Men's Headwear
Men's headwear for sun, cold and everything in between, from caps and sun hats that keep the glare off to warm beanies for winter and neck gaiters for the wind. Our range features Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Just Another Fisherman and more, with hats for the trail, the water and everyday wear.
Choose your headwear for the job. A cap shades your eyes for everyday and active use; a wide-brim sun hat protects your face, ears and neck for long days in the New Zealand sun; a warm beanie is a winter essential; and a neck gaiter blocks wind and adds sun or cold protection you can pull up or down. Round it out with a bucket hat or headband for the look and function you want.
New Zealand's UV is among the harshest in the world, so good sun headwear is worth getting right. Come and try styles for fit at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about men's headwear
What headwear do I need for New Zealand conditions?
At a minimum, something for sun and something for cold. New Zealand's UV is intense, so a cap or, better, a wide-brim sun hat for long days outside is important most of the year. Add a warm beanie for winter and cooler mornings, and a neck gaiter is a handy all-rounder for wind, sun and cold. Between those three or four pieces you are covered for almost anything the weather does.
How do I get proper sun protection from a hat?
Coverage and fabric are what matter. A wide brim that goes right around shades your face, ears and neck far better than a cap's front-only peak, which leaves your ears and neck exposed. Many technical hats also use fabric with a UPF rating that blocks a measured amount of UV. For serious time in the sun, choose a wide-brim or legionnaire style in a UPF fabric over a standard cap.
How should a hat or cap fit?
Snug enough to stay on in a breeze but not so tight it leaves a mark or gives you a headache. Adjustable caps with a snapback, buckle or Velcro strap fit most heads, while fitted caps and some beanies come in set sizes, so check the size guide. Hats should sit level and secure; if you will wear one on the water or in wind, look for a chin cord or a closer fit.
What is the warmest headwear for winter?
A good beanie is the warmest option for its size, and a lot of heat is lost from your head, so it makes a big difference. Merino and thicker knit beanies trap warmth well, and for really cold or windy days a fleece-lined beanie or a neck gaiter pulled up over your face adds more. Layering a beanie under a hood seals in even more warmth on the coldest days.
Can I wear caps and hats for running and hiking?
Absolutely, and there are styles made for it. Technical running caps use lightweight, quick-drying fabric with a sweatband to keep sun and sweat out of your eyes, and packable sun hats shade you on exposed tramps. For cold activity, a thin merino beanie fits under a hood or helmet. Choosing an activity-specific style means it breathes, wicks and stays put while you move.
How do I keep a hat on in the wind?
Fit is the first fix: a snug or adjustable hat is far less likely to blow off. For sun hats and on-water use, a chin cord or drawcord is the reliable answer, letting you cinch the hat down when it is breezy. Caps sit lower and more securely when adjusted properly, and some running caps have a slightly deeper fit designed to stay on at speed.
How do I wash and care for hats and beanies?
Check the care label, as fabrics vary. Most beanies wash gently in cool water and should be air dried flat to keep their shape, avoiding high heat which can shrink wool. Caps are best hand washed or spot cleaned so the brim keeps its shape, rather than thrown in a hot machine. Let anything dry naturally away from direct heat and your headwear will keep its shape and last for years.