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The bucket hat is complicated, man. Rarely has a piece of headwear symbolized so much: an affinity for ocean-adjacent chill, a veteran nod to tactical functionality, the telltale sign of a devoted chiefer. The Venn diagram of bucket casts a wide net, but center to all is this simple fact: the best bucket hats are a stone-cold move you should absolutely be making this summer.
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Save up to 70% on our favorite beach bum brandThis is, of course, a blanket statement to which there are many exceptions. We understand that you might not feel fully comfortable wearing one to, say, the office…nor should you. That is unless you really know what you’re doing. But for bar hangs and beach days, cooldowns and grill outs, we urge you to consider the cohesive powers of a 360-degree brim.
Need convincing? We’ll spare you Pinterest links to the Oasis-splattered moodboards and think pieces on why ’90s fashion is back. We will instead direct your attention to a notable example of late in the form of young Carlitos Alcaraz, Wimbledon champ and swaglord supreme. Or perhaps recently outed therapist speak user Jonah Hill is more your speed. Hell, remember Portia from the White Lotus?
And these hats are not just for Brad Pitt, 20-year-olds with no bed frame and Paddington the Bear. The breadth of baller buckets hats includes dome pieces of all shapes and sizes, from sporty to beachy to (dare we say) formal. Virtually all of the brands in your closet dabble in some kind of version; Nike makes a very good one, as does Prada. There is a bucket hat primed to grace every head. You just have to commit.
Think of us as your one-time therapist here — we’re helping you bridge the gap with a surefire list of the styles you should embrace before it’s too late. Below, the best bucket hats for a laid-back summer style.
How to Wear a Bucket Hat This Summer
Bucket hat? Try ATV. Pac-northwest giants Outdoor Research packed every inch of their Trail Mix Bucket Hat with tech designed to get you further: thermo-regulating ActiveTemp treatment, UPF 30 protection and an easy drawstring for peak wearability.
Real heads should recognize Kangol as the bucket to rule them all. There’s nearly a century of history behind the Cumbria-based hatmaker’s locked-in look. As one of the most recognizable head toppers out there, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong — especially if you opt for a terry-textured version of the classic Bermuda.
Is TikTok fueling your wardrobe choices? Do you wish that TikTok was fueling your wardrobe choices? If either ring true, send the extra change and snag this graphic-splattered bucket from red-hot JW Anderson. Borrowing its print from the treasured Japanese anime Run Hany, it’s a touch kitschy and a ton of fun. We suggest you pair it with similarly out-there garb (read: XL jorts) for a flawless ‘fit.
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