Best cooling summer hat
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
Best cooling summer hat
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
One of our editor’s favorite summer hats, this not only comes in a bucket hat style but the performance fabric is also made to be able to cool instantly—up to 30 degrees—once met with water. Our editor found that the coolness could stay up to 2 hours, even under the sun. And we love that the fabric is UPF 50 to offer even more production against UV rays.
| Material | 100% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Bucket Hat |
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Best everyday summer hat
Huckberry Waxed Canvas Tree Trucker Hat
Best everyday summer hat
Huckberry Waxed Canvas Tree Trucker Hat
Meet your new go-to hat. It’s like a classic pair of jeans but for your head. With its sturdy waxed canvas construction and familiar trucker style, this hat is as versatile as it gets. The fabric is built to withstand any adventure, the mesh back nylon will keep you cool and comfortable, and we love that it’ll develop a beautiful patina over time. Don’t forget the stow-away leather strap back for a customized fit. Take it on a camping trip or rock it for a night out in town, it’ll add a touch of rugged charm to your fits.
| Material | Waxed cotton canvas, nylon mesh |
|---|---|
| Style | Trucker hat |
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Best performance summer hat
lululemon Both Ways Reversible Bucket Hat WovenAir
Best performance summer hat
lululemon Both Ways Reversible Bucket Hat WovenAir
Out of all the Lululemon hats we’ve tried on, this style is the most summer-friendly. This versatile headgear features a wide brim to shield you from the sun’s relentless rays while remaining lightweight and smooth. The WovenAir™ fabric ensures breathability, while the four-way stretch provides a more personalized fit and freedom of movement. The sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties make this bucket hat sports-friendly as well. Plus, it’s reversible, meaning you can flip it inside out for two different looks that’ll keep you going all day long.
| Material | 53% Recycled polyester, 43% Elastomultiester, 4% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Style | Bucket hat |
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Best budget summer hat
Carhartt Rugged Professional™ Series Canvas Mesh-Back Cap
Best budget summer hat
Carhartt Rugged Professional™ Series Canvas Mesh-Back Cap
This is hands-down my favorite summer hat. Having worn this hat since August 2022 to the gym, even to the office, or just to go about the neighborhood, I’m always satisfied by the consistent style and performance it delivers. The rugged cotton construction has held out well, the mesh back keeps me cool, and the Its structured, medium-profile design offers a classic workwear look. Also, thanks to the Carhartt Force sweatband, odors are kept at bay, while the fast-dry technology wicks away sweat. At just $20, it’s a hardworking summer hat for all the hardworking folks out there.
| Material | 59% Cotton, 39% Polyester, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Style | Trucker hat |
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Best overall summer hat
Melin Odyssey Stacked Hydro Hat
Best overall summer hat
Melin Odyssey Stacked Hydro Hat
Performance meets style is kind of Melin’s thing, and we confidently say that the brand has really nailed it with this summer hat. Packed with performant features, it uses hydrophobic crown panels and perforated side and rear panels to keep you cool and dry even in the heat of the action. The floatable design ensures it stays afloat if it takes an accidental plunge. Also, need a secret stash? There’s a hidden interior pocket in this hat for that. And we love that the cap style looks a bit taller but still sits a bit more shallow for lasting comfort.
| Material | Polyester blend |
|---|---|
| Style | Trucker hat |
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Made from Mack Weldon’s own lightweight, fast-drying performance fabric, this hat offers unbeatable flexibility and breathability at a price point that is wallet-friendly. Whether you’re hitting the gym or running errands, its moisture-wicking properties keep you cool and dry, specifically the mesh sweatband that prevents sweat droplets from falling down your face. The targeted ventilation zones at the back also increase the airflow, and the adjustable closure makes for a perfect fit every time.
| Material | 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Style | Cap |
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best summer bucket hat
Patagonia Wavefarer™ Bucket Hat
best summer bucket hat
Patagonia Wavefarer™ Bucket Hat
We love nylon here: the fabric is naturally breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking. So we took Patagonia’s Wavefarer™ Bucket Hat for a spin since it’s crafted in 100% recycled nylon, and it’s a game-changer through and through. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish makes it ready to tackle any weather and keeps it from getting soggy, and the built-in pocket feature allows you to conveniently roll up the hat and pack it away. The bucket style, lastly, sweetens the deal, letting you stay protected from harmful sunlight in style.
