While there’s no denying the mood-boosting benefits of feeling the sun on your skin, we’re now more aware than ever of the negative effects overexposure to harmful rays can have. From skin damage to more serious health concerns, the importance of sun protection has never been more prominent—and that's where the best sun hats come into play.
You see, while of course we all know the importance of slathering on the SPF on sunny days, your summer accessories can also play just as big in role in ensuring you're adequately protected. Think a chic cover-up post-dip, or a pair of sunnies to avoid squinting in the sun. And when it comes to covering your face and head? Don't underestimate the power of a good sun hat.
Now, if all this sounds wholly unsexy, don't worry: I'm not saying your summer accessories need to provide practicality over style. In fact, this season, they deliver on the style front more than ever before. Just a quick scroll through my Instagram feed reveals that sun hats are definitely in this season—and in a whole host of shapes and styles. Think raffia bucket hats, wide brimmed straw sun hats and playful crochet styles, all of which deserve space in your suitcase for summer 2025.
So, without further ado, I've scoured the internet to track down all of the chicest sun hats around, from the high street all the way through to the most luxurious designer brands. Now let's just hope the sun sticks around long enough for us to actually wear them...
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more suited to the everyday, check out our edit of the best sports caps, which are here to help you fulfil your tenniscore dreams as well as keeping you cool and covered. Like I said, when it comes to this year's best sun hats, no style is off limits.
The best sun hats, at a glance
- The best wide brim sun hat: & Other Stories Wide Brim Straw Hat, £47
- The best bucket hat: Gucci GG Denim Bucket Hat, £430
- The best cowboy sun hat: Lack of Color Raffia Cowboy Hat, £145
- The best raffia sun hat: Loewe X Paula's Ibiza Raffia Sun Hat, £495
- The best fabric sun hat: Jacquemus Le Bob Artichaut Sun Hat, £130
The best wide brim sun hats
Wide brim sun hats offer maximum impact while also ensuring you stay cool and shady. While influencer Tine's supersized style may not be the most practical, it proves there's no need to play it safe—the bigger, the better.
If floppy sun hats aren't your style, try something a little more structured.
Free People's wide brim sun hat can be bent and folded without losing its shape, making it perfect for packing in your suitcase.
I'm shocked John Lewis' structured sun hat comes in at under £50—it looks so luxurious!
The best bucket hats
The cool girl's sun hat of choice, bucket styles offer the ultimate in easy wearing. This season there are so many great ones to choose between, from crochet bucket hats to cotton and raffia iterations, so play around and see which suits you best.
The woven detail on Zimmermann's raffia bucket hat give it an artisanal feel.
Forget quiet luxury, show your allegiance with Gucci's monogram print bucket hat.
The best cowboy sun hats
The Western trend is still holding sway in our summer wardrobes, and that applies to accessories, too. To give your cowboy hat a summer-ready twist, opt for the classic shape in raffia and straw finishes for a softer feel.
Cowboy hats don't need to be elaborate, this pared back style is understated yet still western inspired.
The shell detailing takes this cowboy hat into summer dressing territory.
This sun hat has a subtle sparkle making it ideal for wearing to festivals as well as on holiday.
The best straw and raffia sun hats
Always on trend, raffia and straw sun hats are a great choice if you're looking for a style with timeless appeal. If you're wondering the difference between the two, straw hats tend to hold their shape, making them the ideal choice for boaters and more structured styles. Meanwhile, raffia hats offer flex and movement, making them a great choice for floppy sun hats and wide brim styles.
Forget their beach bags... A Loewe sun hat is the ultimate summer accessory.
The best fabric sun hats
Lastly, we have fabric hats which come in all forms from cotton and canvas to lightweight linen. These are the best sun hats for wearing both at home and while away on holiday as their more relaxed vibe offers plenty of versatility.
You may remember Jacquemus supersized sun hat from 2018 - well this season, they've pared things back and it's this cotton style that everyone is set to be wearing.
Live out your cottagecore dreams this summer in this floral printed sun hat.
