Fashion designers will have you believe that spring is upon us, but one step outside will tell you better.  A fur-lined trapper hat, worn atop your puffiest winter ensemble, will keep you warm, but it isn’t your only headwear option for the remaining winter months ahead.  Hand selected for both style and function, here are the top 5 men’s winter hats for 2011:

1. The classic knit skullcap – Just about every man in the UK owns one of these winter staples, but not everyone owns the right one.  As an accessory, your hat should be simple, which means opting for neutral colours (grey, black, and navy) that go with almost anything and selecting a cap in a classic fabric.  My favourites are those made with merino wool or cashmere, and when I’m feeling a little more exciting, I’ll reach for a modest stripe beanie hat like the one at right from Uniqlo.
2. The newsboy cap – The newsboy is a classic look that seems to come in go, but most fashionistas will tell you that it never really went away.  The sophisticated man’s winter hat, the newsboy (or flat cap) can be seen worn by the likes of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and David Beckham.  Rock one in tweed for a look that will last a lifetime.
3. The leather fedora – Leather has taken a bit of a beating in recent years, but when worn correctly it can still make a lasting impression.  Pairing a fedora from Borsalino – known for its high quality construction – with a wool top coat or suit will give your ensemble a rakish flair perfect for loosening your tie and having an after-work cocktail.  I love the Borsalino leather hat at right, which combines gangster style from the 1920s with modern accents for a unique yet distinguished appearance.
4. The trilby – Fans of Frank Sinatra and Sean Connery are likely to fall hard for this classic hat, which shortens the crown of a fedora for a slightly more streamlined look.  Like the flat cap above, trilbies look great in tweed and wool, which should keep you nice and warm throughout winter.
5. The trapper hat – The trapper may not be the most glamorous of winter hats, but when all else fails it’s guaranteed to keep your head warm in even the most frigid of conditions.  Contemporary trapper hats (think dark grey, not lumberjack colours) are designed to blend in better than their predecessors, but once under their cozy spell, I’m guessing you won’t much care.

What’s your go-to hat in the winter?  Drop us a line and let us know!

Did you know?

The trilby takes its name from the London stage production of George du Maurier’s 1894 novel Trilby.

-Jeff O.

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