Once seen as simply a fisherman’s hat used to protect from sun and other elements, the bucket hat is back, and ready to make a new statement.
“Bucket hats are one of the few hats that pack and travel well. You don’t have to worry about crushing them and ruining their shape,” explains Tamara Rappa, editor in chief of fashion site Story + Rain. And they’re “often inexpensive, so they provide a look for less.”
When selecting a bucket hat, Rappa advises, first and foremost, you want one with “crushability,” as she puts it. “The beauty of the bucket hat is that it’s a classic that can withstand constant folding and carrying while also being able to work with a multitude of outfits.” Rappa recommends starting with the style in its most basic state: “You can never go wrong with a cotton bucket hat in a solid color, preferably in a neutral. Buy three in an array of neutrals to easily stash in a few of your bags, just like your lip balm or your wallet.”
Christen Maxwell, a Paris-based handbag and accessories designer, is also a fan of the bucket hat for folks of all ages. Maxwell wore her “fair share of floral printed bucket hats” as a child of the ’90s, and is “loving seeing them back with huge oversize brims.” She’s even introduced her infant daughter to the style for her first summer.
When styling your bucket hat, Rappa says, if it’s a simple cotton or twill option, keep it in the casual family. “Wear with jeans and a tee, a breezy linen dress and sneakers or sandals, slouchy lightweight pants with a boatneck top, or go sporty by pairing it with athleisure.” If you’re elevating it to a satin fabric or a chic print, “pair with dresses and heels or a lightweight, unstructured summer suit.”
Below, we rounded up some of our favorite bucket hats for women, men and even babies.
Women’s bucket hats
UO Washed Bucket Hat ($19; urbanoutfitters.com)
Rappa’s budget neutral of choice: simple, in washed cotton, priced so you can get one in multiple colors.
Adidas Originals Denim Bucket Hat ($30; urbanoutfitters.com)
A sporty take — and the author’s family’s summer go-to.
Madewell Bucket Fishing Hat ($19.99, originally $32; madewell.com)
There’s an adorable zip pocket in this one that will come in handy for stashing little unexpected things.
Asos Design Broderie Fisherman Bucket Hat ($20; asos.com)
Maxwell likes this eyelet one that “can carry you from beach to BBQ and packs a lot of detail for the price.”
A&F x The Trevor Project Gender-Neutral Pride Bucket Hat ($30; abercrombie.com)
With this Pride hat, Abercrombie donates $200,000 to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
Mashiaoyi Unisex Print Reversible Bucket Hat ($13.89; amazon.com)
This one comes in this cherry print, among loads of others, and is utterly affordable.
Hat Attack Washed Cotton Crusher ($55; shopbop.com)
“With a wider brim, this injects the classic bucket with a little more style,” says Rappa. “It’s a perfect stark black staple.”
Reversible Canvas Bucket Hat ($45, originally $78; draperjames.com)
Garden party? Horse races? Picnic in the park with friends? This one’s in line with all of that.
J.Crew Wide-Brim Bucket Hat With UV Coating ($49.50; jcrew.com)
“I’d wear this one for a Saturday morning farmers market and iced coffee run,” says Maxwell.
Breeze Reversible Bucket Cap ($48; athleta.com)
Reversible, so you double the wearability, and the adjustable ties keep it secure.
Lola Hats No Man’s Land Bucket Hat ($200; shopbop.com)
“A go-to for timeless straw hats,” Maxwell loves Lola Hats’ “classic but modern take on a colorblocked hat. This one defies trends and will be a keeper year after year.”
Women’s H2Off Rain Bucket Hat ($44.95; llbean.com)
Specifically fashioned to resist rain — and cute to boot.
Isabel Marant Denji Wool-Blend Bucket Hat ($345; neimanmarcus.com)
“If designer accessories are your thing and you rock a fashion-forward look, now’s the time to look for the logo’d bucket hat,” Rappa says.
Gucci Gg Supreme Denim Wide-Brim Hat ($650.00; editorialist.com)
This one’s a “super splurge in denim with a wide retro brim — great for summer in the city or an aperitivo along the water,” Maxwell says.
Men’s bucket hats
CM Solid Bucket Hat ($59.50; clubmonaco.com)
A men’s hat that comes in three perfect neutrals, and can work for everyone.
Asos Design Bucket Hat in Washed Black ($10.40, originally $17.50; asos.com)
A simple option that’s perfect for the beach or the lake. Plus, it’s available in a wide variety of colors, such as sage green and mushroom.
Mushroom Icon Bucket Hat ($24; urbanoutfitters.com)
For an earthy kind of guy.
Orlebar Brown Blantyre Piping Bucket Hat ($115; saksfifthavenue.com)
We love the preppy primary-color piping.
Baby bucket hats
Baby Eyelet Bucket Hat ($17, originally $24.95; gap.com)
Consider this your kid’s new summer staple.
Pureborn Cotton Baby Bucket Sun Hat for Infant Boys or Girls (starting at $6.99; amazon.com)
Available in prints like elephants, bumblebees and whales, the hat is made of breathable cotton and is machine-washable.
Baby Girl Scalloped Hat ($29; jacadi.com)
A soft take on the silhouette, this is Maxwell’s new baby daughter’s first bucket hat.