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The 10 Best Bucket Hats for Men This Summer
It’s 2021 and everything retro is hot and new again. The bucket hat, which first rose to widespread popularity in the 1980s, is no exception. Among men’s hats, of which there are easily hundreds or perhaps thousands of options, the bucket hat stands alone. For better or for worse, there’s just nothing quite like it.
A unique type of headwear that’s closely associated with several different segments of fashion and lifestyles – streetwear, hip-hop, music festivals, outdoor pursuits, golf, and even fly fishing — bucket hats are both practical and stylish. They’re effortless (generally), easy on the wallet, and can make an outfit really stand out. Plus, bucket hats serve the very practical function of protecting your head and face from the sun.
Whether you’re ready to hop on this trend for the first time or you’re looking to add another piece to your ever-growing collection, here are the best 10 bucket hats for men this summer.
Best Buy
1. Acne Studios Logo-Patch Bucket Hat
Being a well-respected Scandinavian brand, it comes as no surprise that Acne Studios has mastered this no-frills, utilitarian style. This men’s bucket hat comes in a dark olive green color that’s somehow hip but also timeless, and it’s made from rugged canvas.
Its metal eyelets give a somewhat industrial look, but also serve to keep the hat breathable. A subtle silver metal logo is the only thing that identifies this hat as being from Acne Studios, so if you’re a bit label-shy, this hat is a great option. The hat also has a fairly wide brim, offering a decent amount of sun protection.
2. Burberry Vintage Check Bucket Hat
Burberry is arguably one of the most iconic and significant fashion houses around, and it’s especially well-known for making great outerwear. Bucket hats certainly fall under that category, and this one is an excellent choice for anyone.
That signature Burberry Vintage check plaid is distinguishable from a block away, yet it’s somehow also neutral (very literally – it’s beige, white, and black) and allows you to stand out without being too “loud.” The Italian-made hat is crafted from twill, lined, and features impeccable top-stitching, as well as embroidered grommets for ventilation.
3. UNIQLO UV Protection Bucket Hat
You really can’t go wrong with UNIQLO anything. The company has seemingly perfected excellent-quality, no-frills, practical clothing that’s both super-stylish and extremely affordable.
That’s exactly the case with this UV protection bucket hat. The neutral-colored unisex hat pairs well with literally anything and is even size-adjustable from a clever inner velcro band. It also offers UV protection along with quick-drying, sweat-absorbing properties. And yet this men’s bucket hat comes in at just under $20 USD.
If you sorta-kinda want to try the bucket hat look out but you’re not totally sold yet, this is a fantastic and functional option since it has legitimate sun protection built-in.
4. Kangol Bermuda Bucket Hat
British label Kangol is largely credited with starting the entire bucket hat trend, way back in the 1980s. Actually, it was rapper LL Cool J who wore a bright red Kangol bucket hat and brought worldwide attention to the brand, but either way – Kangol is widely considered the bucket hat.
This version, the Bermuda Bucket Hat, brings a fresh, street-ready twist with a terry cloth-like material. Kangol offers this hat in a range of styles and both vibrant and neutral color options, so you can find the one (or two or three) that’s a literal perfect fit.
5. Patagonia Wavefarer Bucket Hat
Patagonia is like that super cool older kid in school; the one who makes things trendy almost by accident and is utterly hip without even trying. The Wavefarer bucket hat embodies exactly that, a timeless and functional outdoor accessory that’s also ultra-cool.
The Wavefarer is made of 100% recycled nylon, so it’s lightweight but durable for whatever and wherever you plan to wear it. It comes in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, and in typical Patagonia fashion, all the color options are subdued, neutral, and very good-looking.
Bonus: the price point is surprisingly reasonable
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6. adidas Trefoil Logo Bucket Hat
Another fashion classic, the adidas Trefoil Logo Bucket Hat is a must-have for anyone’s collection. Available in a low-maintenance (and sustainably farmed) cotton fabric, this hat will quickly become one of your go-to’s for any casual setting.
The hat has a slightly retro, “lived-in” washed look and sports a crisp, clean white adidas trefoil logo in the front. Classic flat top-stitching and heavyweight cotton provide a nice one-size-fits-most fit. And since it’s cotton, you can spot clean it or toss it in the washer when necessary.
7. Stussy Bucket Hat
No list of the best bucket hats for men is complete without a mention of SoCal-born Stussy. As another iconic streetwear and surf brand, anything Stussy has a decidedly hip, modern look and feel.
This black, 100% cotton bucket hat is about as classic and approachable as it gets. If you’re looking to ease into the bucket hat trend, give this one some serious consideration.
It comes in two sizes, S/M and L/Xl, and has the original Stussy logo embroidered in white across the front. With embroidered ventilation eyelets and a dropped-style brim, this hat also offers some genuine sun protection and relief on hot days.
8. Ralph Lauren Logo Bucket Hat
Bucket hats aren’t all made by streetwear and hip-hop brands. On the contrary, even many high-end, classic designers have their own versions. We love POLO Ralph Lauren’s take, an attractive and easily wearable cotton-twill bucket hat.
While you don’t have options as far as colors, you really don’t need any – navy goes with absolutely everything you already own. Plus, the iconic red polo player and horse logo are just enough of an accent to draw a bit of attention.
Fun fact: the logo hasn’t changed since 1972 and requires a whopping 982 stitches!
9. Prada Bucket Hat
Yes, this is the most expensive bucket hat on our list, but Prada is timeless (the first store opened over a century ago, in 1913!) and you’ll have this item forever.
It comes in the highly coveted all-black colorway and is made of “Re-Nylon,” a modern and more environmentally-friendly version of Prada’s signature nylon fabric. The silhouette has a relaxed, dropped brim and what Prada calls channel stitching, which gives the hat interesting textural detail. And of course, the iconic metal Prada logo is present, set onto saffiano leather and stitched onto the hat.
10. Nike Washed Bucket Cap
If you’re into the athleisure style, this Nike Washed Bucket Cap is perfect for you. The “washed” color gives it that perfect well-loved, lived-in look, and the iconic Nike swoosh logo embroidered in white keeps things classic without being too trendy.
Nike has always done an excellent job of walking the line between casual and well-put-together. Keeping in line with that, this bucket hat will look just as good with a pair of joggers as it will accenting a fitted blazer and jeans. The hat is made of 100% machine-washable polyester and comes in several sizes, including extended sizes P/S and L/XL.
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Bucket Hat FAQS
This one is simple; bucket hats get their name because they very literally look like upside-down buckets being worn as hats.
Simply wearing a hat of any type provides you some sun protection by partially shading your face and covering your head. Even basic bucket hats are excellent accessories to have in your go-to repertoire, but those with built-in UPF protection are even more beneficial.
Not exactly. This humble hat can actually be somewhat tricky to pull off. It’s a decidedly casual fashion accessory, so it looks best when paired with similarly casual outfits (although a bucket hat could also be a super-cool, unexpected accessory with a suit. If you’re bold enough to try this, stick with a monochrome look to ensure you look sleek and not like you’re trying too hard. Black bucket hat with a black suit, gray hat with a gray suit, and so on).
Because bucket hats are something of a statement accessory all on their own, you also want to take care to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Opt for plain, neutral colors rather than busy patterns.
