Hats and Neck Warmers

Hats and neck warmers keep your head, ears and neck warm on the bike, the dog walk or the sideline. This page compares beanies, ear warmers, neck warmers and snoods, and explains what fits under a bike helmet. Gløde does not sell hats or neck warmers yet; we make heated clothing.

Which hat or neck warmer suits you?

Type	Good for	Keep in mind
Beanie	Walking, the sideline, everyday wear	Usually too thick for under a helmet
Thin helmet hat or skull cap	Under a bike or ski helmet	Choose one that lies flat, with no bobble or thick seams
Ear warmer or headband	Cycling and running; warm ears, free head	The top of your head stays uncovered
Neck warmer or snood	Closing the gap between collar and chin; pull it up over your nose in a cold wind	Check that it is not too tight around your neck
Balaclava-style hat	Very cold, windy days and under a ski helmet	Warm, but can feel stuffy once you are indoors

What to look for

• Material: wool and merino feel soft and warm; fleece is light and often quick to dry. Many hats combine a knitted outside with a fleece lining.
• Under a helmet: pick a thin, flat hat or ear band, and check that your helmet still fits properly with it on.
• Neck warmer height: a taller one can be pulled up over your chin and nose; a shorter one is less bulky under a collar.
• Reflective details: they help others see you in the dark.
• Washing: a hat or snood you wear every day goes in the wash often, so check the care label.

Warm from head to toe

A hat and neck warmer close the gaps at the top. These guides cover the rest.

• Heated clothing for cycling: a helmet hat for your head, a heated vest under your coat for the rest.
• Heated clothing for skiing: warm layers for the lift, the slope and the terrace.
• How to stay warm watching football: what to wear for a long match on the touchline.
• Heated scarf, hat and neck warmer: compares the heated versions of these items.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a hat under a bike helmet?

Yes, if the hat is thin and flat. A thick beanie or bobble hat pushes the helmet up. Thin helmet caps and ear bands are made for this. Check that your helmet still fits properly with the hat on.

Neck warmer or scarf?

A neck warmer is a closed tube, so there are no loose ends to tuck in or to blow around in the wind. A scarf is more versatile and dresses up a coat. On the bike, many people prefer a neck warmer.

What is a snood?

A snood is a tube-shaped neck warmer, often knitted or made of fleece. You pull it over your head and wear it around your neck, or pull it up over your chin and nose when the wind is cold.

Ear warmer or hat?

An ear warmer keeps your ears warm and leaves the top of your head free, which suits active days and a ponytail. A hat covers more and suits standing still. Under a helmet, both come in thin versions.

Which material should I choose for a winter hat?

Wool and merino feel warm and soft. Fleece is light and often dries quickly. A knitted hat with a fleece lining combines both and keeps out some of the wind, which helps on the bike.