| Material | 100% recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Style | Bucket hat |
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Best summer sun hat
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
Best summer sun hat
The North Face Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat
Exceeding all our expectations is The North Face’s sun hat. With its airy full-brim design and UPF 40+ protection, it’s perfect for long, sun-soaked days. The FlashDry-Pro™ sweatband works wonders by actively wicking away moisture to keep me dry and comfortable. The nylon fabric feels breathable and lightweight, and the adjustable chin strap actually feels good and easy to maneuver. Plus, the hat has a bona fide endorsement by The Skin Cancer Foundation, earning their Seal of Recommendation for its excellent UV protection.
| Material | 100% recycled nylon |
|---|---|
| Style | Sun hat |
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Best straw summer hat
Quiksilver Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw Sun Hat
Best straw summer hat
Quiksilver Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw Sun Hat
Quiksilver is a pro at making beach essentials, from board shorts to sun hats. This in particular screams the classic straw safari style with its wide-brimmed while keeping you protected from the UV rays, with breathable fibers allowing a gentle breeze to caress your scalp. From hitting the beach to working in the yard to exploring the great outdoors, it will provide a comfortable which is enhanced by the adjustable draw cord chin strap and lined headband. We are also impressed by how well the structure of the hat has maintained thanks to the sturdy straw weaving.
| Material | 100% Straw |
|---|---|
| Style | Sun hat |
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On’s cap is the epitome of hardworking protection in a lightweight package. Combining featherlight construction with fast-drying technology and laser-cut ventilation, it keeps you cool and collected regardless of the weather. The woven fabric is even made to be tearproof, and we were amazed by how well it has lasted. While it’s made for running, we found it just as suitable for everyday usage with its high-performance features, breathability, and quick-drying capabilities. Whether you’re hitting the streets or the sports field, On’s cap ensures you’re covered in both style and function, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Cap |
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Best outdoor summer hat
GADIEMKENSD Outdoor Running Hat
Best outdoor summer hat
GADIEMKENSD Outdoor Running Hat
Now 20% Off
This is an outdoors essential that does the work like no other without charging a huge sum of fees. Featuring stretch comfort adjustable sizing, you can fine-tune the fit to ensure a relaxed feel that won’t distract you from going ahead. Made with soft, UPF 50+ nylon fabric that’s naturally breathable and quick-drying, you will stay cool and dry even during a light rain. We also love how lightweight and unstructured it is to bolster the comfort level, and how the two-side mesh design lets air in and heat out.
| Material | 100% nylon |
|---|---|
| Style | Cap |
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Best fedora summer hat
Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat
Best fedora summer hat
Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat
Now 26% Off
With this sun hat, you get to explore summer vacations in style while keeping comfort intact. The fedora style exudes an air of sophistication but also shields your face from the sizzling sunlight. And we love that, unlike other sun hats, this one has an internal adjustable sizing feature that’ll bring on an optimal fit as well as customize how the hat sits on your head. The breathable fabric also feels breathable and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, effectively minimizing the risk of sunburn while keeping your noggin cool and dry
| Material | 90% Paper, 10% Polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Fedora |
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Best summer hat for running
Hoka Packable Trail Hat
Best summer hat for running
Hoka Packable Trail Hat
We trust our feet to Hoka, and our heads too. We’ve field-tested this running hat during a marathon. So, we can confidently say that everything Hoka touts about it is true. Short-brimmed, it’s just enough to keep the sun and rain off your face. The lightweight fabric and laser-cut perforations keep it breathing easy. A unique, bungee cord around the back allows for a one-size-fits-most design, and we found that it’ll stay on even during the most grueling runs. Our favorite part is that the crushable design holds its form well on your head but packs down small enough to fit in your pocket, backpack, or belt, making it perfect for travel.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Cap |
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Best summer trucker hat
Vineyard Vines Whale Dot Performance Trucker Hat
Best summer trucker hat
Vineyard Vines Whale Dot Performance Trucker Hat
This performance trucker hat lets you really make a splash. Made with 100% performance polyester, this hat has quick-drying, sweat-wicking qualities that’ll let you stay as cool and collected. We love how breathable the back ventilation mesh panels feel since they’re laser-cut to maximize airflow. With its eye-catching graphic on the crown and adjustable strap for the perfect fit, you will easily be able to rock it with confidence too.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Trucker hat |
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Best summer golf hat
Peter Millar Crown Seal Performance Hat
Best summer golf hat
Peter Millar Crown Seal Performance Hat
The best weekend warriors out there know the importance of wearing the right golf hats, like Peter Millar’s. Crafted with lightweight polyester that’s made to be as breathable as a fresh breeze, this hat is perfect for those sun-soaked days on the golf course or during your sweat-drenched workouts. Its breathable and moisture-wicking properties will accompany your active lifestyle well, while the adjustable elastic loop closure ensures a fit that doesn’t irritate the skin. Plus, we love how the pliable bill molds to our preference, offering a fit that’s so custom it’s like having a personal hat tailor.
