The 10 Best Bucket Hats
Special Honors
Stussy Bungee This selection from Stussy freshens up the classic bucket hat by constructing it from metallic nylon that gives it a lovely sheen. Available in four colors, including berry and pea green, it sports a traditional fit, embroidered logo, soft EVA visor, and mesh lining for comfort. It's also adjustable thanks to the toggle at the back and has a hidden neck flap with a Velcro closure. stussy.com
Burberry Monogram Motif Notably expensive, this selection from legendary Burberry is Italian-made in laser-cut leather and lambskin. It features the Thomas Burberry Monogram in black and a soft white cotton-linen lining. Its bold design and elegant shape make it ideal for anyone looking to make a strong, yet sophisticated, fashion statement. burberry.com
Eric Javits Gogo Anyone looking to stand out, who loves the aesthetic of 1960s style, will appreciate this retro, water-repellent rain hat from designer Eric Javits. Crafted from crystal vinyl with either a black patent or silver metallic crown, this flashy piece is lightweight and packable, fully lined, and features an elasticized inner band that fits most. ericjavits.com
Editor's Notes
September 05, 2020:
While some predicted their revival would fizzle out, bucket hats continue to be a trendy item for people of all ages, not to mention extremely practical for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, long beach days, and more. For our latest update, we said goodbye to a few selections to make room for some fresh picks that align with current tastes, but also maintained the balance between unisex styles, options for kids, and choices for men and women.
While the Sunday Afternoons Solar is a solid choice, it pales in comparison to the newly-added Arc'teryx Sinsola Hat, a meticulously designed covering that manages to not look unflattering or dorky on most people. It's also exceedingly comfortable, as it stretches to fit, and is engineered to keep you protected from the sun and cool even as you sweat. It's one of the best quality choices for outdoorsy folk, whether you're looking for a women's or men's sun hat, thanks to its unisex design.
We also said goodbye to the Outdoor Research Lightstorm, another fine choice, to make way for the stylish and simple Anycosy Beach, which provides the same level of sun protection but with a more fashion-forward silhouette. This one is easy to pair with bathing suits, dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers and is especially well-suited to summer and spring weather.
We regretfully decided to remove the Quiksilver Bushmaster due to repeated complaints of it being much too snug on a host of people. Because that style was close to the popular booney hats that resemble the ones US military forces don in hot tropical climates, we decided to supplant it with a similar, but superior option. The Columbia Bora Bora Booney goes above and beyond to provide comfort, relief from intense sun and heat, and a subdued style that's as practical as it is attractive. And if you want something with a bit more flash, it's offered in a few bright, vibrant colors and patterns as well.
May 22, 2019:
To create a balanced list with something for everyone, we made sure to include options that are suitable for men, women, children, and even infants. There are adjustable, high-performance hats here, in addition to products that are ideal for picnicking and similar outdoor activities that require a bit of extra protection from the sun. Some features we favored during our selection process were chin straps, ventilation panels, moisture-wicking bands, and reversible designs. Many of these items boast two or more of these qualities.
The Kangol Heritage Collection was awarded the top spot due to its quality construction, dependability over time, and popularity among outdoors enthusiasts. The SunBusters Girls and Tuga Boys Reversible were included due to their reversibility and enhanced sun protection, which should please parents who are concerned about keeping their child safe during those long summer days.