Shopping·10 min read

16 Summer Hats for Every Type of Situation

summer-hats
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Anthropologie, J.Crew
June 27, 2023

This post was originally published in June 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

It’s an age-old truth: Wearing sunscreen and shielding your face from the hot summer sun are two things that are non-negotiable for healthy, happy skin. So we’re officially declaring it a Hat Girl Summer. We’ve found lots of beach hats and bucket hats so you won’t have to throw a towel over your face while lying on the sand. We’ve also got baseball caps that will only add to your running errands outfit.

malibu-baseball-cap
Urban Outfitters

An adjustable baseball cap with fun patterns…

Say hello to your new go-to option for when you’ve decided not to wash your hair. It’s got colorful preppy panels perfect for summer, so get your boat shoes and board shorts ready. ($65, Urban Outfitters)

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Raffia hat
Verloop

A sun hat that’ll bring the color…

This hat has a foldable design so you can take it with you wherever you go — the beach, the park, or a grocery run. It’s made from deadstock raffia and yarn to combat waste, and is water-resistant and washable. We love the fun color-blocking, but if you’re looking for something a little less bright, snag this option instead. ($55, Verloop)

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Sun visor
Alo Yoga

A sun visor fit for the courts…

If you need some serious shade from the sun, this hat is one of our top picks. It’ll stay put while you’re exercising, staying active, or lounging on the beach. Plus, it comes in four different colors and the band is adjustable and breathable so you won’t get that annoying tightness headache. ($54, Alo Yoga)

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straw-visor
Free People

A fashionable straw visor that comes in five colors…

Let the photos speak for themselves…this visor was made to be worn poolside. The brim is big enough to block out harsh rays, while the band has elastic so it’ll stretch to fit your head. Choose from one of the five color-blocked styles, including black and pink. ($38, Free People)

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Straw Hat
Anthropologie

A topless straw hat you can store in your bag…

When the sun is out and the streets are hot, the last thing you want to deal with is hair sticking to your face. Enter this chic visor. It’s got an open top so you can wear your hair in a bun or ponytail at the same time, and it comes in two colors perfect for summer. ($30, Anthropologie)

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Speckled visor
Free People

A speckled straw visor in tons of colors…

We can’t get enough of these fun visors. They’ve got stretchy backs so they’ll stay secure on your head, and come in nine different color combos so you can match them to every outfit. ($38, Free People)

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Baseball Hat
Amazon

A tried-and-true baseball cap…

You can never go wrong with a classic. And this cap that reps one of the best teams around is no exception. It comes in a bunch of different colors (and team logos, just in case you’re not a Yankees fan), and has a metal adjustable back. ($36.99+, Amazon)

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Cowboy Hat
Amazon

A cowboy hat with a softer twist…

If getting your hands dirty at the ranch isn’t exactly your vibe, you can still channel your inner cowgirl with this knit version. It’s made from straw, and thanks to its pretty design, offers some ventilation, too. ($11.98, Amazon

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fedora
Madewell

A fedora you can pack…

Top off your outfit with this easy-to-travel-with accessory. It’s made of breathable straw so it won’t make your head hot. We think it goes just as well with a sundress as a T-shirt and shorts. ($29.50, Madewell)

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Bucket hat
J. Crew

A bucket hat with a twist…

Keep the sun out and your head cool with this raffia summer hat. It’s got a striped pattern for a little personality, and is perfect for hitting the beach, running errands, or just kickin’ it by the pool. Hats off to that. ($35.99, J.Crew)

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floppy-straw-hat
J.Crew

A floppy straw hat with a wide brim…

This hat is made of paper straw, making it super bendable and easily packable for your next tropical getaway. The ultra-wide brim will keep your whole face shielded, helping you to stay cool even as temps rise. Customers say that even though it only comes in one size, it still fits larger heads. ($44.50, J.Crew)

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straw-hat
Amazon

A classic straw hat that’s adjustable…

If you have a larger head, it can be hard to find a sun hat that fits perfectly. This one has a band inside that can be pulled tighter on windier days. If hats can sometimes give you a headache, you can loosen the band for a more comfortable fit. It’s also lightweight and can be easily packed in your suitcase or beach bag. It comes in a few bright colors if you prefer to go bold. ($25.99+, Amazon)

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floppy-bucket-hat
Amazon

A floppy bucket hat if you’re flower-obsessed…

Say hello to another straw option, but with a little added pizzazz. This one has yellow sunflowers on it, and comes in four natural colors. It’s packable and won’t break or tear. Customers love that there’s an adjustable wire so you can flip up the brim and it’ll stay in place. Nice. ($20.99, Amazon)

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striped-sun-hat
Amazon

A striped big sun hat with UPF protection…

The floppier the better, we always say. This one is made of sun-blocking fabric with UPF 50+ protection. It has an extra-large brim, but won’t block your vision. It comes in black, natural, and navy. Customers like that it even partially covers their shoulders. ($49, Amazon)

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satin-lined-cap
HSN

A baseball cap that won’t mess up your hair…

This cap is lined with satin, so it won’t cause frizz or breakage, even if you wear it all day long. It’s perfect for running errands in between hair wash days, and comes in black, pink, and denim. ($31.99, HSN)

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sporty-cap
Puma

A sporty cap that’s great for running…

This classic cotton hat will keep you cool and comfortable while out for a morning jog, but is also great for doing anything active outside on a hot day (gardening, tennis, you name it). It comes in six colors, but we’re partial to the white. Truly nothing like a crisp white hat in the summertime. ($14.99, Puma)

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