The 11 Best Ear Warmers to Buy in 2018 for Cold Weather Walks

You can wear cozy behind-the-head fleece earmuffs, suitable for men as well as women. Or, you can go plush with fun and funky over-the-head ear muffs to show your retro side. Choices include plush toy muffs, animal print muffs, ​faux-furry muffs, quilted flower muffs, and colorful muffs to match your outfit.

"Survivor" popularized the versatile Buff. The year-round style is made with seamless microfiber that wicks away moisture. The Polar Buff style is half microfiber and half Polartec fleece. Either way, you can wear it as a headband, as a cap that comes over the ears, as a balaclava, or in a dozen more ways. The beauty of a Buff is that you are limited only by your imagination. Be a wise walker and tuck one into your pocket for use on winter walks.

Keep your ears warm and enjoy your tunes. These faux fur ear muffs are wired to your smartphone or another audio device. Some people prefer the over-the-head design to a behind-the-neck design. They have a volume and track control on the cord.

Turtle Fur fleece beanies come in several designs, including one that is ponytail-friendly with a ponytail hole and the ear beanie with earflaps. It's easy to love the soft and stretchy turtle fur microfleece. They come in unisex designs in a variety of colors to match your style, from basic black to safety orange blaze to tea rose or iris.

Keep a fleece headband handy throughout the cooler months. An ear warmer band works well with sunglasses and earbud earphones. It doesn't take up much room in your pack or pocket if you decide you don't need it. Polyester microfleece wicks away moisture, which could either be sweat or rain. Be sure to try it on to make sure it isn't too tight. Fleece is usually a bit stretchy and more likely to give a better fit for a variety of head sizes. While there are fabric or fabric-lined designs, these have less stretch and may not give a good fit.

A good old watch cap or beanie is perfect in cold and windy weather, fitting snugly to your head and warming your ears. Columbia has a variety of designs that include acrylic, wool, Omni-Therm, and some with fleece inner linings. You can match your style with this versatile item.

These ear warmers have a band around the back of your head rather than other the top, which is a style many prefer. They are built to be able to slip in earphones so your ears stay warm while listening to your walking music or audiobooks, with the cord at the back of your neck. They work great with hats and don't mess up your hair.

It's a beanie and It has a bill. It keeps your head warm and your eyes shaded from the winter glare. Suddenly, everybody is making visor beanies. If you need a ponytail hole, you'll have to shop smart to find one. The Columbia Urbanization Beanie does.

In the coldest weather, a balaclava will protect your neck, cheeks, and chin as well as insulate your head. However, you should remove it before you visit a bank or convenience store as the security guards and staff may become alarmed.

Ban the band. With Earbags, there is no band to mess up your hair. You slip one on over each ear and they hold well and keep your ears comfy. However, if you have tiny ears they may not work as well for you.

A faux fur or fleece-lined hat with long earflaps you can tie or button under your chin is just the thing for really cold walks or for hunting that wascally wabbit or pretending you are a character from "Fargo." It can be fun to rock this style.