This winter season, there are a few key pieces that every man needs: a great winter coat, a nice sweater and the perfect winter hat. For many men out there, the perfect winter hat is this season has to be skull caps. For those that don't know what a skull cap is, it is essentially a beanie that fits snug around the head. It is by no means a loose fitting cap, but it is nevertheless one of the hottest head wear items out there for men. There are so many great skull caps this season, but that doesn't mean that there are not any unfortunate skull caps out there. So with all that said, here are some of the hottest and worst skull cap trends in the market.

Hot: Rugby Stripe Skull Caps

Nothing says preppy like a rugby stripe. It is definitely a great staple that is far from being passe, which is why a rugby skull cap is a great choice that will never go out of style. Generally this is a good cap for casual occasions, like on a easy Sunday afternoon going out for a walk or going to a sporting game.

Not: Graphic Skull Caps

Personally I feel that most graphic skull caps do look a little tacky. I say most, because there are probably some really nice graphic skull caps, but generally for the most part, there are a lot of just horrible beanie designs out there. I especially do not like the tattoo-inspired graphic skull caps. I know that tattoo graphic clothing is really popular, but trust me, they are not flattering. So do yourself a favor a ditch the graphic skull cap.

Hot: Plain Knitted Skull Caps

Sometimes simplicity is better, and in the case of men's head wear, this cannot be any true. A classic knitted skull cap in monochromatic colors like gray and black, are great basic hats that you'll use over and over again. Whether it is going out to the bars or for a lunch with the buddies to even a casual date, a great knitted skull cap is a perfect choice when you want to cover up those bad hair days. Also the best part about a basic skull cap is that it basically goes with everything in any man's wardrobe - well with the exception of formal wear and work wear.

Not: Do-Rag Skull Caps

Do-rags are, as the name suggests, essentially composed of a rag. But more recently I noticed that there are skull caps that are made to look like do-rags. A regular do-rags is bad enough, but who would possess someone to create a do-rag skull cap? Do-rags definitely have a thuggish look to them, and I'm not sure that any grown, mature man should wear anything like that. So if you see a do-rag skull cap, just do yourself a favor and walk away.

Skull caps are a great item this season for men. Hopefully with my hot and not skull cap list, you will be on your way to not only make your top warm, but fashionable.