The Best Hats For Men
Though the years are gone when the streets were full of hatted gents, keeping a few headpieces in your wardrobe can make all the difference to your style. Choosing a hat isn't just about looks, though. Most outdoor adventures can be enhanced with the correct headgear. Whether you're searching for sun protection, insulation, or simply a quirky and unique fashion piece, we've gathered a few of our favorites below that are sure to impress.
What to Look For
Choosing the right hat depends on what lies on the journey ahead. To help you make the best choice for the occasion, we’ve highlighted three crucial features in our search: comfort, weatherproofing, and style. Our favorite overall is the cooling bucket hat from Mission. This hat is a winner for the warmer months thanks to its resilient UPF50 protection and breathable fabric that will help you stay fresh in the heat. If you’re looking for an option for the colder months, check out the insulated bucket hat from Carhartt. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
Mission Cooling Bucket Hat
Wide-brimmed hats are a must for days in the sweltering sun, but choosing a hat with the right design is crucial if you want to keep your head fresh. This bucket hat doubles as a heat aid thanks to its smart polyester design. Simply soak the hat in cold water, wring it dry, and you’ll enjoy a refreshing temperature drop for as long as two hours.
Pros:
- The wide brim is rated at UPF50, offering protection from about 98 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- The elastic chin strap comes with an adjustable toggle, making it easy to find a secure fit.
- We appreciate the reinforced quilted stitching on the brim. It prevents it from flopping down during wear and protects against warping during storage.
Cons:
- With only one size available, this hat might not be a perfect fit for everyone.
FlexFit Athletic Baseball Fitted Cap
Few headpieces are more widely worn than the classic baseball cap, and this sturdy design is a cut above the rest. Thanks to the blended cotton and polyester-combed fabric, the six-panel crown is exceptionally soft and comfortable. With the iconic FlexFit stretchable sweatband lining the brim, it’s sure to stay snug whether you’re relaxing or pushing yourself to the limit.
Pros:
- Sizes run from XS to XXL, so there’s an option for almost every head shape.
- The wide range of colors available will leave you feeling spoiled for choice.
- If it’s treated well, the durable bill should hold its shape for years to come.
Cons:
- These caps can begin to discolor after prolonged exposure to moisture.
Goorin Bros Trucker Hat
Creature comforts
The iconic trucker hat provides casual cool in bucketloads. This playful range from Goorin Bros offers a lively twist on the classic design, adorning each with an assortment of kooky characters. Take your pick from this motley crew of creatures and you’re sure to find one you can wear with pride.
Pros:
- The four rear panels are made from breathable polyester mesh to keep your head feeling fresh.
- With an adjustable four-snap-in back strap, this hat is easily adaptable for virtually all head shapes.
Cons:
- This design sits about an inch from the head, which some may find uncomfortable.
Cooltto Wide Brim Sun Hat
Explorer's chapeau
Protecting yourself from the elements can be a serious affair when adventures lead you to distant wilderness destinations. This heavy-duty sun hat is built for the outdoors, and it’s our first choice for fishing, camping, hiking, and the like. The super-wide 12-centimeter brim is equipped with hardy UPF50+ protection to neutralize nasty UVA and UVB rays at the scene of the crime, keeping your face and shoulders shielded from harm.
Pros:
- You can count on this hat during a downpour as the resistant nylon coating is completely waterproof.
- The brim can be clipped to the crown for increased visibility and an alternative style. The whole hat can also be folded away for easy storage.
- Thanks to the sturdy adjustable chin strap, you can be sure that you won’t lose this hat when the winds pick up.
Cons:
- The sweat absorbent belt at the brim is practical on a warm day, but it can be a little stiff compared to other hats.
Carhartt Knit Insulated Cuffed Beanie
When temperatures drop, even the thick-haired folks among us might need to wear an extra layer to keep their heads warm. Enter the Carhartt beanie. With a thick 100 percent acrylic rib knit, this classic design isn’t just soft and cozy, it’s a formidable first line of defense against the cold. The 3M Thinsulate Flex lining also helps to make this hat a fantastic insulator, so look no further for the ideal head warmer.
Pros:
- The thick-rib acrylic is less itchy than the materials used in most knitted hats.
- We appreciate the classic range of colors on offer here.
Cons:
- If you don’t like to tout brand allegiances, you might not appreciate the large Carhartt logo on the cuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my hat machine-washable?
With so many styles to choose between, there’s no hard and fast rule on washing hats. In general, we wouldn’t recommend throwing your new headpiece in the washing machine because of the risk of warping. This is especially true for caps and wide-brimmed hats that could become irreversibly damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.
How can I measure my head to choose a well-fitting hat?
Most hats are measured at the brim. To take a measurement, simply hold a measuring tape around the circumference of your head above the ears, just where the brim of the hat will sit. Some hats come with only one size option, but these often include adjustment features like buckles or straps.
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