Rapha Merino Hat

The Rapha Merino Hat is a base layer hat for biking in cold conditions. The 94% merino wool has been chosen for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio: warm enough for winter temperatures, yet light enough to wear under a helmet without the helmet feeling too tight or tilting. With a knitted design, the hat follows the contours of your head and does not slip out of place while riding.

Merino wool has natural odour-resistant properties because the fibre wicks away moisture quickly, reducing the chance of bacteria growth. This makes the hat suitable for several rides in a row without needing to be washed in between, which is not possible with a cotton or synthetic hat. The 6% nylon in the blend makes the hat more durable and helps the knitted structure retain its shape after repeated washing.

94% merino wool and 6% nylon

Merino wool is finer and softer than regular sheep's wool, so it doesn’t prick the skin. The fibre has a natural wavy structure that traps air and provides insulation, similar to how a down jacket works but in a thin layer. Its high moisture-wicking properties quickly draw sweat away from the skin, which is important when exercising while wearing a helmet to prevent both overheating and the chill of dampness. The 6% nylon reinforces the fibres in the areas most subject to wear and tear.

Suitable for:

• Temperatures between 0°C and 10°C, when you want extra warmth under your helmet without it feeling tight.
• Cyclists looking for a lightweight, odour-resistant beanie that will last for several rides without needing to be washed in between.
• One size – the hat fits most adult head circumferences thanks to the stretchy knitted design.

Not suitable for:

• Temperatures above 10°C – merino wool insulates well but can be too warm in higher temperatures or with high-intensity exercise; in such conditions, a thinner or mesh beanie will be more comfortable;
• Cyclists with a very small or very large head circumference. The hat has a one-size design and limited stretch.

How to keep your Rapha Merino Hat in good condition:

1. Wash on a cold cycle using a wool or merino detergent: Select a cold cycle and wool or hand-wash setting. Merino wool shrinks if washed at too high a temperature.
2. Do not use fabric softener: Fabric softener damages the wool fibres and reduces their moisture-wicking properties.
3. Do not bleach or dry-clean: Both will damage the wool fibres.
4. Lay the hat flat to dry: Do not tumble dry or hang up. Hanging it up stretches the knitted structure; drying it flat preserves its shape.

• After your ride, let the hat air out first before putting it in the wash. Merino wool has natural odour-resistant properties; after a gentle ride, airing it out is often enough.
• Turn the hat inside out before washing for protection of the outside.