Women's Headwear
Women's headwear for sun, wind and cold, from caps and wide-brim sun hats to warm beanies and neck gaiters. Our range brings together Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Just Another Fisherman and The North Face, with styles that sit comfortably with a ponytail and stay put outdoors.
New Zealand's UV is fierce, so a cap or, better still, a wide-brim sun hat is worth having for most of the year. For cold mornings and winter walks a beanie keeps the heat in, and a neck gaiter adds sun or wind protection you can pull up or down as you go.
Hat fit is easiest to judge in person, so try a few styles on at the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about women's headwear
Are women's caps and hats sized differently from unisex?
Many caps and beanies are unisex and adjustable, so they fit most heads. Where brands make women's-specific headwear, it usually has a slightly smaller crown, a shallower fit and sometimes a ponytail opening. If you have a smaller head, look for a women's cut or an adjustable strap, snapback or drawcord, and check the size guide for fitted hats, measuring around your head just above your ears.
Which hats work with a ponytail?
Adjustable caps with a strap or snapback at the back leave room for a ponytail, and some styles have a dedicated ponytail opening. Bucket and sun hats with a drawcord or flexible band can sit over a low ponytail or bun. For beanies, a slouchier or uncuffed style accommodates a ponytail or bun more comfortably than a tight, close-fitting knit. Trying a hat on with your hair the way you usually wear it outdoors is the quickest way to check the fit.
What hat gives the best sun protection for the face and neck?
A wide-brim or legionnaire-style hat made from UPF-rated fabric gives the most protection, shading your face, ears and the back of your neck. A cap only shades the front, leaving ears and neck exposed. For the most exposed days on the water or open tracks, pair a wide-brim hat with a neck gaiter, sunglasses and sunscreen on any skin the hat cannot reach.
What headwear should I pack for a summer tramp?
Pack a packable sun hat with a chin cord for exposed sections, plus a light beanie, because alpine huts and early starts can be cold even in summer. A neck gaiter is a handy extra that covers sun, wind and sandflies. All three weigh very little and roll up small, so there is no reason to leave any of them behind on a multi-day trip. If you are heading somewhere exposed or alpine, a brimmed hat with a neck flap keeps the sun off for long climbs.
Can a cap and a beanie cover me all year?
For most everyday use, yes. A breathable cap handles sun and light rain from spring to autumn, and a good merino or knit beanie covers cold mornings and winter. Add a proper wide-brim sun hat if you spend long summer days outdoors, as a cap leaves your ears and neck exposed. Between those three you are covered for almost any New Zealand weather.
How do I pack a sun hat without crushing it?
Choose a packable or crushable sun hat if it will live in a bag; these spring back into shape after being folded or rolled. For a stiffer hat, wear it while travelling or pack it crown-down at the top of your bag, filled with soft clothing to support the shape. Avoid squashing a straw or stiff-brimmed hat under heavy gear, as creases can become permanent.
How do I measure my head size for a fitted hat?
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head where a hat would sit, just above your ears and across the middle of your forehead, and keep it level all the way round. Note the measurement in centimetres and compare it with the size chart for the hat you want. If you are between sizes, go up and use an inner drawcord or band to snug it in, or choose an adjustable style.