Long confined to 90s holiday snaps, the bucket hat has made its comeback as the ultimate men's accessory: just as at home on café terraces as on the trail, it shields you from the sun without ever taking itself too seriously. But between the £10 cotton version that loses its shape after one wash and the technical bucket hat designed for walking, not all are created equal. Fabric, size, face shape, finish: here's our guide to choosing the best men's bucket hat — the one you'll actually wear.
Our selection: bucket hats and sun hats for men
Three reliable options to cover every need: the technical walking bucket hat — our most sought-after model — the ventilated hat for hot weather, and the wide-brimmed explorer's hat. You'll find all our models in our men's walking hats and bucket hats collection:
Why the bucket hat has become a must-have again
If the bucket hat has made a comeback on every head, it's not just down to fashion. Above all, it's the most versatile headwear there is: casual enough for town, practical enough for walking, it rolls up in a jacket pocket or rucksack without holding a crease — unlike a rigid hat, which ends up battered at the bottom of the boot.
Its short, downturned brim shields your face, ears and part of your neck from the sun, while leaving your field of vision completely clear. And unlike a cap, it won't leave an unflattering crease in your hair after two hours of walking. A good bucket hat strikes the perfect balance between style and function: you put it on to stay protected, and you keep wearing it because it genuinely suits you.
How to choose a men's bucket hat: the criteria that matter
Before you fall for a colour, four criteria make the difference between a bucket hat you'll wear for two summers and one you'll forget in a drawer:
- The material: cotton breathes and ages beautifully, perfect for the city — but it dries slowly and loses its shape in the rain. For the outdoors, go for a technical fabric (breathable polyester or nylon): it wicks away sweat, dries in no time and keeps its shape season after season.
- Size and fit: a bucket hat that's too big spins on your head, while one that's too tight leaves a mark on your forehead. Measure your head circumference (a tape measure just above your eyebrows) and aim for a snug fit. A drawstring is a real bonus whenever there's wind — up on a ridge, it can genuinely save your hat.
- Face shape: a short brim lengthens a round face, while a slightly wider brim softens angular features. If in doubt, a bucket hat with a medium, gently sloping brim suits almost everyone — which is exactly why it's so popular.
- The finish: even stitching, ventilation eyelets, a brim that holds its shape without being stiff. Turn it inside out: a clean interior with a sewn-in sweatband is the sign of a bucket hat built to last.
One last thing to consider: think about how you'll actually use it. A bucket hat worn ten times a year on a café terrace doesn't face the same demands as one that takes on sun, sweat and rucksack straps on every outing.
Bucket hat, cap or wide-brimmed hat: which style for which use
The bucket hat isn't alone on the headwear market, and it's often how you use it that sets the families apart. Here's how they compare — and for a full rundown for the trails, our guide on how to choose your hiking hat breaks down each family in detail:
| Style | Key features | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic cotton bucket hat | Lightweight, foldable, fits anywhere, relaxed look | The city, festivals, holidays |
| Technical outdoor bucket hat | Breathable fabric, quick-drying, drawstring, UV protection | Hiking, travel, outdoor sport |
| Cap | Effective peak at the front, sporty feel | Trail running and fast walking — though your neck and ears stay exposed |
| Wide-brimmed hat | Maximum shade on your face, neck and ears | Long days in full sun, the mountains, summer |
| Waxed rain hat | Water-repellent, brim channels water away from your collar | Changeable weather, autumn, damp regions |
In short: the bucket hat wins on versatility and style, the cap wins for staying put during fast-paced movement, and the wide-brimmed hat wins on pure protection. If you had to choose just one for everything, the technical bucket hat remains the best all-rounder — and our full collection of hiking hats, caps and beanies covers all three families if you're still torn.
The outdoor bucket hat: sun, UV and breathability
It's outdoors that a bucket hat really earns its stripes. In the mountains, UV intensity increases with altitude, and glare bouncing off pale rock or snow adds to the effect: covering your head isn't just a comfort detail — it's the first line of protection recommended by the Sécurité Solaire association as soon as the UV index climbs. A proper outdoor bucket hat ticks three boxes: a fabric with UV protection, a breathable weave that lets heat escape, and quick drying to cope with sweat on the climbs.
Another point that's often overlooked: breathability. When you're working hard, your head is one of the areas that heats up most, and a hat that doesn't breathe quickly turns into a portable sauna. Ventilation eyelets and quick-drying fabrics aren't just gimmicks: they make the difference between a hat you keep on for the whole climb and one you end up stuffing into your rucksack — leaving your head exposed in the process. The chin cord does the same job on windy days: tightened under the chin or behind the neck, it stops you chasing your hat across a windswept plateau.
On long days out in full sun — a mountain pass at midday, a ridge with not a tree in sight — the short brim of a bucket hat starts to show its limits around the back of the neck. That's exactly where our UV-protective hat comes in, the bestseller of the collection: its more generous brim extends shade down to your ears and neck, while staying just as lightweight:
£32.90
Pay in 4 instalments of £8.22 with no fees using Shop Pay
How to wear (and look after) your bucket hat
Wear your bucket hat pulled down snugly and tilted slightly forward, with the brim dropping down — never perched back on your head like an '80s fishing hat. Getting the size right is everything: the hat should stay put on its own when you lower your head, without pinching your forehead. As for styling, it pairs with anything simple: t-shirt, overshirt, light jacket, in neutral or earthy tones that echo the hat's colour. Beige, olive or dark grey versions go with everything; black is more flattering and works well with an urban look. On the trail, it naturally completes a technical outfit — our guide how to dress for a hike covers everything from head to toe, from breathable layers to footwear.
When it comes to care, the rule is simple: hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then air-dry, reshaping the brim as you go - never put it in a tumble dryer, as this shrinks cotton and damages technical fibres. Between washes, a soft brush is enough to remove trail dust, and a technical bucket hat can even be rinsed under a tap at the mountain hut to be fresh again by the next morning. Just avoid letting it dry scrunched up at the bottom of your rucksack after a damp outing - that's how watermarks and stubborn odours set in.
And when the weather turns? A technical-fabric bucket hat can handle a short shower, but under real, prolonged rain, it eventually soaks through. For damp regions and unpredictable seasons, a waxed model with a brim that channels water away from your collar makes all the difference:
£33.90
Pay in 4 instalments of £8.47 interest-free with Shop Pay
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best brand for a bucket hat? There's no single top brand - just bucket hats designed for different uses. For casual everyday wear, a well-made cotton bucket hat does the job. For the outdoors, look for a specialist outdoor brand offering UV-resistant fabric, a chin cord and quick-drying material - the details that really make a difference on the trail.
What's the best hat brand for men? Same logic applies: judge the hat, not the logo. Even stitching, an inner sweatband, brim structure and a fabric suited to your use (cotton for town, technical fabric for the outdoors) matter far more than the name on the label.
Which hat should a man choose? For town-to-trail versatility, go for a bucket hat with a medium brim. For long hours in the sun, choose a wide-brimmed hat that covers your neck and ears. For fast walking and trail running, a snug-fitting cap works best. The right choice follows your main use - and the shape of your face does the rest.
How should men wear a bucket hat? Pulled down firmly, tilted slightly, brim drooping naturally. Choose the right size (measure your head circumference), pair it with simple tones, and commit to it: a bucket hat worn half-heartedly suits no one, but worn with confidence, it suits almost everyone.
