Ignore what your dad told you about bucket caps. Unless he’s told you that they’re awesome. In that case, he’s totally right. The best bucket hats are a must-have in any warm-weather collection. They’re the coolest way of protecting yourself from the heat.
Better yet, the summer-ready style comes in all sorts of colors, sizes, and materials—so you can rest assured there’s one that’ll tickle your fancy. The only trouble is, how’d you know which one to pick?
Continue reading to see a few designs that you should consider. I’ll also be offering some tips on how to wear them and highlight what key things you should be looking for to ensure you find your perfect match.
The Key Takeaways
There are many headwear options for summer, from baseball caps to straw Fedoras. The bucket hat is the only way to stand out from the sea of Hawaiian shirts with burnt nostrils. Lucky for you, I’ve scoured the internet high and low, reviewed dozens of sites, and read hundreds of reviews to find the best of the best.
This season’s must-have accessory, the 90s icon has been rocked by everyone from Brad Pitt to Bieber and Diddy. So, if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, now’s the time. Join me as I highlight the key styles including Nike’s camouflage Boonie and the Kangol option that wouldn’t look out of place on a hip-hop music video.
Why it’s great: Made from a lightweight cotton fabric that’s been washed for a slightly lived-in feel, this bucket hat will be glued to your head during the sunny season. It’s not just affordable, but seriously cool and versatile enough to wear with plenty of your wardrobe favorites. Better yet, it comes in multiple colors and sizes—so you can easily find the perfect fit.
How to wear it Wear them with everything from cargo shorts to tank tops.
Who is it for? This washed-cotton bucket hat will look great on any man who wants to add a hip-hop touch to his outfit. It’s going to be popular for a wide range of summer events, but I think it’ll look best at festivals and backyard barbecues.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. There’s not much structure to this design, so you can’t really fold up the brim or manipulate its shape.
Sizes: S-L | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 3
Why it’s great: Gelante’s bucket hat proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to look good and stay safe in the sun. It’s yours for under $15 and does the job just nicely. It’s lightweight, timeless, and can be folded up and packed away for weekend trips and faraway vacations.
How to wear it Although it is most comfortable when worn with casual tops and bottoms, you can dress it up a bit with an Oxford Shirt and Khakis. Choose between sneakers, sandals or shoes for your feet.
What is it for? This wallet-friendly version is great for guys on a budget, but it’s also an excellent option for anyone trying out this style of hat for the first time. If you don’t like it, you can try another and you won’t have lost too much cash.
Flaws are not necessarily deal-breakers A number of reviewers have complained about the size. Check the measurements first before you decide on your size.
Sizes: S-XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 10+
Why it’s great: Durable, sweat-wicking, and seriously stylish, this is the kind of bucket hat that would have got Steve Irwin’s approval. You can wear it for summer sports (thanks to the toggle fastening) but it’ll look just as good on the beach or at the poolside bar.
How to wear it Keep your outfit simple, and let the hat speak for itself. When you’re not wearing it with activewear, I’d suggest a plain crew neck tee, cargo shorts, and sneakers.
What is it for? Camouflage is usually used to keep you hidden.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The camo-print isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea and nor is the drawcord and toggle.
Sizes: S-XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Colors Available: 1
Why it’s great: It’s obviously all about the print, but this bucket hat can be reversed to the plain design should you want to tone things down. The bucket hat is perfect for keeping you cool in the sun and can be easily folded and stored.
How to Wear itKeep the rest of your outfit simple, and avoid any bold prints. The best combination is a plain white t-shirt and a pair chino shorts (completed with leather sneakers).
What is it for? You’ll certainly be turning heads when you wear it, so you’ll need to be the kind of guy who likes to stand out from the crowd. I think it’s a great option for festivals or beach clubs.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It’s an acquired taste and its outlandish print means it’s definitely not as versatile as some of the other best bucket hats for men.
Sizes: One size | Material: Cotton/Polyester | Colors Available: 10+
Why it’s great: While it’s not exactly cheap, this Acne Studios’ bucket hat is considerably more affordable than some of the other luxury options on the market. Made from sturdy cotton-twill, it’s finished with the brand’s subtle lettering and has numerous eyelets to allow your head to breathe.
How to wear it When the sun is out, you have endless styling options. Wear it with sweatpants, a long-sleeved shirt and sneakers for a relaxed day. Or dress it up with a camp neck shirt, tailored shorts and smart shoes.
