13 Best Walmart Winter Hats for Women

There’s a saying that goes something like “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only not-so-good clothing.” Since we run cold and stay in a place that sees wonderful winters, it’s a mantra we rather tend to live by. Moreover, most of our favorite pastimes involve the outdoors, even more so in wintertime. That’s why our winter gear is always up-to-date, and this time we went looking for the best Walmart winter hats for women. Whether we’d be trawling for wildlife with our cameras or climbing mountains, warm hats are one of our top cold-weather essentials. Whether we’ve gone to the Norwegian Arctic or Canada, these winter hats have become lifesavers for keeping the cold at bay.

What’s more, Walmart offered us a range of versatile styles, and that too across materials like wool and cashmere, budgets, colors, and more. So, we could dress up or down, depending on our outfit and activity, whether we were lounging at après ski, sightseeing, or hiking. Here’s a guide to the best, warmest headgear and headgear for women from Walmart.

Yanibest’s Women’s Winter Beanie Hat

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We begin the list with the Yanibest’s Women’s Winter Beanie Hat, which we loved for its multiple features. Firstly, it boasts a high-quality inner made from a satin fabric that is akin to silk. Meanwhile, the external layer is made entirely from premium acrylic fabric. So, while the silk lining hydrated our hair, the inventive use of the mixed yarn design elevated the exterior look. This was especially helpful on dry winter days as the satin would act as an effective protective barrier from the dry air, maintain the hair’s moisture. Finally, the thick outer layer also protected our ears and heads while preserving warmth.

Carhartt Knit Satin-Lined Beanie

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The iconic Carhartt Knit Satin-Lined Beanie has been, is, and will continue to be a wardrobe staple in its own right — we’re sure of that. This beanie or winter hat is one of the cleverest design options that didn’t doom our hairdos, no matter how we wore our hair. What’s more, it was lined with smooth satin, which greatly reduced our hair frizz and also curbed the risk of getting “hat hair,” which we’re genuinely afraid of. It was the same silhouette that we’ve all known and loved, and the familiarity was comforting. What’s more, the warm wool-like Polyana fibers, 100% recyclable, made it an eco-friendly option too. Did we mention the cute array of color options? Yes!

Check out this detailed YouTube video review by Jack Picks.

The North Face Salty Dog Lined Beanie

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The North Face Salty Dog Lined Beanie has been the perfect everyday winter companion for us for a long time. We love the classic TNF logo, but there are tons of other great things about the beanie. Firstly, it’s designed from stretchy and soft 100% acrylic rib knit, which is super-warm yet breathable. We had the choice of many diverse colors that ranged from brandy brown and summit navy to the lovely turquoise one below. If that wasn’t enough, the beanie even came in two lengths, regular and short. Finally, we’re happy to tell you that the beanie has been extremely durable, even after years of hand and machine washing and use. Check out more details on the official product page.

Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat

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We’ve had the Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat for a long, long time now, and it’s shown little of signs of wear. Whether it was in bitter Upstate NY winters, midwinter in the Arctic, or even for urban use at home, this modular hat system checked all boxes. Not only did it ensure wind stoppage and coverage, but it was also very, very warm. For a price of USD 14, the wool blend hat made from 100% polyester Alpinwool, which itself is a mixture of 43% wool, 38% polyester, and 19% nylon. Adding to the warmth were the moisture-wicking polyester-lined earflaps. Finally, the wool blend build ensured moisture-wicking comfort.

Buff CrossKnit Beanie

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What we loved the most about the Buff CrossKnit Beanie was that it stayed in one place, not moving even when we indulged in the most active of pursuits. This midweight cuffed beanie was relatively warm, soft, slim-fitting, and low-profile with one critical hidden feature: a 100% polycolon sweat-resistant band on the inside cuff. It helped wicked away moisture for a breathable and dry feeling. Even the gray polycolon area is made from a slightly tighter knit, which provided a secure fit around our heads’ widest portions. The best bit, though, in terms of safety, was that there was a reflective element on the lower cuff. It was as much a safety feature as it was a great pop of color.

Minus33 Midweight Everyday Knit Cuff Beanie

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Our first reaction to the Minus33 Midweight Everyday Knit Cuff Beanie was that it was the coziest, softest thing we’d ever seen, or touched. This packable wool hat carried us easily from backcountry camping all the way to the skiing slopes. That’s because this double-layered breathable beanie helped us regulate our bodies’ temperatures in all varying levels of cold weather. Since it was made from merino wool, the hat had fire-resistant, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties, besides providing insulation when there was light rain. However, our most favorite aspect was that it was incredibly spacious and stretchable, thanks to the adjustable cuff and double layer knit.

C.C. Exclusives Leopard Beanie

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The C.C. Exclusives Leopard Beanie was easily one of the softest hats we’ve ever worn. Made from a combination of 50% viscose, 30% nylon, and 20% acrylic, the hat had an extremely soft and fuzzy feel. Since we were in the mood to experiment, we chose this winter hat for its leopard print pattern, which came in four earthy hues. Of course, we loved the classic black and gold color combination, which added a ton of pizzazz to our spring skiing outfit. Finally, the snazzy, fitted design has a one-size-fits-all design. Did we also mention that this cozy winter beanie cost us just USD 20? Yep.

C.C Trendy Chunky Cable Knit Beanie

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Best value for money. The unlined, acrylic-made C.C Trendy Chunky Cable Knit Beanie is as simple and straightforward as it gets in terms of construction and design. Available for just USD 13, plus it comes at a very reasonable price. This slouchy knit hat was ideal for both everyday wear as well as for outdoor non-exercising activities such as camping. Aside from the chunky cable knit feel, the beanie is super-stretchy and allowed us to adjust it to a variety of head sizes. Since it’s unlined, it’s less bulky and lighter as compared to other knit beanies. Did we mention that the hat comes in a plethora of color options? Yes!

Furtalk Faux Fur Hat

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Again, the Furtalk Faux Fur Hat is another winter hat with a pompom, which is an acquired taste, but hey, we love it. Plus, it was made from a faux fur material, and the best bit? The pompom is removable! Some days, a faux fur pompom is a crucial addition to one’s outfit, and other days, it is not. Moreover, the hat itself is cozy and soft, made from 100% soft acrylic, even though it was a bit snug fitting around the base. Thanks to the roll-up feature, the hat had a fantastic amount of adjustability. So, we could decide whether we wanted a tighter fit or a slouchier look. Even if the bottom was tight, the hat can be stretched out bit by bit. That’s why it’s one of the best winter hats for women.

OZero Knit Beanie

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The cozy and thick OZero Knit Beanie provided our heads some serious comfort against the cold weather. There are a lot of things we loved about this beanie, starting with the thermal knit outer layer, making it an impressive barrier against cold winds. On the inside, it had a warm, cozy, polar fleece lining that made it the warmest, coziest hat we reviewed. Thanks to the roll-up option, the hat was adjustable and accommodated a lot of head sizes and added additional warmth. Plus, it was reasonably priced at USD 17 and came in a variety of colors. Overall, this functional and stylish hat is a classic for a bunch of winter activities.

TrailHeads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat

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Best for winter running. We run winter running, which is why we loved the TrailHeads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat. It protected our heads against everything from the wind and snow to even the sun on the blinding slopes. Firstly, we loved the subtle drop-down fleece earflap that offered additional coverage to the neck and ears. At the same time, we could easily fold it up as the air and body temperatures rose. What’s more, there was even an inner hidden elastic band that kept the hat in place against big gusts of wind. Thanks to the soft, thermal four-way stretch fleece, it protected our heads against the wind.

However, our absolute favorite was the ponytail hole, which was extremely convenient for keeping our long hair untangled in a ponytail and away from my face when we ran. Did we mention that there’s a men version without the ponytail hole too? Yep.

“Thanks to the reflective details along the ponytail hole and brim, we were able to go running even in low light conditions without being worried!”

WOW Travel

Smartwool Women’s Cozy Cabin Beanie

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There’s no way we won’t have a Smartwool product on this list, right? Behold the Smartwool Women’s Cozy Cabin Beanie, which we turned heads while wearing. Made from a mix of 45% polyester and 55% merino wool, this cold-weather running hat was perfect for even wearing under a ski touring helmet. Comfy yet slim, this hat boasted a tighter band across the bottom that held it in place and fit our small heads tester perfectly. Plus, it even offers a ton of space for those with larger heads too. It didn’t itch even when we indulged in active pursuits and was extremely breathable on sweaty bike rides and runs. If that wasn’t enough, it even came with reflective decals for additional visibility.

Carhartt Women’s Pom-Pom Beanie

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Sitting at the top of the list is the Carhartt Women’s Pom-Pom Beanie, which ticked all the boxes for us — functional, warm, stylish, and comfy. It was comfy and warm, thanks to the tight-knit acrylic weave that provided coziness and stretch without adding too much bulk. We especially loved the wide roll-up band that offered our head an extra layer against the cold, while also featuring a stylish dual-tone design. Aside from a durable overall build, the soft and stretchy material certainly did provide a ton of warmth. Although not all winter hats have pom-poms, this one does, so you can’t wear it beneath a helmet. However, that didn’t affect the overall functionality or style of this hat.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all winter hats on this list, the ones below are our favorite.

• Best value for money: C.C Trendy Chunky Cable Knit Beanie
• Best for winter running: TrailHeads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat
• Best overall: Carhartt Women’s Pom-Pom Beanie
• Best hat with removable pompom: Furtalk Faux Fur Hat

How To Choose The Best Walmart Winter Hats for Women?

Materials

We do lose at least 10% of our body heat through the head, which might feel a lot more in colder weather. Even if that number is on the higher end, wearing hats makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping warm in cold weather. So, you need to prioritize warmth by choosing a snug, air-trapping fit, double layered styles, and insulating fabrics, like 100% merino wool, which is the warmest fabric there is. Woolen hats can be worn in light rain, while the moisture-wicking fleece is also great for damp weather. Down is ideal for an expedition through Alaska or the Arctic. On the other hand, cotton hats aren’t as cozy, but the level of warmth required depends largely on the destination. For instance, an Antarctic expedition, an NYC winter, and a Los Angeles winter all have different cold levels. 

Sizing and Coverage

While some hats come in a range of sizes, most toques, beanies, and other similar winter styles are usually marketed as a one-size-fits-all product. That’s because they’re designed and constructed from stretchy fibers that can contract or expand to fit heads of all sizes and shapes. However, that doesn’t mean that one-size hats will fit everyone perfectly, which is why it’s great to have styles with a cuff. Should the hat become a little short, they can be rolled down to provide more coverage.

Packability

Even though winter hats take up minimal space in suitcases, you need to consider how much space they’re occupying in your daypack or even your winter jacket pocket. Since outdoor activities can sometimes start with wearing hats and then taking them off or vice versa, you need to keep them at hand. Sometimes, it’s annoying to even take hiking packs off to stow hats, so it’s a great idea to invest in styles that can roll up small enough to fit in your pockets.

How do I wash a winter hat?

Washing guidelines vary quite a bit across materials and brands, so always check the care label carefully for the specific instructions. Generally, most cashmere and woolen hats should be washed by hand only, before reshaping them and laying them out flat to dry. Fleece and merino wool hats can be machine washed on cold/delicate cycles, but shouldn’t be tumble dried. Finally, acrylic and cotton hats can cope with both warm wash cycles and tumble drying.

What is the best material for winter hats?

That depends on the activity you want the hat for. For instance, merino wool is better for active pursuits like hiking and running. The luxurious cashmere is perfect for city warmth and style, while fleece is great for extreme cold. Regular wool remains a solid choice all around.

How do hats help keep our bodies warm?

According to a 2008 BMJ Journal study, people lose close to 10% of body heat through the top of the head. Even if it’s a reduced number from the 40% myth, the heat loss is basically akin to exposed skin, hence the importance of a hat.