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Dec 08, 2023

The Best Bucket Hats This Season: 13 Styles That Will Make You Ditch Your Baseball Cap

By Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Here at Traveler, we're fans of any outdoor accessory that offers sun protection while also looking stylish. On-trend bucket hats fit the bill, shielding your scalp, face, and eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. After all, wearing sunscreen works wonders, but when you're spending hours outside sweating or swimming, it's crucial to give yourself all the protection you can. Below, you'll find 13 of the best bucket hats to sport this summer and beyond—keep one in your backpack or tote bag for your next fishing, surfing, camping, or beach trip.

Senior editor Megan Spurrell was recently on the hunt for a new hat to wear surfing that she didn't have to worry about getting wet. She found this safari-style bucket hat on Amazon and it certainly didn't disappoint—it's affordable, has a drawstring closure to keep it secure, and a wide brim with side snaps to adjust the level of coverage.

This one's called the Ultra Storm bucket hat for a reason. It has a three inch sloping brim to help rain roll off and fully seam-taped fabric, making it the ideal waterproof option for unpredictable weather days. There's also an adjustable chin strap, internal adjustable sizing, and reflective piping for safe nighttime wear.

The fuzzy embossed sunshine detail on this bucket hat makes it the ultimate summer accessory for swimsuit-friendly days. It's made of terry cloth material and has UPF 50+ protection, meaning it's made with sun-protective fabric that will further protect your skin.

If you're already bought into the bucket hat trend and just can't get enough, this reversible option from Lululemon is for you. Available in multiple colors and patterns, this versatile hat is ideal to bring on weekend trips when you're short on packing space.

This classic nylon bucket hat has a relaxed fit that's perfect for everyday wear. Whether you're headed to a lakeside destination or going to lounge on a tropical beach, this will be your go-to hat for both comfort and style.

Made from fully recycled materials, these cotton canvas bucket hats from Girlfriend Collective have a soft yet structured design so they'll stay put during outdoor activities like beach volleyball or kayaing. Shop the hat in fun colors like banana yellow, light blue, mahogany, and more.

Made from recycled polyester, this Rag & Bone option has a more sleek, elevated look than the classic floppy bucket hat. Headed to lunch after a morning at the pool? Throw it on with your swimsuit cover-up for an effortlessly put together look.

For a statement piece you can bring on any vacation and keep in your closet for years to come, go for this classic nylon Prada bucket hat. It features Prada's signature logo on the front and creates an effortlessly chic look, whether you're wearing a sundress or athleisure.

If you're packing for a beach vacation, this woven raffia hat deserves a spot in your suitcase. The textured, crotchet-inspired bucket hat looks great by the pool and will keep you cool and better protected from the sun.

This sporty Adidas style is one of the best bucket hats for active travelers—it's ideal for fishing trips, camping weekends, or other outdoor sporting events. Features include a moisture-wicking sweatband to keep you cool, an adjustable drawstring, and UPF 50 sun protection.

This lightweight cotton bucket hat is a low-maintenance accessory: It can be folded down and packed in an already-full suitcase without losing its shape. The brass eyelets offer a bit of extra ventilation to keep you cool. Available in dozens of colors, the price point makes it easy to justify ordering a few.

Great to wear by the pool or the lake, this terry cloth bucket hat has a relaxed fit and comes in plenty of fun summer colors like aqua, yellow, lavender, and mint. Plus, this one features a small side pocket that can hide your room key or credit card if you're laying out by the hotel pool.

We all know that kids have extremely sensitive skin, so a hat for the beach is a must-have on any family vacation. These colorful, reversible bucket hats shield your little ones from the sun and keep them cool, while the chinstrap keeps it secure all day long.

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