Founded in 1962 at the foot of the Pyrenees, the Pipolaki brand was created in the workshop of the Olibet brothers, heirs to a long line of master hatmakers. Rooted in a region with a strong wool-making tradition, Pipolaki has relied from the outset on demanding craftsmanship, combining mastery of knitting, rigorous selection of natural materials and a sense of functionality. A love of skiing and winter sports led the founders to create hats specifically designed for extreme conditions, capable of protecting skiers without sacrificing comfort or style.
The turning point came during the 1964 Innsbruck Olympic Games, when the Goitschel sisters, wearing Pipolaki hats, won several gold medals. Propelled into the media spotlight, within a few years the brand became a must-have on the slopes, adopted by the greatest champions of the era, including Jean-Claude Killy.
Since then, Pipolaki has established itself as a leading brand in winter clothing, combining thermal performance with timeless elegance.
Pipolaki: beneath the bonnet, the warmth of expertise
Today, the brand continues this tradition of excellence with collections designed to last, with a strong focus on quality and innovation. Pipolaki hats are made from premium materials, such as merino wool for its softness and thermoregulatory properties, alpaca for its insulating lightness, and cashmere for its luxurious feel.
The presence of recycled fleece linings, carefully integrated into the structure of the hats, guarantees optimal insulation without weighing down the garment, while meeting growing demands for environmental responsibility.
With a clear commitment to relocation, Pipolaki is increasing its production in France every year, in collaboration with specialist knitwear workshops, particularly in France’s historic textile regions. The objective is clear: to offer exceptional products, designed with sustainability in mind, promoting short supply chains and skilled craftsmanship.
Feminine elegance by Pipolaki: chic has its own hat
For women, Pipolaki offers a winter collection that combines style and technical expertise, in which each hat becomes much more than just a functional accessory. These headwear items are true fashion pieces, reflecting a keen sense of detail, a rigorous choice of materials and a design conceived to face the rigours of winter with elegance.
Black Merry Pipolaki beanie
This is particularly true of the Merry black beanie (left in the photo), which appeals thanks to its balance between sophistication and thermal comfort. Its tone-on-tone pompom, light and soft, enhances its feminine look while adding a playful touch. Knitted in a fine, even stitch, it fits the head snugly and is equally suited to ski trips and more urban outfits, combining elegance with functionality.
Retail price: €69.95
Pipolaki Foggia white beanie
In the centre of the photo, the white Foggia hat embodies the quintessence of Pipolaki’s ethical and refined winter style. Knitted in France from 100% recycled yarns (wool, cashmere and viscose), it reflects the brand’s growing commitment to more responsible fashion, without compromising on quality or comfort. Its fine, even knit, combined with a fleece lining that is also recycled, ensures effective thermal insulation while maintaining optimal breathability.
Its ergonomic cut perfectly covers the head and ears, ensuring excellent protection against the cold. The minimalist design of the Foggia is subtly enhanced by a generous pompom, which adds volume, sparkle and a touch of understated elegance. Its bright white colour goes just as well with a sporty look as it does with a more sophisticated urban outfit.
Retail price: €69.95
Pipolaki Giliua black beanie
On the right in the photo is the black Giliua hat, whose twisted knit offers a rich and contemporary visual texture. Made from fibres selected for their durability and softness, this model features a full fleece lining, ensuring optimal thermal insulation while maintaining excellent breathability. Its intense black colour makes it a versatile piece, perfectly suited to a structured urban look, with a long wool coat or a technical puffer jacket.
Retail price: €74.95
Pipolaki Sindo Headband
Finally, for milder days or outdoor sports activities, the Sindo headband, in a natural colour, is a technical alternative to the traditional hat. Knitted in a dense, stretchy fabric, it provides a perfect fit without excessive pressure.
Lightweight, thermoregulating and easy to pair with other items, it meets the needs of active women seeking a balance between femininity, comfort and freedom of movement.
Retail price: £29.99
Masculine style: technicality and simplicity
For men, Pipolaki designs a range of hats and accessories that combine technical expertise, simplicity and durability. Each piece is designed to offer reliable thermal protection, even in extreme cold, while maintaining a sleek design suited to a demanding winter wardrobe.
Bonnet Pipolaki Anchorage
The Anchorage hat, available in navy blue, embodies this approach with its dense knit and full fleece lining, ensuring optimal comfort without compromising on breathability. Its fitted cut naturally hugs the shape of the head, preventing heat loss, while its minimalist style means it can be worn in the mountains or in the city.
Retail price: £39.95
Pipolaki Caribou Hat
Another iconic model is the Caribou hat, available in white and blue, which revisits the graphic codes of Nordic style with subtle jacquard patterns. This model is particularly appreciated for its robustness and its ability to retain heat even in sub-zero temperatures, thanks to a combination of technical and natural fibres. Ideal for outdoor activities, daily commutes or ski trips, the Caribou hat reflects Pipolaki’s commitment to products that are high-performance, stylish and designed to last.
Retail price: €29.95
Hats for children and pre-teens: no cold weather under the hat
For children and pre-teens, Pipolaki makes it a point of honour to offer hats that combine comfort, safety and durability, perfectly suited for everyday use in winter conditions. Designed to effectively protect young children from the cold, the models feature ultra-soft fleece linings, which guarantee optimal thermal insulation while respecting sensitive skin.
Bonnet Pipolaki Suli
The burgundy Suli hat is a perfect example of this high standard: its stretchy knit and warm lining ensure a comfortable fit all day long, even during dynamic activities.
Retail price: €34.95
For pre-teens, the white Foggia hat appeals with its sleek design and thermal efficiency, while the Nunka headband, also in white, is a practical alternative for milder days or sporting activities. Knitted from materials selected for their flexibility and durability, these accessories meet a dual requirement: keeping children warm while offering them absolute comfort and freedom of movement.
For more than six decades, Pipolaki has established itself as an iconic player in high-end winter clothing, consistently combining elegant designs, technical rigour and environmental standards. Its Pyrenean roots, artisanal heritage and ability to innovate while respecting tradition make each hat a functional, attractive and durable piece.
In a context where winter fashion is evolving towards greater responsibility and authenticity, the French brand is charting a unique course, based on promoting local textile expertise, using noble and recycled materials, and paying constant attention to the quality of finishes. Its hats and headbands are designed for all generations, from snow sports enthusiasts to style-conscious city dwellers, as well as families keen to kit out their little ones.
As you can see, choosing a Pipolaki hat means choosing an accessory that effectively protects you from the cold, lasts a long time and reflects a committed vision of fashion.
