Winter in Canada is no joke! I remember my first winter here. I was so unprepared. My ears were always freezing, and I felt like I was constantly battling the wind. Finding the right winter hat, or toque as we often call it, became my mission. It's more than just an accessory; it's essential for surviving the harsh Canadian winters.
I started by just grabbing whatever I could find. I quickly learned that not all hats are created equal. I tried a few thin, unlined hats, and they were useless against the biting wind. I needed something that could really keep me warm, especially when I was spending a lot of time outside. I wanted to explore the city without getting frostbite!
One thing I noticed was that a lined wool hat seemed to be the way to go for longer periods outside. The lining really helps block the wind and keeps the dampness from condensation from making you even colder. I started looking into wool options specifically.
My search took me to a few different places. I heard about Roots, which is a pretty popular Canadian brand. They definitely have that classic Canada look, with the maple leaf and everything. But I also wanted to explore other options.
I stumbled upon a local brand called Province of Canada. They have some really thick toques and sweaters. I liked that I could actually go to one of their stores and try things on before buying. That's always a plus when you're looking for something that fits just right. Province of Canada has some great options for those extra cold days.
Someone even mentioned that you don't necessarily need wool if you're just in Toronto. Cotton can work just fine, and Roots has those with the leaf on them if you're into that style. I decided to try a cotton beanie for milder days. It was definitely more comfortable than some of the scratchier wool options I'd tried.
I also checked out Mark's Work Warehouse. They really do have everything you need for winter gear, and the prices are pretty reasonable. It's a great place to start if you're on a budget and need to gear up quickly.
Then there was the Lululemon Team Canada toque. I heard it was on clearance on their website. Apparently, it's super warm. The only downside was that it was only available in L/XL, and I wasn't sure if it would fit. But I heard from a few people that it's incredibly warm, so it might be worth checking out if you have a larger head size.
Now I have a bit of a hat rotation. I have my wool lined hat for those really cold days when I'm going to be outside for a while. I have a cotton beanie for milder days. And then I stumbled across something completely different that I've been loving lately.
I was browsing Wholecustomdesign, looking for a unique gift for a friend when I saw this LDSLYJR Vintage Docker Cap. It's a brimless hat, kind of like a sailor cap. I was intrigued, so I decided to give it a try. I was also looking to buy womens ski beanie online for my wife, so it was a two-bird-one-stone situation.
I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised! The LDSLYJR Vintage Docker Cap is made of breathable cotton and is adjustable, which is great because I have a pretty average-sized head. It's not as warm as my wool hat, but it's perfect for those in-between days when it's chilly but not freezing. What I like most is the style. It's a bit different, and I've gotten a lot of compliments on it. It's also super comfortable to wear all day. It’s become my go-to for running errands or grabbing coffee.
Here are a few things I learned during my quest for the perfect warm winter hat: