The short answer: choose a beanie for real cold, because it covers your whole head and ears. Choose a headband if you want warm ears without hat hair. Choose earmuffs for quick walks and commutes when you want to slip something on and off. Our Reversible Alpaca Beanie is $60, the Alpaca Headband is $45 and the Alpaca Earmuffs are $100.
The best Winterborn alpaca headwear, by what you need
| Best for | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The coldest days | Reversible Alpaca Beanie | $60 |
| Warm ears, no hat hair | Alpaca Headband | $45 |
| Quick walks and commutes | Alpaca Earmuffs | $100 |
| Scarf and hat gift | The Cozy Classic, scarf and beanie | $109 |
| Scarf and headband gift | Scarf and Headband Gift Set | $95 |
Best for the coldest days: Reversible Alpaca Beanie ($60). Two colors in one hat. Wear it one way with a dark coat and flip it inside out for a different look. It is 50% alpaca and 50% acrylic, handmade in Peru and one size fits most. A beanie covers your head and ears completely, so it is the warmest of the three.
Two colors in one hat, our warmest headwear.
Adds Pink & White. More choices on the product page.
Best for warm ears without hat hair: Alpaca Headband ($45). A headband covers your ears and forehead and leaves the top of your head free, so your hair is not flattened when you walk inside. It is 50% alpaca and 50% acrylic, unisex, and comes in colors from charcoal and indigo to jamberry, aqua and mossy green.
Best for quick trips outside: Alpaca Earmuffs ($100). Plush alpaca ear covers on a padded band that curves over your head. They block the wind on your ears and slip on and off in a second. Made in Peru, one size fits most. Stock is very limited this season and the listing allows one pair per order.
Alpaca Earmuffs $100
Plush alpaca ear covers. Very limited stock.
Adds White. More choices on the product page.
Best gift sets. Pair a hat with a scarf and save. The Cozy Classic is a plaid scarf and a reversible beanie for $109 (save $16). The Scarf and Headband Gift Set is $95 (save $15). See all alpaca gift sets.
The Cozy Classic Gift Set $109
A plaid scarf and a reversible beanie. Save $16.
Adds Pink & White beanie, Black with White Plaid scarf. More choices on the product page.
Scarf and Headband Gift Set $95
An alpaca scarf plus a headband. Save $15.
Adds Mottled Blue headband, Black with White Plaid scarf. More choices on the product page.
Shop all hats, headbands and earmuffs in our headwear collection.
Why alpaca for hats?
Warm without bulk. Alpaca is warm for its weight, so a beanie or headband keeps you warm without feeling heavy or tight.
Soft on the forehead and ears. Alpaca has no lanolin, the natural grease in sheep's wool that makes many people itch. Your forehead is one of the most sensitive places to wear a knit, so softness really matters here.
Handmade. Our hats, headbands and earmuffs are designed by Winterborn and handmade by artisans in Peru and Ecuador.
Alpaca vs wool vs acrylic hats: an honest comparison
Acrylic hats are inexpensive and easy to wash, but on their own they lack the soft, natural feel of alpaca.
Sheep's wool hats are warm, but some people find the band scratchy on the forehead.
Our beanie and headband are a blend: 50% alpaca for softness and warmth, and 50% acrylic for shape, stretch and easy care. We list the blend on each product page.
Buying guide: beanie, headband or earmuffs?
1. How cold does it get? Below freezing for long stretches outdoors, choose a beanie. Cool mornings, runs and short walks suit a headband or earmuffs.
2. Do you care about hat hair? If you are walking into an office, a restaurant or a party, a headband or earmuffs keep your hair looking the way you left it.
3. Glasses or earrings? Earmuffs and headbands sit easily over glasses arms and do not catch on earrings.
4. Think about the coat. A reversible beanie gives you two colors, so it goes with more than one coat. Neutral headbands like charcoal, light grey and black go with everything.
5. Make it a set. A matching scarf turns a hat into a full gift. See alpaca scarves and gift sets.
6. Shipping and returns. We ship from Lincolnwood, Illinois. Free US Economy shipping on orders over $50, and unused items with tags can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Alpaca hats FAQ
Is alpaca good for hats?
Yes. Alpaca is warm for its weight and soft against skin, which makes it a comfortable choice for something you wear on your forehead all day.
Are alpaca hats itchy?
Many people find alpaca much softer than sheep's wool, because alpaca has no lanolin.
Is a headband as warm as a hat?
Not quite. A headband covers your ears and forehead, where you feel the cold most, but leaves the top of your head open. For very cold days, choose a beanie.
Are earmuffs warm enough for winter?
For walks, commutes and errands, yes: earmuffs protect your ears from wind, which is the part of your head that usually feels the cold first. For long hours outside, a beanie gives more coverage.
How do I wash an alpaca beanie or headband?
Wash on a gentle cold cycle or by hand in cold water, then air dry. No dryer. Earmuffs should be spot cleaned with cold water and air dried. Always follow the care note on the product page.
Do alpaca hats fit everyone?
Our beanie, headband and earmuffs are one size fits most.
Shop the headwear in this guide
$109
A plaid scarf and a reversible beanie. Save $16.
Ready to keep your ears warm?
Shop the headwear collection, or give a matching set from our alpaca gift sets. Finish the look with alpaca mittens.
Designed by Winterborn, handmade by artisans in Peru and Ecuador.