Winter in the city can be brutal. The wind whips through the streets, and the cold seems to find every little gap in your clothing. For me, the most vulnerable spot has always been my ears. I hate that stinging, burning feeling of the cold attacking my ears. But finding a way to keep them warm without looking like a complete goofball? That's been a real challenge.
I've always felt like men's fashion is missing something when it comes to winter ear protection. I've seen those fedoras and trilbies with built-in ear flaps, and while they look okay, they're not really my style. I tried one once, and it just didn't feel right. It felt like I was trying too hard. The main problem I have is I almost always have product in my hair, and a beanie just messes it up entirely. It just isn't an option most days. Plus, a beanie flattens my hair!
Earmuffs? Well, I've never found a pair that I thought looked cool. Most of them seem either goofy or overly nerdy. I wanted something that provided warmth and looked modern and stylish.
After a lot of trial and error, I've come across a few solutions that work for me, balancing both warmth and style. Here's what I've found:
I decided to give 180s earmuffs a shot. The stretch mechanism took a little getting used to, but I have to admit, they do a great job of keeping my ears warm without messing up my hair. They fit snugly around the back of my head, and they're surprisingly comfortable. I was impressed with how well they stayed in place, even when I was walking in strong winds. It's a nice alternative to a full hat when you want to keep your hairstyle intact.
Another unexpected solution I discovered was using chunky headphones. Even if I'm not listening to music, they provide a decent amount of ear coverage. I don't always want to listen to music when I am walking around, but I found that headphones help block the wind. Even just the act of covering my ears with the earcups makes a big difference. Plus, it adds a bit of a techy, modern edge to my look.
I'll admit, this is a bit of a splurge, but my AirPods Max have become my go-to for cold weather. They provide excellent sound quality, of course, but the over-ear design also does a fantastic job of keeping my ears warm. They're comfortable to wear for extended periods, and they look pretty sleek. It’s definitely an investment, but if you're already in the market for high-end headphones, it's a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Sometimes, you just have to prioritize function over fashion. I realized that a good scarf, wrapped effectively, can protect my ears, mouth, and nose from the cold. I got a soft scarf and learned how to wrap it to effectively cover my ears. It's a simple but effective solution, and it doesn't cost a fortune. Plus, a scarf can add a touch of sophistication to your winter outfit.
Here are a few tips I've learned along the way: