Hats are a category of fashion that hide beneath a veil of unnecessary excess despite their roots in practicality. Be that a tool to disguise unwashed hair or a shield from the harsh rays of the sun, hats are a rather functional accessory in any season. A highly personal purchase, our staff is investing in various forms of hats that fit their distinctive aesthetic and utilitarian needs. From sleek baseball caps to floppy sun hats, discover which hats our editors are relying on to see them through the warmer months.
Jessica Teves, Head of Content
The Cove Hat
This raffia straw sun hat by one of my favorite hat brands of all time combines all the things I love into one hat: natural-colored raffia, a bucket shape, and an extra-wide brim for optimal sun protection. Perfection, indeed.
Cotton Canvas Sun Hat in Khaki
Light and easily packable, this delightfully simple hat is perfect for keeping my face protected on even the sunniest of days.
Naples Cotton Packable Cap & Visor Sun Hat
Yep, I wear this for tennis—don't judge! It's not the sexiest look—especially when combined with a face covered in layers of spf 50—but almost no sun gets through when I wear this bad boy. Also, looks aside, it's honestly one of the most comfortable hats I've ever worn and doesn't budge an inch, even during really intense competition. 10/10 recommend for sports!
Abby Miller, Head of Production
Utopia Wave Terry Bucket Hat
This gem has two of my absolute favorite fashion moments combined—terry cloth and a bucket hat. Seriously, what could be better? This is the perfect unisex summer hat proven by the fact that both Justin and Hailey have been spotted rocking it. I bought mine back in January and have been waiting anxiously for the weather to warm up so I can debut this baby.
Britt Bucket Hat
One more bucket hat (can't stop, won't stop). I love everything by Lisa Says Gah—their fun retro-inspired prints can add a little pop to any outfit. This bucket hat gives me some groovy endless summer vibes that I want to take into the season.
New York Cap
There is something about this simple "dad hat" that I absolutely love. A baseball cap like this gives me major off-duty model vibes. The sleek typeface and canvas makes this one an elevated choice.
Camille Freestone, Associate Style Editor
Felix
As it is of the seasonally specific straw variety, this hat is currently sitting dormant in my closet waiting for the first days of summer to lure it out. The silhouette is interesting without being too tall. An added bonus? You can literally roll this up in your suitcase, and it won't damage the shape!
Performance Baseball Cap
On rough hair days, a navy baseball cap is a go-to with a low bun. I like to contrast the sporty aspects of the hat with a sweater, jeans, and loafers. And between sunglasses, a mask, and this hat, you would never know it was me under there (which can sometimes be a good thing).
Nera Wide Brim Straw Molero
I am very picky when it comes to hats, but I found myself greatly enjoying the boater shape last summer. The black hue is an interesting riff on the typical straw colorway and is perfect for any minimalist.
Nick Papa, Manager Brand Partnerships & Sales
Tyron Cap
I've had my eye on this hat for months and finally feel justified to buy it, given the change in season (at least that's what I'm telling myself). It's the perfect elevated version of a classic baseball cap. I love the simplistic signature logo and added contrast with the topstitching around the brim.
Classic Straw Hat
After a brutal winter, I am longing for lazy days on any beach where I can nap in the sun without a worry. A lightweight straw hat is essential for those moments—it is breathable in nature and provides protection from the sun. What more can you ask for?
On the Fly Ball Cap
My tried-and-true, go-to, everyday black hat for the days that I cannot be bothered. It breaks in really nicely and wears similarly to a cotton baseball hat where it fades in certain places as you regularly wear it for a worn-in look.
Caroline Dunn, Affiliate Coordinator
Squishee Antigua Multicolor Fringe Wide-Brim Fedora
I could not be more excited about the potential for beach vacations this summer, and it's become highly apparent in my recent shopping habits. I currently only want to buy things that look like they would be at home in a Slim Aarons photograph from the '60s, which I will admit is a very specific genre, and this Eric Javits hat feels like just that! The bright colors and fringe detail are a full vacay vibe.
Crystal-Embellished Raffia Visor
I will justify this splurge with the fact that I can still wear this embellished Miu Miu visor when I am a very chic grandma one day. The wide brim is perfect for ensuring full sun protection on all the long beach days that I'm currently dreaming of.
Crochet Straw Hat
I recently came to terms with the fact that as much as I wish I could, I simply cannot personally pull off a classic baseball hat. With that, I have heavily invested in the bucket-hat trend, and know that I am going to get a ton of use out of this neutral straw one in lieu of loading up my second-day hair with dry shampoo.