If you plan on hitting the beach or pool this summer, we recommend a few crucial essentials for your look: a swimsuit, some sunglasses, sandals, and a good sun hat. Sure, a beach hat may seem like a superfluous accessory since you’ll also be slathering on the SPF — but, on top of adding an additional layer of sun protection, hats can help keep you cool while pulling your whole beach getup together. The trouble is finding the best beach hats to effortlessly complement your summer ensemble while efficiently protecting you from the sun.
Good thing there’s a sea of chic, affordable options floating around the internet. We were able to pull together a guide to some of the best low-key beach hats that are adorable, comfy, and easily packed. Think everything from classic baseball caps for the athletic types to straw hats for those who want to channel a Euro-boating look and even printed silk headscarves that your great-grandmother would stan — plus, a handful of other perfect top-offs for your beach-ready noggin. Keep scrolling to shop.
The Best Straw Hats
Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat, $39.50 $29.50
Straw hats are the ultimate summer headpieces — they’re lightweight, quick-dry, and available in an array of fabulous silhouettes. Plus, the wide brim slouches ever so perfectly to keep your face shaded from the sun. If you’re limiting yourself to just one beach hat this summer, go with one made of good-ol’ straw.
Shop Madewell
The Best Bucket Hats
Ganni Cotton Crochet Bucket Hat, $135 $94.50
We’re certainly not mad at seeing this throwback hat — inspired by the fisherman’s go-to topper — return for another moment in the sun. The bucket hats we’re seeing these days are wonderfully floppy and consist of whimsical patterns in summery hues.
Shop Ganni At Shopbop
The Best Baseball Caps
Wyeth Nubby Baseball Cap, $42
You can’t go wrong with a classic dad hat or baseball cap. These beach hats are super-casual and low maintenance, adding just a hint of effortless cool to any outfit.
Shop Wyeth At Anthropologie
The Best Visors
Alo Solar Visor, $54
The visor is the ultimate lightweight beach hat. They’re best suited for sporting activities like frisbee and volleyball because the band keeps eyes shaded and soaks up sweat while still allowing for plenty of ventilation.
Shop Alo
The Best Head Scarves
Free People Lotus Paisley Print Bandana, $30
For a more romantic beach look, opt for the fluttery silk headscarf or bandana. You can style it by tying it around your head like a babushka or headband, or use it to hold your ponytail together. For a complete day-to-night transition, tie it around your neck after sundown.
Shop Free People
The Best Cooling Hats
The North Face Women’s Horizon Breeze Brimmer, $45
Need an even sportier option? These breathable performance sun hats are specifically engineered to cool you down. A few impressive technical details: The sweatbands have a cooling lining. There are strategically placed mesh ventilation holes everywhere. And the UPF 50+ protective brims are made to resist ultraviolet rays.
Shop The North Face
The Best Extra-Wide Brim Sun Hats
San Diego Hat Co. Oversized Floppy Straw Hat, $85
If you’re simply not a summer person and prefer to go incognito all season long, we’ve got the perfect hat style for you: the oversized, extra-wide brim sun hat. A little theatrical maybe? Sure. But, good luck to the sun — nothing’s getting past this statement hat.
Shop Anthropologie
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