but it’s also versatile, offers a flexible fit and is available in a wide variety of colours. In fact, Mumsnetters often buy more than one to match various outfits.

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

Mumsnetters have been talking extensively about how to stay warm at home or on commutes this season and winter hats is a popular topic.

First up, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on the winter hats they’ve tried, rate highly and would recommend to friends and family. We gathered their views to ensure all price points and budgets were included in our recommendations list.

We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsnetters highlighted hats that they felt weren’t warm enough, or were poor quality, uncomfortable, difficult to wash or overpriced. We aim to update our listings regularly to reflect changes in product availability, prices and updates.

Authentic consumer reviews

Next, we trawled the Internet and spent hours reading through honest, in-depth consumer reviews on reputable sites such as Amazon, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer to get a more complete, balanced view on each of the winter hats on our shortlist. We paid close attention to comments around the fabric, overall quality and durability of the hats.

Why you should trust us

With every Swears By piece, we work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. In this case, we gathered as much information as possible on each winter hat to offer an informed, balanced view on each one to help you make the right choice.

We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one..