No matter what your style, or where (and when) you run, TrailHeads has the best running hats for women, especially as part of your winter running gear. From cozy hats that comfortably accommodate a ponytail to a lightweight hat for racing, we have just the kind of performance hat that you want. No matter what style you prefer, here are the key features to look for in a running hat.
Key Features to Look for in a Running Hat
A few important features can make all the difference in a women’s running hat. Naturally, you want it to be comfortable and be made of 4-way stretch materials or to be adjustable so you can make it fit you perfectly. In the best running hats, the material should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable so that your scalp doesn’t overheat. And since winter weather can be a little unpredictable, a women’s running hat that can repel rain and snow will add to your comfort.
Visibility is important, especially in the winter when the light is low and days are shorter, so look for bright colors or reflective details. Sun protection is a must at every time of year, but even more so in the winter when the bright light bounces off the snow, into your eyes, and onto your face. TrailHeads offers well-crafted, well-designed women’s running caps to take your winter adventures up a notch.
Comfort and Fit
Look for hats made with 4-way stretch materials or ones that you can adjust to create a custom fit. For winter, you want to be warm but not weighed down. Our comfortable women’s running hats for winter are made from things like fleece and merino wool. Unlike other hats, many of ours are designed to comfortably accommodate long hair. You’ll also be more comfortable if your hat can adapt to rain, snow, and wind with features like fold-down ear flaps, waterproof materials, and sun protection. Hats with an interior sweatband also help to keep perspiration from getting into your eyes.
Material
On hot days or during warmer weather, you're aware of sweating. But on cold days, it's less noticeable. However, even in cold weather, running gear should be breathable and moisture-wicking, and that includes hats. Trapped perspiration atop your head can cause your body to overheat, even in cold winter temperatures. Look for materials that wick sweat away; it’s also great if it can be water-repellent to prevent rain and snow from getting in the way of your run. Merino wool, lightweight fleece, and polyester are all highly breathable, excellent picks for good ventilation.
Reflectivity
For winter running gear, being seen on the road or trail is very important. If you run in the early morning, it’s still dark outside. If you run in the evenings, it’s already pitch black for much of the winter running season. Ensure that your performance hat has reflective elements on the brim or elsewhere to make sure you are safe and seen by drivers. If you are a trail runner get hunter orange to be seen in the woods during hunting season.
Flexibility & Durability
A women’s running hat should be adaptable to unpredictable winter weather conditions, and hold up against wind, snow, rain, or even unexpectedly bright sunlight. Ear flaps that fold down to protect your ears and neck, or a brim to help with sun protection. Look for a hat with a dark underbill to help reduce glare on bright, snowy days – these are a few things that can take your winter running hat to the next level.
Ventilation & Breathability
Even though it’s cold outside, you still perspire on a run. And that requires a running hat that will breathe so that sweat doesn’t get trapped uncomfortably on your scalp and make you overheat. Look for a hat made from a lightweight material like fleece, polyester, or merino wool, to promote breathability and stay healthy and comfortable on the run.
Sun Protection
The sun never takes a day off, and neither should your sun protection. In winter, there are no leaves or shade to protect you from damaging UV rays. In fact, the sun sits lower in the sky during winter, exposing you to more direct sunlight than other times of year. Not to mention how the bright sunlight bouncing off of snow really does a number on your eyes; repeated exposure can lead to “snow blindness” which is literally a sunburn on your retinas. Look for a hat that provides sun protection and a dark underbill to help combat the glare from that snow reflection.
Price
A great running hat doesn’t need to be expensive, but super cheap hats generally will not last. A good running hat should be made with high quality, durable materials to ensure that you will get wear out of it for years to come. Many runners find that the features mentioned above pay off in the long run by protecting you on the road or trail and making your winter run safer, warmer and more enjoyable. Shop TrailHeads’ selection of women's running caps and see what we mean!
The Top 5 Running Hats for Women in 2025
Ready to get out there in 2025, break some personal records, or set some new goals? TrailHeads loves running as much as you do (in fact, we started our company to design the kind of running gear we wanted to wear). As you head out, don’t forget a great hat! There are five reasons you should wear a running hat:
- Protection from elements like rain, snow, and wind
- Sweat management
- Keeping hair under control
- Visibility on the road or trail
- Sun protection from the UV rays and glare
We’ve curated a variety of styles that tick all the boxes; check out the top 5 hats for 2025!
Trailblazer Ponytail Hat for Women
Our popular baseball-styled hat, made of cozy fleece, keeps your ponytail comfortable and neat. It even works if you wear your hair in a braid or a messy bun. It covers the back of the neck and has flaps that fold down over your ears if you need some extra protection against a winter blast.
Women’s Rain Hat
It’s one of our newest running hats and among the best in keeping the wind and rain at bay! We use a water-repellent shell with a waterproof liner and a soft, cozy microfleece on the inside. The high-performance fabrics in this hat are partly derived from recycled plastic materials. The mid-high ponytail opening allows you to wear your hair more comfortably during your winter outdoor activities.
Merino Wool Ponytail Hat
Merino wool is perfect for outdoor winter activities! It’s moisture-wicking and warm, but super-lightweight We’ve used it for this comfy winter hat for women which features a stretchy 3-inch ponytail opening (it can be closed when you want to wear your hair down). Plus, the dark underbill reduces sun glare bouncing up off of winter snow.
Women’s Ponytail Hat - Quilted Winter Trucker Hat
This trucker hat is super comfy. It features drop-down fleece which allows you to wear the hat in several ways. Flip the fleece down to cover your ears and neck when you need it on a cold or windy day; as you warm up, just fold it back up. It comfortably accommodates a high ponytail. Plus, the structured front panel gives this run cap a little extra style!
Fleece Beanie for Women
Our cute fleece beanie combines the easy wear and comfort of a baseball cap with the practicality of a slightly larger bill that keeps the rain, snow, and wind off your face. The dark underbill helps prevent sun glare. The Ripstop front panel is not only cute, but durable, breathable, wind & water resistant. We make our Switchback beanie from soft, premium fleece and have added drop-down ear warmers to ward off a sudden chilly blast. Plus, our innovative ponytail opening makes it easier for those who want to wear a high pony, braid, or bun for their outdoor activities.
Conclusion
With so many hats, there’s no reason to skip wearing one! The best running hat provides comfort, safety, and sun protection – and they just look great, both on and off the trail.
Whether you're a road runner or a trail runner, shop our full collection atTrailHeads.com and, no matter what the weather, take the trail less traveled!