What is it for? Luxury label fans will love this, especially if the brand name is what you want without a lot of branding.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It’s quite roomy. While this provides great protection from the sun, if you have a small head it may feel too loose.
Sizes: S-XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 1
Why it’s great: This bucket hat is both stylish and durable. The cotton twill material is comfortable to wear on your head and the down-sloping, curved brim protects you from the sun.
How to wear it Arket specializes in wardrobe staples, so it’s no surprise that the label’s bucket hat is a versatile option. Wear it with anything from casual shirts, shorts, and lightweight sweaters to chinos.
Who is it for? If you’re after a reliable, fuss-free bucket hat that is stylish without trying too hard, look no further. You’ll also like it if you want a premium accessory without an eye-watering price tag.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. In terms of design, there’s not much to it. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll love the simplicity.
Sizes: S-XL | Material: 100% Cotton | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: Although I’ve spent the majority of this article telling you how bucket hats are essential for summer, there are also designs like this one that are great for the winter months too. Made from a cozy, textured pile that feels like your favorite fluffy blanket, it’ll soon become an essential addition to your cold-weather collection.
How to wear it Combine it with a sweatshirt, hoodie or wool overcoat for maximum warmth. I’d avoid anything else too fluffy, unless you want to end up looking like a wannabe Frank Lucas.
What is it for? If your summers are spent hiding in the shade or you’re staying loyal to your beloved trucker cap, you can invest in this one and wear it once the temperature drops.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. There’s no reason you can’t wear it in the rain, but it may start to feel a little like a wet dog. Thankfully, it won’t smell like one.
Sizes: S-XL | Material: 100% Polyester | Colors Available: 1
Why it’s great: Not only does this reversible bucket hat give you two styling options, it’s constructed from an organic cotton-blend material that repels water and dries quickly—so you can wear it in the sun as well as the rain. The low-profile design is unbranded, but the shape and flattering structure makes it crystal clear that it’s a luxury piece.
How to wear it You can keep your look classy or colorful. For a fail-safe look suitable for all seasons, I’d suggest a lightweight hoodie, jorts, socks, and Birkenstock clogs.
What is it for? It’s perfect for those who are willing to spend more to get a quality product and a perfect fit. It’s also a must-have for guys wanting to wear a bucket hat beyond the summer months.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. As I’ve already mentioned, this Maharishi hat doesn’t feature any logos or branding, as such. So if this kind of thing is important to you, you’ll probably find your money is spent best on another of my best bucket hats for men.
Sizes: One size | Material: 66% Organic cotton, 34% polyester | Colors Available: 2
Bucket Hats: Considerations to Make When Shopping for Men’s Bucket Hats
Material
Choose a bucket hat material that is suitable for your needs and preferences. Cotton is great for casual wear and is breathable, while nylon has better water resistance and is more easily cleaned.
Fit
You want your hat to fit comfortably. The best bucket hats for men come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose the right one to avoid discomfort or an awkward fit.
Style
Some buckets hats offer a premium look, while other are better suited for casual or sportswear. Consider your style and occasions when you’ll be wearing the bucket hat. Select a style that matches your wardrobe and reflects your personal fashion tastes.
Why you can trust us
You will understand the importance of a good hat in the sun when you wear a baseball hat for the majority of the time. It was for this reason that I wanted to compile a list of the best bucket hats available for men. The fact that I write about all things man, including fashion, doesn’t hurt either.
The list of styles was initially 20 and then reduced to 8. We looked at the form, wearability, and function of each style. Online reviewers who regularly wear them in the sun to protect their heads (and look stylish) were also a great help.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re catching rays on a tropical beach or breaking bread as you dine alfresco, it’s clear that bucket hats for men are no passing trend. Perfectly blending form with function, they’re an essential part of any summer wardrobe—offering you an excellent alternative to the flat cap or fedora.
Should you still be struggling to pick a favorite, Kangol’s cotton design remains my top recommendation. Lightweight, affordable, and ultra-stylish, it’s your fast-track ticket to looking good in the sun (not to mention saving your scalp from harmful UV rays).
The FAQ
-
-
While personal opinions will differ, the best bucket hats for men can look great on guys—offering a laid-back and casual vibe to various outfits. Choose a hat with a good fit that suits your personal style as well as the occasion.
-
Bucket hats have become a popular accessory, not only for summer but also beyond. Celebrities, fashionistas, and influencers have all been seen wearing bucket hats. They are a trendy and stylish accessory.
-