Is the Bucket Hat Our Favorite New Accesory? We Think So!
What item of clothing unites Gilligan, hipsters, and gonzo journalists? Only the timeless bucket hat.
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The bucket hat doesn’t put on airs. It simply perches there on your head—protective, enveloping, casual but functional—a statement for our times. It is the hat of the Work-From-Home dad. The mother who takes long walks on the socially distanced beach, darting off the path and behind a hedgerow to avoid a squad of longboarding bros, sans masks. It is the topper of choice for thrifting millennials, who scour Depop for dad-core style. Beloved by sailors and beekeepers; by potters and by Bill Murray in his tour de force performance in Caddyshack; by addled scribe laureate Hunter S. Thompson; and by so many more. And this summer, by us. Here are some of our very favorites.
Houdini Gone Fishing Hat
Smooth Operator. This hat is silky smooth, and won’t cook your dome like some synthetic head gear. It’s breathable, sustainable, packable, really—it’s all of the -ables. But we love it most because of the silky smooth feel. It’s like tucking your crown into a cashmere embrace. Only instead of cashmere it’s post-consumer recycled plastics and other stuff. —MB
T1 Bucket Hat from Tilley
Lasts a Lifetime. For over 30 years Tilley has been making bucket hats in all shapes and sizes so you know when they finally update their launch product, it’s going to be worth the wait. While it’s pricier than most, you’re getting a lot for your money: It’s made of cotton duck fabric, with wind ties, stylish brass grommets, a sweat wicking liner, a lifetime warranty, and a secret stash compartment—all while preserving the original’s classic shape. —HG
Janessa Leone Felix Packable Hat
Style Maker. Raffia makes everything 100x more stylish—and this bucket hat by Janessa Leone is no exception. The effortless, durable material and foldable design are meant for traveling with you wherever you go—whether in your suitcase, purse, or beach bag. —JP
Lululemon Both Ways Bucket Hat
Keep It Coming Camo. We never tire of takes on camo. Still, we love that we can reverse this lightweight, quick-drying bucket to a solid. It’s designed for those on the move, meaning you can head to the shed, grab your longboard, and carve with it on until sundown. —CB
Women’s Stand Up Sun Hat
Marriage material. High five to the hat designer here for creating a structured yet soft wave wider brim on this reversible. No flopping in front of your eyes. Just the perfect frame. And with a UPF 50+ rating this hat has your back, or your head at least. The 100% organic cotton gets softer with age which means you can look forward to growing old together. —CB
Duluth Trading No Bug Bucket Hat
Stay in the Zone. We’ve seen the Instagram posts by campers, gardeners, and fishing enthusiasts taking big hits from mosquitoes. Sure, you can buy a head net. But this no-bugs bucket’s mesh veil is hidden in the brim so you won’t ever forget your net. It won’t allow you to! And it cinches. Let’s face it, mosquitoes don’t need ample room to make their way to your face. Sweat pouring into your eyes is another distraction we can’t have. The Dry-Fit moisture wicking sweatband allows you to move forward on hot days. So you can work hard, play hard, no problem. —CB
Anthropologie Cotton Crusher Hat
Alt Classic Maximus. This lightweight, breathable cotton hat is constructed for packability so you’re not limited to safekeeping it in an oversized straw bag. Its inner drawstring means you can adjust the fit however you see fit. And with a UPF 50 rating, you can feel safer under the sun while sipping your herbal tonic or mint julep. Just don’t forget your sunglasses. But if you do, the wider brim allows for surreptitious gazes. So if you want to remain a mystery we have you covered. —CB