Best Summer Hats: Top Styles to Keep Cool and Stylish
As summer approaches, finding the right hat is all about balancing comfort and protection. This article shares our top picks, from classic wide brim hats to lightweight running hats, with plenty of options that blend functionality with fashion. Read on to find the styles that keep you cool while looking your best this season.
What to Look for in a Summer Hat
Finding your perfect summer hat is all about striking a balance between looking great and feeling comfortable. When you're picking one out, here's what to keep in mind:
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Breathable Materials: You'll want natural fibres like straw, cotton, linen, or raffia. They let air flow, which is key to keeping your head nice and cool in hot weather.
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Lightweight Design: A great summer hat should feel like it's not even there. Anything too heavy can quickly become uncomfortable under the harsh Aussie sun.
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Wide Brim Hats for UV Protection: For smart sun safety, go for a wide brim hat or sun hat. They give you generous shade for your face, neck, and ears.
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Packability for Travel: Got a holiday planned? An ideal travel hat can be easily folded or even crushed a little without losing its perfect shape.
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Versatile Style: Think about where you'll wear it. Pick a hat that can easily switch from beach days to city adventures or even a relaxed garden party.
Best Summer Hat Styles for Every Occasion
Now we know what makes a great summer hat, let's dive into some of our favourite and most popular looks this season.
Panama Hat
The iconic Panama hat is a quintessential summer staple, renowned for its classic style and cool breathability. Handwoven from lightweight toquilla straw, it's the perfect accessory for smart-casual outings, from garden parties to relaxed lunches. We recommend the Alex Panama Hat, featuring a classic teardrop-blocked crown and a dipped brim.
Wide Brim Straw Hats
For ultimate sun protection during beach days or relaxing in the garden, a wide brim straw hat is the perfect choice. These versatile hats come in both elegantly floppy or more structured styles, offering lots of shade while maintaining summer style. Our Joanna Hat, a sophisticated wide-brim straw hat with a grosgrain band, balances casual charm and elegance.
Bucket Hat
The bucket hat is a lightweight look with retro style, offering a relaxed vibe that's perfect for festivals and day parties. It's a fantastic choice for laid-back everyday looks, and makes a great, packable companion for travel. The Iconic T1 Bucket boasts a great everyday fit, handmade from durable, naturally breathable cotton duck fabric, and offers great sun protection at UPF 50+.
Boater Hat
With its flat brim and structured crown, the boater hat delivers a timeless summer style. This classic piece is perfect for more formal daytime events like garden parties, race days, or any occasion where you want to exude elegance. Consider the Hills Hats Standard Straw Boater, a firm, casual boater crafted from woven palm straw with a shallow crown, soft natural finish, and a raw-edged brim.
Summer Fedoras
While often associated with cooler weather, the fedora transitions beautifully into summer when crafted from lightweight materials like straw or linen. This version of the classic fedora offers a dressier, sophisticated touch, making it an excellent choice for elevating your city style or smart-casual occasions in hot weather.
Breathable Baseball Caps
For a blend of casual comfort and practicality, breathable baseball caps are a go-to summer essential. Look for styles crafted from mesh, cotton, or advanced moisture-wicking materials to ensure maximum airflow and comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear or even a running hat on active days.
Visors
Providing shade without covering your entire head, visors are an excellent summer hat choice, They're particularly popular for tennis or golf, and of course, perfect for relaxing poolside. The Avenel Terry Towel Sun Visor, is a soft cotton option that’s made for beach trips, outdoor adventures, or even travelling the world.
Packable Travel Hats
For those planning holidays or beach days, packable travel hats are an absolute game-changer. These clever summer hats are designed to be crush-resistant and foldable, making them ideal companions for any travel adventure without losing their shape or stylish appeal.
Best Materials for Summer Hats
The right material is key to staying cool and comfortable in your summer hat. Here are the top choices for superb breathability and lightweight comfort:
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Straw: Classic and naturally ventilated, perfect for a summery look.
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Cotton: Highly breathable and absorbent, ideal for casual caps and bucket hats.
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Linen: Offers exceptional natural cooling and a refined feel.
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Raffia: Durable, flexible, lightweight, and often found in stylish packable designs.
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Paper Braid: Affordable, lightweight, breathable, and great for travel.
Avoid for Summer: Heavy wool, felt, or thick leather hats. These trap heat and lack the necessary breathability for hot weather.
Final Summer Hat Style Tips
Choosing the right summer hat is only half the battle. Knowing how to wear it can truly elevate your look. Here are some final tips to ensure your hat always looks its best:
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Match Your Vibe: Align your hat's style with your outfit. A wide-brim straw hat for beach days, a Panama for smart-casual.
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Embrace Colour : Neutral colours like natural straw, beige, white, and pastels offer versatility for any summer ensemble.
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Consider Your Face Shape: Different hat styles flatter various face shapes. Experiment to find what best frames your features.
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Match Your Hair: For comfort and style, try a low ponytail or braid with long hair, or let shorter styles naturally frame your face.
To discover the perfect summer hat, visit City Hatters in store or explore our online collection. You’ll find a classic selection of high-quality, expertly crafted styles, designed to keep you cool and stylish all season long!