A thin athletic headband, tuque or knit cap has selective areas of extra padding and elastic bands extending around the ears at a position thereunder. The extra thickness or layering at the ear areas provides increased ear protection in cold and/or windy weather, while the elastic provides an area of increased headband tension below the ears to block sliding of the headwear upwardly out of the proper ear-covering position. This headwear can be used alone or under protective headgear, for example beneath a hockey helmet.
