Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you intend to spend any significant amount of time outside this winter, it pays to have a good warm hat. And not just a hat that keeps your head warm, but one that covers your ears as well. That’s why we’ve put together this list of six of the best Ear Flap Caps available in our tried-and-tested Five Plus One style.
Whether you just want something new to add to your wardrobe or you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, we hope we can assist you to keep the ears of you or a loved one warm this winter.
1) South2 West8: Bomber Cap
If you’re a fan of the classic, knit cap but want to have some additional coverage South2 West8‘s Bomber Cap is worth some consideration. Made in Japan from a 50%/50% wool/acrylic blend, this hat offers some serious warmth to both the ears and neck, which makes sense coming from the most outdoor-oriented brand under the Nepenthes umbrella. It’s finished with deerskin laces to ensure it stays secured regardless of how blistery the weather gets.
Available for $179CAD (~$131USD) from Blue Button Shop.
2) American Trench: Shearling Aviator Hat
American Trench‘s Shearling Aviator Hat might not be the cheapest option, here, but the truth is you get a lot for your money. It’s constructed from shearling, meaning you have cozy wool on the inside and nappy lambksin leather on the outside, offering unparalleled comfort and warmth. Available in three sizes to ensure a great fit, these made-in-Brooklyn hats will last for many years to come and collect some serious patina whilst keeping your dome warm.
Available for $225 from American Trench.
3) Cockpit USA: Barnstormer Hat
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Cockpit USA makes some phenomenal military replicas, and their Barnstormer Hat is one of those. It’s made in the USA from 100% shearling and offers all the details you’d expect from a replica of this quality: welted seams and a leather strap with roller buckle closure. Available in two sexy period-accurate colorways, it’s easy to work these hats into a wide range of workwear wardrobes.
Available for $250 from Cockpit USA.
4) Ortovox: Earflap Cap
Ortovox‘s Earflap Cap if you’re looking for a cap that is warm while keeping to a more sporty styling lean. Made with ethical material sourcing and construction in mind, this carbon-neutral cap will keep you and your ears as warm as you can hope for. It’s constructed from merino wool, polyester, and a range of other synthetics, resulting in a warm, durable cap that just looks great.
Available for $60 from Ortovox.
5) L.L. Bean: Maine Guide Wool Cap with PrimaLoft
L.L. Bean is no slouch when it comes to headwear, and their Maine Guide Wool Cap with PrimaLoft is the best of the lot (at least in the eyes of this writer). With a 40-gram PrimaLoft polyester lining and 85%/15% wool/nylon shell, this hat features adjustable flaps and a short brim to help with the sun. Available in five sizes and two colorways, it’s easy to find a combination that fits you and your wardrobe.
Available for $40 from L.L. Bean.
Plus One – Found Feather: Lily Pad Hat
Found Feather really knocked it out of the park with their Lily Pad Hat. Featuring a satin exterior with fleece lining, this made-in-Japan hat features two overlapping side panels with structural wire. This allows the ears and neck to be fully protected and whatever angle is comfortable and warm for you. If you’re looking for a hat that is warm, soft, and versatile, this might just be your newest winter pickup.
Available for $86 from Lost & Found.
