Reiff · Kids' Winter Hat
Merino Wool Hat with Organic Cotton Lining
100% organic merino wool outer shell, soft organic cotton sherpa lining. Made in Germany. Sized by head circumference for an accurate fit from newborn to 5 years.
About the Brand
Reiff: Three Generations of Organic Wool Expertise
Reiff was founded in 1939 by Adolf Reiff in Göttingen, Germany, as a flat-knitting company producing garments from raw fiber to finished piece. For decades, Reiff supplied wholesalers across Europe. In 1976, Manfred Reiff took over the family business and recognized the growing demand for washable organic wool products—a pioneering decision at the time. By 1985, Reiff had shifted focus to ecological textiles and moved to larger facilities to expand the product range.
In 2002, the third generation—Axel and Andrea Reiff—took over and launched Reiff as a direct-to-consumer brand at the International Natural Textile Fair. Since then, Reiff has been exclusively producing organic textiles and has become one of Germany's most respected makers of kbT-certified merino wool clothing. The company remains based in Germany and uses merino wool from South America (Patagonia) that is raised under strict organic animal farming standards and mulesing-free. Every step of production—from raw fiber to finished garment—follows GOTS and IVN certification guidelines.
When to Wear It
A Versatile Winter Hat for Cold-Weather Days
This Reiff hat is designed as a standalone winter accessory for babies and toddlers in cold and cool weather (roughly 45°F / 8°C and below). The merino wool outer shell provides insulation and wind protection, while the organic cotton sherpa lining sits against your child's skin for gentle comfort. The hat covers the ears, forehead, and back of the neck—the areas where heat loss happens fastest in infants and young children.
The hat is suitable for everyday wear during winter months, outdoor play in snow or crisp weather, walks in strollers, and as a gift for a new parent. Because it's constructed as a generalist cold-weather hat (not rated by TOG), it works best in moderate-to-cold conditions rather than extreme cold. Pair it with a wool sweater or base layer underneath for additional warmth in very cold climates.
Fiber Composition
Materials and Construction
Outer Shell
100% organic virgin merino wool, finely knitted. Merino is a fine-fiber wool (typically 17–19 microns) that is naturally temperature-regulating, breathable, and odor-resistant. It absorbs moisture away from skin without feeling damp, making it an ideal outer layer for cold weather.
Inner Lining
100% organic cotton sherpa—a soft, brushed cotton knit that feels gentle against delicate skin. The sherpa lining provides a comfortable barrier between the merino wool and your child's face and ears.
Certifications
GOTS-certified organic cotton and kbT-certified merino wool. kbT (kontrolliert biologische Tierhaltung) means the wool comes from certified organic livestock farming with strict animal welfare and environmental standards. Mulesing-free.
Manufacture
Made in Germany by Reiff. The merino wool is sourced from South America (Patagonia) and processed, knitted, and finished in Germany. Reiff has been a member of the International Textile Association (IVN) for over 10 years.
Be Informed
Honest Assessment
Best For
Babies and toddlers (newborn to 5 years) who need head, ear, and neck protection in cold weather. Parents who prioritize natural fibers and organic certifications. Families who plan to pass this hat down to younger siblings or cousins—quality Reiff pieces are made to last through multiple children. The soft organic cotton lining makes this a good first hat for children who have never worn wool before.
Trade-Offs
Sizing by head circumference: Unlike size charts based on age, head circumference varies widely among children. Measuring your child's head before ordering is essential—age ranges on this hat are only approximate. Wool sensitivity: A very small percentage of children (and adults) react to wool fibers. If your child has reacted to wool in the past, consider testing with a wool/silk blend first or pairing this hat over a cotton bonnet or balaclava to create a barrier. Care commitment: Merino wool requires hand or delicate machine washing in cold water with wool-specific detergent; it cannot go in the dryer. Proper care keeps the hat soft and extends its lifespan significantly.
Investment Value
Reiff pieces are priced at heritage European brand levels. The value lies in durability—this hat will not pill easily, will not lose its shape with proper care, and is made to be passed to a younger sibling or friend. A single Reiff hat often lasts through 2–3 children. The organic certifications (GOTS, kbT, IVN) reflect real standards in textile production and animal welfare, not marketing claims. If you buy two Reiff hats at full price and pass them through three children, the cost-per-child is significantly lower than buying mass-market alternatives annually.
Size Guide
Sizing by Head Circumference
How to Measure
Use a soft measuring tape and measure the circumference of your child's head at the largest point (usually just above the eyebrows and around the back of the head). Do this measurement before ordering to ensure the best fit. Age ranges below are approximate and individual measurements vary significantly.
| EU Size |
Head Circumference |
Approx. Age |
Size Label |
| EU 34–36 cm |
13–14 inches |
0–3 months |
XX-Small |
| EU 38–40 cm |
15–16 inches |
3–6 months |
X-Small |
| EU 42–44 cm |
16.5–17.5 inches |
6–9 months |
Small |
| EU 46–48 cm |
18–19 inches |
9–12 months |
Medium |
| EU 50–52 cm |
19.5–20.5 inches |
1–3 years |
Large |
| EU 54–56 cm |
21–22 inches |
3–5 years |
X-Large |
If your child's head circumference falls between sizes, size up. Hat that is slightly loose is preferable to one that is too tight and puts pressure on the head. The hat will soften and conform to your child's head shape after a few wears.