| Material | 100% polyester |
|---|---|
| Style | Cap |
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Best visor summer hat
Todd Snyder x FootJoy Seersucker Tour Visor
Best visor summer hat
Todd Snyder x FootJoy Seersucker Tour Visor
Seersucker is the king of summer fabric: its crinkled texture renders it naturally breathable, which is why Southern guys love wearing seersucker suits. Todd Snyder and FootJoy, however, worked together to turn it into the form of a visor with a retro style that screams nostalgia. We love that the back strap is easy to adjust for a snug fit, while the curved bill effortlessly shields our eyes from the sun. Since your hair or scalp is exposed because of the visor style, the breathability there is foolproof.
| Material | 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex Yarn Dye Seereucker |
|---|---|
| Style | Visor |
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What to Look for in Men’s Summer Hats?
Material: Look for breathable fabric like cotton, straw, or lightweight synthetic fabrics such as nylon. These materials provide better airflow and allow heat to escape. On the other hand, look for quick-drying, sweat-wicking properties in materials like polyester and nylon. With breathability and sweat-wicking gotten in spades, the fabric of a summer hat shall keep your head cool and therefore your thoughts clear.
Sun Protection: It’s recommended to opt for hats with a wide brim in styles such as bucket hats, sun hats, and fedoras to shield your face, neck, and even ears from the harmful UV rays of the sun. In the meantime, consider summer hats made with a UPF rating (ideally 30 and above) to ensure maximum sun protection.
Ventilation: Check for ventilation features such as eyelets or mesh panels on the crown as well as in the back that will enhance airflow and prevent your head from overheating. A few hat styles like trucker hats always come with back ventilation panels, but styles like cap and bucket hats don’t always have them, so be on the lookout for these ventilation features.
Size and Fit: Ensure your summer hats fit properly by measuring your head circumference and choosing the right size. The best summer hats should come with an adjustable or stretchy closure in the form of a strap or band to let you customize the fit and prevent the hat from falling or flying off in windy weather.
Packability: Men’s summer hats should also be ready for travel and packing, therefore look for foldable or crushable options that are nonetheless made with sturdy materials or reinforced brims that can withstand frequent use. Summer hats that retain their shape after being packed are the best.
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How We Selected
To find the best summer hats for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a variety of styles, such as hiking in Hoka’s trail hat, running errands and going about a weekend in Carhartt’s trucker hat, sporting On’s lightweight cap to workouts, or wearing Quiksilver’s sun hat to the beach. Then, our testing editors narrowed the selection by evaluating these men’s summer hats based on their style, fit, performance in the heat, fit/comfort, and versatility.
Read more: Learn How Men’s Health Tests Products
In addition, our selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing shoes; instead, our picks of the best summer hats for men all fit great athletic guys, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.
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Why Trust Us
At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.
In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.
Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Deputy Editor, Commerce
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
