IF YOU'RE after a versatile, stylish alternative to the baseball cap, the bucket hat might be for you.
Originally designed for outdoor pursuits, and with a large brim that protects the wearer’s eyes from the sun, or rain, the bucket hat might just be the accessory you didn’t know you needed. There are a number of different choices available though, all with subtle differences, making choosing the right one surprisingly difficult. From which fabric to go for to deciding on the right colour, as well as suggestions for the best bucket hats around, here’s all you need to know.
What to look out for
Fabric
When it comes to purchasing your own bucket hat, pay attention to the fabric. Every brand has its preference, and the fabric can drastically change the overall look and feel of each piece. For something easy and adaptable, look to cotton bucket hats. This is the same kind of soft, flexible fabric that’s often used for baseball caps and is easily distinguishable by its subtle twill.
For a more technical look, look to outdoor focussed brands and opt for a nylon or polyester blend. Usually waterproof and crease-resistant, these fibres are perfect for bucket hats suited to hiking, or for times when you want to stay dry in bad weather.
Colour
Bucket hats are an easy way to add a bit of colour to your look. Available in all manner of shades and patterns, try a statement red or yellow bucket hat and keep the rest of your look neutral. This will allow the bucket hat to take centre stage and act as the focal piece of your look. Alternatively, go tonal with a dark navy or black bucket hat and match it with similarly dark jeans, tees and knits.
Best bucket hats at a glance
- Best overall: New Balance Unisex Lightweight Bucket Hat
- Best zipped hat: Columbia Trek Bucket Hat
- Best breathable style: Uniqlo Linen Blend Bucket Hat
- Best sporty look: Jordan Jumpman Bucket Hat
- Best cotton style: Lyle & Scott Pure Cotton Bucket Hat
New Balance Unisex Lightweight Bucket Hat
- (AD) New Balance Unisex Lightweight Bucket Hat, £20 – buy here
Simple and easy to wear, it’s difficult to go wrong with this bucket hat. Made from soft navy cotton and finished with a subtle white logo, it’s New Balance at its minimal best. If you’re new to bucket hats or you want to experiment with the style, this could be the one. It’s the kind of hat you could throw on at a moment’s notice and chances are it would complement whatever else you’re wearing. Try it with a pair of dark blue jeans, an olive green hoodie and your favourite pair of trainers.
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Columbia Trek Bucket Hat
10- (AD) Columbia Trek Bucket Hat, £25 – buy here
If in doubt and you’re uncertain about which shop to head to for your bucket hat, turn to an outdoor brand. Columbia specialises in outdoor clothing, from its technical jackets and parkas to its combat trousers and waterproof hiking boots. This bucket hat design continues its functional design traits with its simple, soft construction which can be folded up in a backpack, as well as its zip pocket. Ideal for storing your keys or a small wallet, this practical addition turns the humble bucket hat into an ingenious luggage solution.
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Jordan Jumpman Bucket Hat
- Jordan Jumpman Bucket Hat, £38 – buy here
Michael Jordan himself has been known to sport a bucket hat from time to time, so it’s only right his namesake brand would stock them. This one comes with an all-black look aside from the yellow Jumpman logo on the crown.
Lyle & Scott Pure Cotton Bucket Hat
- Lyle & Scott Pure Cotton Bucket Hat, £25 – buy here
Finished in a versatile olive shade, this Lyle & Scott bucket hat comes in a short, unstructured style that’s incredibly easy to wear. With a soft, sloping edge and the brand’s yellow crest on the crown, it’ll slot seamlessly into your casualwear rotation.
Uniqlo Linen Blend Bucket Hat
- Uniqlo Linen Bucket Hat, £19.90 – buy here
This Uniqlo bucket hat is made from a linen blend fabric, making it lighter and more breathable than many on this list. Finished in black and with no branding at all, it’s a minimal, easy-to-style piece that won’t break the bank.
Barbour Wax Bucket Hat
- Barbour Wax Bucket Hat, £33 – buy here
Barbour’s classic bucket hat is made from the brand’s signature waxed cotton fabric, the same found on its jackets. It ensures it’s waterproof and it will also take on a unique patina with time, where parts will fade quicker than others. Try it with dark jeans and a chunky knit in winter, or add a rainproof twist to your warm-weather wardrobe.
John Lewis Ripstop Bucket Hat
- John Lewis Ripstop Bucket Hat, £20 – buy here
For a lightweight, military-inspired take, try this John Lewis design. Made from a durable ripstop cotton, the kind used for field jackets and combats, it will add a rugged twist to laid-back looks.
ASOS Design Bucket Hat
- ASOS Design Bucket Hat in Black, £8 – buy here
Finished in all black, this minimally designed bucket hat is perfect if you don’t want to make too much of a statement. Made from a polyester blend fibre, try it with tonal looks consisting of black jeans, a T-shirt and complementary trainers.
Jaxon & James Packable Cotton Bucket Hat
- Jaxon & James Packable Cotton Bucket Hat, £16.95 – buy here
This rugged design is made from 100% cotton twill, the kind that will last forever while remaining soft and comfortable against the skin. Use it to stay out of the sun’s way, or to simply add a vintage-inspired twist to your weekend attire.
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Next Reversible Bucket Hat
- Next Reversible Bucket Hat, £14 – buy here
If you can’t decide on the colour to go for, try a reversible bucket. This one from Next comes in both navy and cream, so you can colour coordinate depending on the day. Try it with chino shorts, a knitted polo and leather sandals and you can’t go wrong.
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