Keep It Beautiful
Care Instructions
Wash below 30°C Do not bleach Do not tumble dry Dry flat Iron at low temp
Machine Washing (Recommended for Busy Parents)
Use the wool or delicate cycle on your washing machine with cold water (below 30°C / 86°F). Add a wool-specific detergent such as Eucalan or Sonett. Set the spin cycle to 400 revolutions or lower, or use a gentle spin. Fill the machine no more than three-quarters full to allow the hat room to move freely. Machine-washable wool pieces are gentler in a machine than hand washing because the motion is controlled; high temperatures and vigorous agitation are what cause felting and shrinkage.
Hand Washing (Alternative)
Fill a basin with lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F maximum—use a bath thermometer to check). Add a gentle ecological wool detergent. Submerge the hat and gently agitate for a few minutes. Rinse in several changes of cool water at the same temperature, paying attention not to create large temperature variations, which can cause felting. Do not soak for more than 5 minutes total. Gently press out water without wringing or twisting.
Drying
After washing (by either method), gently press the hat into shape and lay it flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct heat or sunlight. Reshape it as it dries. Do not hang it, which stretches the ribbing and brim. Do not tumble dry under any circumstances. Proper air drying takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity.
Between Washes
Wool is naturally odor-resistant and rarely needs frequent washing. If the hat gets wet from rain or snow, remove excess moisture by gently squeezing (not wringing) and air dry flat. Most spot dirt brushes off once the hat is fully dry. Airing the hat overnight outdoors also refreshes it between wears.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this hat fit my newborn or is it too big?
The smallest size (XX-Small, EU 34–36 cm) is designed for newborns 0–3 months. Because you need to measure head circumference before ordering, you can ensure a proper fit. Newborn head circumference typically ranges from 32–36 cm at birth. If your newborn measures 34–36 cm at the largest point of the head, the XX-Small will fit. If your baby is smaller (premature or petite), the hat may be loose initially but will fit correctly within a few weeks as your baby grows.
Is merino wool itchy? Will it bother my child's sensitive skin?
Merino wool at 17–19 microns is significantly softer than coarse wool and is suitable for most babies and sensitive-skinned adults. The fibers are thin enough that they don't create the scratchy feel of conventional wool. The organic cotton sherpa lining provides a gentle barrier between the merino and your child's face and ears, further reducing any potential irritation. A very small percentage of people are genuinely sensitive to wool at any fineness; if your child has reacted to wool before, test with a wool/silk blend first, or wear the hat over a thin cotton bonnet to create a barrier. Most children tolerate fine merino without issue.
What if my child needs a size between two options?
Always size up if your child's head circumference falls between two sizes. A slightly loose hat is more comfortable than one that is too tight and creates pressure on the head. The hat will conform to your child's head shape as it's worn and will shrink slightly (imperceptibly) with proper care over time. Sizing up also extends the life of the hat by allowing room for growth.
Can I machine wash this hat, or do I have to hand wash?
Machine washing is safe and recommended. Use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water (below 30°C), a wool-specific detergent, and a spin cycle set to 400 revolutions or lower. Filling the machine no more than three-quarters full allows the hat to move freely and gently. Hand washing is an alternative if you prefer, but machine washing is not harmful to Reiff merino wool pieces when done correctly. The key is cold water and gentle agitation—never hot water or vigorous spinning.
How often should I wash this hat?
Wool is naturally odor-resistant and resists bacterial growth, so it does not need frequent washing. If the hat gets wet, allow it to air dry flat. Light dirt brushes off once dry. Wash only when visibly soiled or after several weeks of regular wear—typically once a month or less during winter. Washing less frequently extends the life of the hat and reduces wear on the fibers.
What makes this hat different from other merino wool hats for babies?
Reiff is a German manufacturer with over 80 years of experience producing organic wool textiles and over 20 years of direct-to-consumer focus on ecological fibers. The merino wool is sourced from South America (Patagonia) under strict kbT (organic livestock farming) standards and is mulesing-free. The organic cotton lining is GOTS-certified. Every step of production—from raw fiber to finished garment—follows GOTS and IVN certification guidelines. Reiff is a member of the IVN (International Association of the Natural Textile Industry) and has been for over 10 years. The hat is made to last through multiple children and is designed with genuine care for fiber quality and animal welfare, not just marketing positioning.
Is this hat suitable as a gift for a baby?
Yes, with one important note: hat sizing depends on head circumference, which the gift-giver likely won't know. Reiff hats are excellent gifts if you can ask the parent to measure their child's head, or if you include a gift receipt so sizing can be exchanged easily. Alternatively, you might gift a size Large (EU 50–52 cm, 1–3 years) as a "grow into" gift, since the hat will fit and last through that age range even if it's loose initially.
