We lose a notable share of our warmth through the head: in winter, the hat becomes a garment in its own right again. The good news is that the cold season offers the finest materials in hatmaking — deep felts, dense wools, soft knits.
Felt, king of the season
A fedora or a soft-brimmed hat in wool felt cuts the wind, stands up to light rain and instantly gives structure to a coat. Fur felt, finer and more supple, offers a superior feel and resistance: it is the investment of winters that last. In either case, shake off the water after a shower and let the hat dry at room temperature, never on a radiator, which would distort the crown.
Cap, beanie, beret: winter day to day
For the daily commute, the wool cap is a precious ally: it keeps you warm, goes everywhere and pairs as well with a blazer as with a parka. The knitted beanie remains the simplest option in deep cold, and the beret adds a timeless French note. The ideal is to have two: a structured hat for dressed-up days, and a soft piece for everything else.
- Frequent wind: prefer a close-fitting shape or a cap, more stable than a wide brim.
- Regular rain: wool felt will see you through, fur felt resists better; avoid straw, out of season in any case.
- Deep cold: knits and lined models cover the ears, which few structured hats do.
- Offices and heated interiors: choose a model that comes off easily and can be carried in the hand or slipped into a pocket without worry.
As for colours, winter loves deep tones: navy, charcoal, brown, forest green. They match the coats of the season and forgive the rain. A pale hat in winter is superb, but it asks a little more of you — regular brushing and careful storage.
In winter, a hat is not an accessory: it is the piece that finishes the coat.