Bucket hats are a summer essential. They keep the sun off your face and neck, they’re cool and comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any outfit. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide will help you choose the best bucket hat for every occasion. We’ll start by discussing the different types of bucket hats available, then we’ll recommend the perfect hat for each type of activity. Whether you’re going for a hike, hitting the beach, or just running around town, we’ve got you covered!
What Are the Different Types of Bucket Hats?
The first step in choosing the right bucket hats for men is to decide what type of reversible hat you need. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Sun hats: These hats are made with UPF material to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. They’re ideal for days spent outdoors, whether you’re hiking, gardening, or just enjoying a day at the beach.
- Packable hats: These hats can be folded or rolled up for easy packing. They’re perfect for travel or for keeping in your purse or backpack when you need a little extra sun protection.
- Hats with a brim: Your standard reversible bucket hat has a brim that extends all the way around the hat. This provides the most coverage from the sun, making it ideal for activities like fishing or golfing.
- No-brim hats: Not everyone likes the look of a wide-brimmed bucket hat, and that’s okay! There are plenty of no-brim bucket hats available that still offer UPF protection. These hats are perfect for those who want a more streamlined look.
6 Best Bucket Hats
Now that you know the different types of bucket hats available, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.
1. The Hat Depot Bucket Hat
The Hat Depot Bucket Hat is perfect for any outdoor activity. Made from 100% cotton, this bucket hat is cool and breathable, perfect for a hot day in the sun. The packable bucket hat also features a deep brim to protect your face from the sun's harmful rays.
Besides, the Hat Depot Bucket Hat is packable and crushable, making it easy to take with you on the go. The Hat Depot's Bucket Hat is the perfect accessory for your summer adventures. Made from pure cotton, it's lightweight and comfortable – perfect for a day at the beach or hiking in the hot sun.
The brim provides 2-2.25 inches of coverage to protect your face from harmful UV rays, and the brass-tone ventilation eyelets help keep your head cool and dry. Like Stüssy Corduroy Bucket Hat, the terry cloth bucket hat is available in a variety of colors to match your personal style, and it also makes a great gift for friends and family.
Pros
- Made from 100% cotton
- Features a deep brim to protect your face from the sun
- Packable and crushable
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- The brim is too narrow for sun protection.
2. GearTOP Wide Brim Bucket Hat
Hats are a great way to protect yourself from the sun, but not all hats are created equal. The GearTOP Wide Brim Bucket Hat is made with pure polyester and features UPF 50+ protection that’s been tested and proven to keep you safe from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Not to mention, it’s also a fishing hat that’ll keep you cool and ventilated even on the hottest and most humid adventures! And if that wasn’t enough, this men's sun nylon bucket hat comes with a breathable mesh that’ll keep your noggin dry and sweat-free.
This lightweight and portable sun hat is quick-drying, windproof, and breathable, making it perfect for any outdoor activity. The wide brim provides excellent coverage from the sun, and the quick-drying fabric means you can leave it in the sun for a minute or two and it will be dry in no time.
Pros
- Made from 100% polyester
- Features UPF 50+ protection
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick-drying fabric
Cons
- Nice hat, but tight on big heads
3. CHOK.LIDS Everyday Bucket Hat
$16.99
$12.99
Made from 100% cotton, this hand-wash-only hat is comfortable and stylish. The perfect accessory for a day at the beach or a hike in the woods, the CHOK.LIDS Everyday Bucket Hat will keep you cool and protected from the sun all day long.
As any fashion-savvy individual knows, accessories can make or break an outfit. And when it comes to headwear, there are a few options more versatile than the bucket hat. Whether you're hitting the beach or exploring a new city, a good cotton bucket hat will keep you shady and stylish. But not all bucket hats are created equal.
The CHOK.LIDS Everyday Bucket Hat is designed for comfort and durability, with a soft and comfortable fabric that provides full coverage from the sun's harmful UV rays. And because it's reversible, you can always switch up your look.
Pros
- Made from 100% cotton
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Reversible
Cons
- Hand-wash only
4. MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
$19.88
$15.99
Anyone who's spent any time outdoors in the summer knows the importance of staying cool and comfortable. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the heat with no relief in sight. That's why we were excited to try out the MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat. This cotton bucket hat is designed to cool you down instantly, and it really does work!
Just wet it, wring it out, and wave it around, and you'll feel the cooling effect within seconds. The best part is that it stays cool for hours, so you can enjoy your time outside without having to worry about the heat. The hat is also lightweight and adjustable, so you can customize it to your own preferences.
