No matter the weather, a cap is there for protection — sunny? It provides shade. Rainy? It provides a layer of water-wicking fabric. Cold? It's an extra piece of fabric between your dome and the cold air.
But different caps are optimal for different weather and in the winter, caps with ear flaps (often known as trapper caps) reign supreme.
Normally lined with a fuzzy inner layer for added comfort and heat retention, these hats don't just protect your head but have integrated ear muffs that can be deployed when things get really cold. And if you start getting uncomfortably hot, there's a simple solution: you can just tie the flappy ear protectors up over your head (as Tyler, The Creator has been doing a lot recently).
A style of hat that has fluctuated in popularity amongst streetwear circles (some might remember ear flap Supreme 5 panels doing the rounds back in the day), there's been a slight uptick in the amount of flappy-eared caps this winter.
The recent The North Face x UNDERCOVER collaboration had the style of cap as its only headwear in a vast outdoor-ready collection while recent drops from the likes of Patta, Palace, and Carhartt WIP all included their own takes on the style.
Not to mention A-COLD-WALL*'s latest Converse collab which took things one step further with caps that turn into a full face mask or fledgling designer Peter Simmonds' technical nylon ushanka hats.
Sifting through the options available online, we have selected the best caps including ear protection available on the market and conveniently listed them all below.
Keep scrolling for a winter hat with ear flaps roundup.
Patta Reversible Flap Cap
A brand that has been flying the flag for flappy-eared caps for years, Patta has brought the style back for this winter. This cap is fully reversible with one side crafted from fuzzy sherpa and the other side from polyester.
Palace x C.P. Company Goggle Ear Flap P-Cap
The best of both worlds collide on what just might be the cap of the year (no pun intended). Palace puts a new twist on ear flaps and upgrades the design with C.P. Company’s signature goggle lenses.
and wander Primaloft Cap
and wander elevates this winter accessory with a fleece lining and Pertex Quantum Air shell that’s known for its insulation and water-repelling properties.
Gramicci Down Mountain Cap
Warm enough to scale a mountain in, outdoor brand Gramicci crafted this hat with a water-repellent nylon outer and packed it with down insulation. But just in case that isn't enough, it also includes a fleece lining for extra warmth.
Sky High Farm Workwear Logo Label Cap
Sky High Farm Workwear not only elevates hardwearing workwear but it also provides nutrition and produce through its nonprofit umbrella. This shearling-lined cap is one of the brand's winter-fied headwear options.
DAIWA PIER39
When it comes to choosing the right trapper hat it all depends on the shape and functionality. The Tokyo-based brand DAIWA comes through with this quilted, monochrome offering that features a water-repellent finish.
Gucci Shearling-Lined Trapper Cap
Regardless of the occasion, anything adorned with Gucci’s signature monogram is sure to be a flex. This luxe trapper cap is crafted from lamb shearling.
Peter Simmonds Ushanka Hat
Peter Simmonds is one of many fledgling London-based brands to have on your radar. The label specializes in Ushanka hats made from durable fabrics, all of which are ethically manufactured in London.
Acne Studios Hat With Ear Flaps
Breaking up all the winterized caps, this knitted hat from Acne Studios comes in soft alpaca-blend fabric for warmth. Those who grew up in the UK will understand what I mean by saying it's a high-fashion version of the Dappy hat.
Arc'teryx Proton Hat
Being such a functional style of hat, outdoor brands have naturally got a wide selection of ear-warming caps. This one from Arc'teryx is made to be breathable, weather-resistant, and insulated to protect against whatever the outdoors throws at you.
Nanga Tabiki Ripstop Down Cap
The pros of owning a down-insulated cap outweigh the cons by far. This ripstop cap is detailed with press stud fastening at the ear flaps so you can dial in the warmth to your liking.
Meanswhile Layered Fleece Cap
From the water-repellent shell to the adjustable bungee drawstring at the rear, this fleece cap is crafted for folks who thrive on exploring the outdoors during the cold weather season.
Kangol Trapper Hat
Take a walk on the wild side with this faux fur Trapper Hat from Kangol. The huge hat looks too fluffy to ever get cold in.
The Trilogy Tapes Fleece Diamond Cap
A record label and streetwear brand, The Trilogy Tapes is run by Will Bankhead, the artist behind iconic record sleeves released by the label Mo Wax and who has worked with Palace Skateboards since the early days. This hat from the brand comes in a warm fleece fabric with its logo featured front and center.
RAINS Vardo Trapper Cap
Made from the brand's signature waterproof nylon, this hat from RAINS is also lined with soft microfleece and a heavier bonded fleece around the ears — keeping warm parts of your face that a cap normally can't reach.
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