10 Best Bucket Hats

Bucket hats are not just for sun protection; they are versatile in shielding you from the elements, falling debris, and insects, making them a practical choice for outdoor activities.

While they may not be the most stylish type of hat, our guide is dedicated to showcasing the best bucket hats for men and women in various styles, ensuring you find a suitable and functional option.

What difference does the material make, and which hats are worth purchasing? You can just read on to find answers to the questions and explore some of the best bucket hats on the market.

What’s the Difference Between Cotton and Polyester Bucket Hats?

Cotton hats dominate the bucket category, but you will see some 100% polyester hats or a mixture. So what’s the difference?

• Cotton – If you will be in an area with dry heat, the bucket hat for the occasion is made of 100% cotton. Since it is so absorbent, you should avoid cotton in wet, damp areas and be sure that you wash it before the first use because it may shrink a little!
• Polyester – Polyester is slightly more durable than cotton but isn’t as breathable, and we wouldn’t recommend it for dry heat. Things will get stuffy under the Hat if you’re out in 90°F + temperatures, but if you get caught in the rain shower, you will stay dry as you dash for cover.
• Mix – Cotton/Polyester mixes are the best of both worlds since you get the superior UV protection and durability of the polyester and a bit more breathability thanks to the cotton. This type of hat is best in cool areas but not in hot, dry climates.

Brim Style

All bucket hats have ventilation holes in the top, so airflow will be under them regardless of the material.

When comparing hats to find the right material and style for your needs, it’s crucial to consider the brim style. This will ensure you get the right hat for the occasion, whether it’s for maximum shade or better visibility.

• Rigid or Floppy – Some hats have stiffer, more rigid brims than others, meaning they stick out straight. Others, such as the Mission Cooling Bucket Hat, are looser and floppier, which means they slump down around the ears, back of the head, and in front of the eyes. Neither is better, but a floppy brim can get in your line of sight and might not be the best choice for activities such as hunting or paintballing. However, they provide more shade, so a wide, floppy brim is great if you’re out in the garden and looking down as you work.
• Wide or Narrow—Check out the brim width. Wider brims offer better sun protection but might slightly block your view. Narrow brims provide less shade but allow you to see more easily. Be sure to weigh your options before choosing the best bucket hat for your activities!

Features of a Good Bucket Hat

• Materials – Most Bucket hats will consist of 1005 cotton, although there are cotton and polyester blends and polyester hats.
• Colors and Washes – Bucket Hats come in various solid colors and washes, and I have also seen some printed and tye-dye options available.
• Brim Size – The Hat’s brim can be between two and four inches in most bucket hat models.
• Other Features – Many Bucket hats come with metal holes at the sides for better ventilation; some may even have an interior sweatband.

Reviews: Best Bucket Hats

These are some of our top favorites when it comes to Bucket style hats;
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• Please consider the Coolibar Reversible Bucket Hat if you need a hat suitable for damp, cooler climates. It offers superb sun protection.
• This smart-looking Hat is fully reversible, and each side offers UPF50+ protection. The brim is a generous 3 inches wide, and the back has an elastic drawstring to adjust to fit your head. It is also available in three sizes: Small/Medium, large/extra large, and XXL.
• Remember that this hat should be hand-washed. If you want it to last, avoid throwing it in the machine.

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• Unlike the Coolibar, Quicksilver has a chin strap that will keep your Hat from flying off your head if the wind picks up. Are you heading out on a fishing boat or riding at the theme park? A hat like this would come in handy!
• Since it is cotton, we recommend it for hot, dry climates. It will soak up water like a sponge and won’t keep you dry in light rain, but it keeps your head cool when the temperature rises.
• Quicksilver recommends this hat for men simply because of its sizing. However, anyone can wear it (as long as it fits), and it is available in four other colors if you don’t want the white one (which will quickly show dirt and sweat stains).

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• The Chok-Lids cotton Bucket summer hat is ideal for outdoors and beachwear.
• This bucket hat consists of a breathable and highly durable cotton fabric.
• It has one size fits most closure and a versatile and stylish appeal.
• There are also quite a few color options from which you can choose.
• The ventilated metal eyelets allow for better ventilation and cooling in the bucket hat’s sides.

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• The Hat Depot washed cotton range comes in many color and tye dye color options.
• This model has many colors, washes, and fun tye-dye wash options.
• It consists of pure cotton that is durable and breathable to keep you cool.
• The Hat is of premium quality and has a very fashionable appeal.
• You can select between small, medium, large, and extra-large size options as far as sizes go.

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• One of the main differences between this bucket hat and the other two we just discussed is the size and angle of the brim.
• While it may be narrower, they angled it downward better to protect the face and eyes from the sun.
• It’s a basic hat of average quality. The chin strap is missing, and the top doesn’t have an adjustable drawstring, so make sure you order the right size.
• It comes in Small/Medium, Large/Extra Large, XXL, and 3X.
• If the colors are a bit too drab, but you like the hat style, check out numbers 4 or 5 on the list!

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• The DS Men’s Bucket hat is ideal for fishing and summer wear.
• It consists of 100% pure cotton that is light and breathable.
• You can select a few color options in the DS men’s Bucket Hat.
• The Hat is light and ideal for summertime as it will keep you cool.

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• The Newhattan is a shorter-brim summer bucket-style hat for men and women.
• The Hat consists of soft and breathable cotton.
• A wide variety of color and size options are available for men and women in this model.
• The Brim is only two inches, with an inner sweatband and two eyelets for better ventilation.

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• The American Cities Bucket Hat is one size fits most style and size options.
• The Hat is adjustable to fit most small or medium-sized heads.
• It is an excellent quality hat that is ideal for the outdoors.
• Moreover, there is such a large variety of colors to choose from.

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• The Hat is 100% soft and durable polyester.
• It features UA storm technology that repels water yet stays breathable.
• The design is reversible, with a shorter brim for a more comfortable fit.
• You can also fully machine wash this Hat.

Index Table: Top Rated Bucket Hats

No.	Product	Image	Features	Brand	Score
1	The Hat Depo Unisex 300N - Hat with a Bucket Style		Many Colors Mens and Womens Sizes Available	The Hat Depo	99.1
2	Coolibar Unisex Reversible - Bucket Style Hat		Reversible Smart design UV Protection	Coolibar	98.4
3	Quicksilver Unisex Bushmaster - Bucket Hat		Cotton Breathable Color Options Available	Quicksilver	98
4	Chok.Lids Unisex Cotton - Best Bucket Hat		Wide Brim Outdoor Hat Lightweight	Chok.Lids	96.3
5	The Hat Depot Unisex Coolest Bucket Hats - Cotton Bucket Hat		Washhed Cotton Many Colors and Dyes Lightweight	The Hat Depot	96.8
6	Dorfman Unisex Pacific - Bucket Style Hat		Many Size Options Better Sun Protection Angle Adjustable Fit	Dorfman	96.8
7	DS Men's Cotton - Bucket Hat		Many Colors Cotton Lightweight	DS	97.4
8	Newhattan Unisex Shortbrim - Bucket Style Hat		Cotton Sweatband Many Colors Available	Newhattan	96.8
9	American Cities Fashion Unisex Cotton - Bucket Hat		Small to Medium Size Options Pure Cotton Many Colors Available	American Cities Fashion	97.3
10	Decky Unisex Polo - Hat with a Bucket Style		Snug Fit !00% Cotton Neutral Colors	Decky	97
11	Under Armour Men's Switchback 2.0 - Best Bucket Hats for Men		Polyester UA Storm Technology Reversible	Under Armour	97.6