The Real Reason Winter Hats Have Pom-Poms Exploded Online—And It’s Not for Fashion

There are details that are part of people’s daily lives and we never stop to wonder why they are there, how they were made, or when it was first done . One of them is the wool pom-pom found on many hats worn during the winter , and which is a classic in situations such as, for example, trips to the snow. Now, this addition has a purpose, and it has recently been discovered .

The truth is that its function is not simply aesthetic , as had been taken for granted for decades. For example, on sailors' hats it was common to see a red pom-pom, and its presence was mainly due to safety reasons. Apparently, the cabins and corridors were narrow and, as a result, sailors often hit their heads . This simple detail on their hats was able to cushion those impacts.

All the functions of the wool pom-pom on hats

At times, the pompom was used as a distinction among the various affiliations or ranks . Meanwhile, these classic wool pompoms worn in winter are not simple hat decorations, which serve as insulation against the cold for our heads. These details also do their job in terms of protection .

These pom-poms help retain heat at the top of the head and, because of their compact shape, act as an additional barrier and prevent the cold from getting in fully. Proof of this is that this type of hat with pom-poms is very common in those countries with the harshest winters.

Likewise, the pom-pom serves other functions when practicing a sport, since during a blizzard or during a march, pom-poms are much easier to distinguish than the hat , which makes it possible to spot someone from a certain distance.