The 16 Best Men's Summer Hats, Tested by Style Experts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.