As the weather gets warmer, it's important to have a go-to hat that will keep you cool and protected from the sun. The MISSION Designer Bucket Hat is perfect for those hot summer days. The cooling fabric technology ensures that you'll always feel refreshed, while the UPF 50 fabric offers excellent sun protection.
Pros
- Cooling fabric technology
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Lightweight and adjustable
Cons
- Fits fine, but is floppy when wet.
5. Gelante Bucket Hat
Made from breathable cotton, this hat features brass eyelets for ventilation, making it perfect for warmer days. The hat is also packable, meaning it can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use.
Moreover, the wide brim will keep you protected from the sun while the deep crown provides a cool, comfortable fit. It doesn't matter if you're hitting the beach or exploring a new city, the Gelante Bucket Hat is a great choice for your next adventure.
Pros
- Made from breathable cotton
- Features brass eyelets for ventilation
- Packable
- The deep crown provides a cool, comfortable fit
Cons
- Sizing runs small
6. MaxNova Bucket Hats
$19.99
$16.99
MaxNova's bucket hats are made of 100% high-quality cotton, making them cozy and comfortable. They are one size fits most, with a head circumference of about 56 to 58 cm. The hats are packable and reversible, meaning you get two hats in one!
They are perfect for outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping. And they make great sun hats for women! So whether you're looking for a casual daily hat or something to take on your next adventure, MaxNova's bucket hats are a great choice.
Pros
- Made of 100% high-quality cotton
- One size fits most
- Packable and reversible
- Perfect for outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping.
Cons
- Long brim
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bucket Hat
A bucket hat is a great choice for a casual, everyday hat. But there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the right one for you. Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Material
Bucket hats are usually made from cotton, polyester, or nylon. Cotton is the most breathable option, making it a good choice for warmer days. Polyester and nylon are more durable, making them a better choice for activities like hiking or fishing.
2. Color
Bucket hats come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your personal style. If you want a hat that will go with everything, choose a neutral color like black, grey, or white.
3. Machine Washable vs Hand-Wash Only
Bucket hats that are machine washable are usually made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. If you choose a cotton hat, it will likely be hand-wash only. Consider how often you'll need to wash your hat and choose accordingly.
4. Brim size
Bucket hats come with either a wide or narrow brim. A wide brim provides more sun protection, while a narrow brim is more flattering for smaller faces. Consider your personal style and needs when choosing the right brim size for you.
5. Price
Bucket hats range in price from $10 to $30. The more expensive options are usually made from higher-quality materials and have a better fit. But you can find a great hat at any price point, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect one for you.
6. Packable
Some bucket hats can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use. If you're looking for a hat to take on your next adventure, choose one that's packable.
7. Adjustable
Most bucket hats have an adjustable drawstring or toggle so you can customize the fit. This is especially important if you're buying a hat for someone else. Make sure the hat can be adjusted to fit a variety of head sizes.
FAQ
What are bucket hats actually called?
Believe it or not, bucket hats actually have a lot of different names. Depending on where you're from, you might call them a “beach hat,” a “fisherman's hat,” a “khaki hat,” or even just a “bucket.” But whatever you call them, there's no denying that these versatile hats have been around for centuries. Originally designed to protect fishermen from the sun and rain, bucket hats eventually made their way into the fashion world in the 1970s. Today, they remain a popular choice for both men and women, thanks to their classic style and functionality. So next time you reach for your trusty bucket hat, remember that it has a long and rich history – even if you're not sure what to call it.
Why is the bucket hat so popular?
The bucket hat is one of the most popular styles of hats today. Though it has been around for decades, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to its unisex design and trendy aesthetics. But what makes the bucket hat so popular? One reason is its versatility. Unlike many other types of hats, the bucket hat can be worn year-round and with a variety of different outfits. It also offers good sun protection, which is essential for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Additionally, the bucket hat is often more affordable than other types of hats, making it a budget-friendly option for many people. Whatever the reason, it's clear that the bucket hat trend is here to stay.
Are bucket hats in style?
Bucket hats were all the rage in the early 2000s, thanks to their convenient design and laid-back aesthetic. But after a few years, they fell out of fashion and were largely forgotten. Recently, however, bucket hats have made a comeback, appearing on the runways of major fashion houses and being worn by celebs like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. It seems that the once-dowdy accessory is finally having its moment in the sun. So, will bucket hats still be in style? Only time will tell. But if the past few years are any indication, it's likely that this trendy hat will continue to enjoy its moment in the spotlight.
Conclusion
Bucket hats are a great choice for a casual, everyday hat. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one to match your personal style. And they're perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. So whether you're looking for a sun hat or something to take on your next adventure, a bucket hat is a great choice.
And remember, when choosing a bucket hat, consider the material, color, brim size, and price. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect hat for you.
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