Staying Warm From Head To Toe

It's 9 a.m., 30 degrees and the trek from South dorms to MSB still lies ahead. The first things to go numb are the ears. Those poor appendages, exposed to wind and frigid temperatures, are as red as tomatoes and are soon to be icicles if nothing is done to protect them. Luckily for college students and pedestrians everywhere, hats aren't only the most fashionable accessory this winter season, but they are functional too.

Almost 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head and neck area, according to ehow.com. If the head is kept warm, blood in the brain will circulate properly and the brain will function better, and with finals around the corner, it's safe to say proper brain function is necessary.

The great thing about hats is that there are many styles to suit anyone's personality and heat-saving needs.

First, a classic winter hat that has always been a favorite among lumberjacks and mountain men, can now be seen in every store from Hollister to Wal-Mart. The trapper hat, with the thick fur wool material and hanging ear flaps, is the best bet in freezing temperatures and heavy winds. Also, because it has become such a trend, the trapper hat can be found in every pattern from red plaid to leopard print.

However, when discussing winter hats, the classic choice is the beanie. It's the most simple of the winter hats and is worn by men and women everywhere to ensure maximum warmth when cold weather hits. There are endless varieties of this close-fitting hat, including ones with tassels and pompoms, crocheted beanies, cable knit, fleece and any fabric or style necessary for snow boarding or car scraping. The beanie has evolved this year, and a popular item this winter is the brimmed beanie for extra sun protection.

Another choice is what some call the saggy beret, it's also known as a wide-ribbed beret or a slouchy beanie. This hat was made popular by actresses like Rachel Bilson on "The O.C." and Kirsten Dunst in "Spiderman 2," and now it is a popular choice for a winter hat. A little more high maintenance, the saggy beret sits back on the head loosely and is more for looks than warmth, making it not the best choice for sledding or skiing.

For looks that can be worn year round, newsboy caps and military style caps are a great investment. Whether it's just to cover up a bad hair day or to add a little style and attitude to an outfit, these hats also help prevent heat loss no matter what. They resemble baseball caps, but have a slightly puffier body and shorter brim. The newsboy cap is found most popularly in subdued plaid patterns while military-style hats are most popular in greens and black, but both hats are offered in many patterns and with many different embellishments.

Finally, the underdog of all winter headwear, the hood, can also be included in the list. The once-forgotten hoods are particularly good at trapping large amounts of body-heated air, and in turn keeping the wearer warm. The modern hood can now be seen attached to everything from vests to posh parkas, so don't underestimate its power. When all else fails, grab a hoodie and wear it under a thick winter coat because the odd cocoon look is definitely better than frostbite.

Contact Sara Grant at

Sara.Grant@UConn.edu