As much fun as the glitz and tech of winter gear can be, let’s face it, hats don’t buy into the sparkle. These unsung heroes of winter take a noble step away from futuristic flash and go back to the basics. Fall/Winter 2016-2017 options opt for relaxed styles and active/chill versatility, using a hybrid of traditional materials with smart weaves or cutting to do the job they were made to do…and do it damn well. The effect: classic cool that doesn’t demand recognition.
Skida Summit Knit
Skida Summit Knit
New to Skida’s USA Knits collection, The Summit Knit, $30, is woven with a ribbed 100-percent acrylic fiber, in a style that mixes street with slope. Providing a snug fit, the Summit rocks a fold over band with one of three brand-inspired motifs: “YAY”, “Skida” with pictured gondola or “Skida” with pictured trees. Plus, you can sport the knit knowing it was made right here in New Jersey. Available in black, red, saffron and royal blue, the Summit is a staple in the snowboarder uniform.
Headsweats Ultra Band
A new customizable UltraBand from Headsweats, $22, combines the headwear power of an all-in-one toque, neck warmer and headband. Made from Headsweats’ proprietary Eventure fabric (lightweight and quick drying), the UltraBand was designed for all-season wear, as its transformer style can be worn differently for sun or snow. The initial prototype was tested in October 2015, when Headsweats and Skratchlabs made 10 samples. Once prototype images went live of Ironman Ivan Gorman using the band at Kona Iron Man Championship, the public demanded them. One Instagram user @chapla15I even remarked, “I’d trade my right nut for that lid.”
The North Face Men’s and Women’s Classic Wool Beanie
Known for industry leading designs, The North Face has perhaps gone the most back-to-basics with its 2016 Classic Wool Beanie, $50. A necessity in its Fall 2016 line, The North Face designed a Men’s specific cut and a Women’s specific cut. Both are a melding of 65-percent baby wool, 25-percent yak and 10-percent cashmere yarn, offered only in black and gray. The main difference is the woman’s slouched fit, but again we see the resurgence of the simple, classic, must-have beanie.
Dale of Norway Lillehammer Hat
Dale of Norway Lillehammer Hat
Dale of Norway has been creating sweaters with matching accessories for Olympic Games and World Championships since 1956. The company created the 2016 Lillehammer sweater as the official sweater for the Youth Olympic Games, after looking back to its original Dale Olympic Lillehammer sweater from 1994. Now paired as a hat, $70, the upscale beanie is made from 100-percent skin soft, extra-fine Merino wool and is cut longer for a slightly slouched look that makes it wearable for both men and women. In classic Dale fashion, the Lillehammer Hat features a traditional Norwegian design pattern that screams winter.
Sunday Afternoons Shasta Trapper
Fully updated while maintaining its retro legacy, Sunday Afternoons’ Shasta Trapper, $48, uses herringbone fabric and plush, ultra-warm fleece to insulate and resist against water. Boasting a UPF 50+ sun rating, the Trapper’s unisex heritage style means no loud neons or overly-futuristic patterns. It’s classic, warm and wearable season after season. Outside: wear the earflaps down, Elmer Fudd style. Inside or around the fire: flaps up.
Sunday Afternoons Shasta Trapper
Outdoor Research Mikala Beanie
Outdoor Research Mikala Beanie
With more than 100 styles in their hat collections, SGB was drawn to Outdoor Research’s Mikala Beanie, $26, because it’s sophisticated enough to accessorize with boots and base enough to add to a snowsuit. At a time of year when you really don’t want to end up outside without a cover for your dome, a versatile piece like the Mikala is light and simple, but always does the job. Skinny stripes add a feminine flair while the wear is slouched and relaxed.
Craghoppers Brompton Waffle Knit Hat
Yes, another beanie concept, but don’t be so quick to judge. This Craghoppers Knit Hat, $20, uses a deceptively advanced lightweight waffle weave that retains heat like no other on the market. The Brompton gets a small punch of heritage feel with its leather tag.
Craghoppers Brompton Waffle Knit Hat
— Jahla Seppanen is an Associate Editor for SGB Media. She earned her BA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College in New York and began her career in active lifestyle media by copy editing and writing for Backpacker Magazine. Her fiction has been published in Fourteen HillsReview, Niche, Litro U.K. and other literary journals. Jahla runs 40 miles a week, year-round, SUPs and practices Vinyasa yoga.
