Whenever there’s a formal occasion like a wedding, Ascot or the likes, I always think to myself, I don’t wear enough hats.
It has never formed the basis of my holiday wardrobe in previous times due to the sheer admin of having to wear it during the airport experience - you can’t squash it in your hand luggage which leads you having to hold or, you know, placing atop your head as you travel to and from, and while on the plane. It has never appealed.
But in recent years, I’ve had major hat envy. Ever since the supersized Jacquemus La Bomba hat took social media by storm back in 2018, I’ve wanted to be a hat person. Then came COVID, lockdown and life, and now finally holidays are back, the resolve hasn’t gone away.
Sun hats are both a wardrobe and holiday must-have. Bursting with style credentials, there are statement designs, bright colours and in bucket, bowler and broad-brimmed variations to complete your outfit from head to toe. If you stick to the neutral end of the colour spectrum for the rest of your look, use this as an opportunity to inject a touch of playfulness, or go big and bold - think Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s black chapeau, straw boaters à la Great Gatsby or in more recent times, every single celeb at Wimbledon including Meghan Markle. There’s also a practicality angle too.
It’s a scorcher out there. There’s no two ways about it and so to protect our sun-parched skin, it’s time to call in reinforcements. SPF is essential - of course - but these hats shield our face during our solar-drenched exploits, while also keeping our scalps protected. The harmful effects of the sun rays are well known and we won’t go through them again here, so offer shady coverage in style with a sun hat. No squinting necessary.
Whether you’re maximising the British summer rays or heading further afield, don’t forget to pack (or not pack) your sun hat.
Arket Wide Brim Straw Hat
This classic sun hat from Arket has a minimalistic aesthetic. It is crafted from natural straw and has a wide brim and a flat crown silhouette that offers all the coverage you need to shield your face from the sun whether you’re home or away.
Buy now £45.00, Arket
Faithfull The Brand Striped crocheted cotton bucket hat
This will be the hat you see everywhere this summer. From the crochet weaving - a textile almost synonymous with the warmer weather, to the mood-boosting green and white stripe design, this bucket silhouette is oozing with holiday appeal. Best paired with a swimsuit and oversized shirt for a beach-ready look.
Buy now £77.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Cotton twill sun hat
You will have likely had a summer hat not too dissimilar to this style from H&M in your childhood but the brand has put an adult twist on the piece - and you’ll want to add it directly to your virtual basket. The leopard print design is timeless and chic, while you can also pair it with just about anything in your holiday wardrobe due to its surprising neutrality.
Buy now £17.99, H&M
Trail Dusted Cowboy Hat
You may or may not have noticed a trend emerging. Pieces from the Wild West are popping up left, right and centre from cowboy boots to hats. Straight out of your festival wardrobe into your suitcase, the fiishing touch to your OOO look is function and fashion combined. The structured silhouette has a boho feel, while also protecting against the sun rays.
Buy now £24.95, Free People
Topshop zebra print bucket hat
The best thing about this zebra bucket hat from Topshop on ASOS is that you could be wearing the most pared-back look in your wardrobe and it will take it to the next level. The black and white colourway gives it endless styling potential, from the festival field to a far flung city break.
Buy now £16.00, ASOS
Loro Piana The Suitcase Stripe Ingrid grosgrain-trimmed toquilla straw Panama hat
Here’s a fun fact: Panama hats do not actually come from Panama. In fact, the style originated from Ecuador, which is where this piece from Loro Piana was hand woven by local artisans. In a classic silhouette and cream colourway, this hat has retro 70s inspiration that is furthered by the striped grosgrain band.
Buy now £535.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Bucket hat
If you have a steady stream of festivals filling your summer social calendar, you need the headpiece to suit - and luckily H&M is on hand with this bucket style. It has a floral design and an eye-catching green hue, but also comes in a more demure lilac. Snap it up before it’s gone.
Buy now £9.99, H&M
ASOS DESIGN fisherman bucket hat with ties in green
Catching fish or sun rays, this hat should sit atop your head throughout your summer plans with its chic oversized bucket style and self-ties. It is offered in a forest green hue - one of our favourite shades of the season.
Buy now £13.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN natural straw easy boater with size adjuster and light band
ASOS take a classic approach with this boater hat silhouette. The hugely popular product is crafted from straw and has the ability to be adjusted to suit various head sizes. While acting as the perfect summer accessory aesthetics-wise, it will also protect your hair and skin from harsh sun.
Buy now £13.00, ASOS
Adanola Sportsclub Cap - Dark Green
One of our favourite luxury sportswear brands, Adanola also offers a covetable range of accessories that include this baseball cap that is adorned with the brand name embroidered in constrast white. It will keep the sun off your face while you train, brunch or lounge on golden sands.
Buy now £14.99, Adanola
Free People Out Of Office Wide Brim Straw Hat
If you live by the motto ‘the bigger, the better’ at least when it comes to your hats, you will no doubt appreciate the oversized nature of this straw accessory. While it may not be the easiest to transport on your trip, it will add a chic detail to your swimwear collection.
Buy now £24.95, Free People
