<p>None of these are wrong, and you’ll find them all and more on the list below. Oh, and there’s also a gigantic sun hat or two for the folks out there who, like me, are ridiculously susceptible to <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/a61545253/ray-ban-wayfarer-reverse-sunglasses-review/” target=”_blank”>sunburn</a>. Slather on <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/g36096353/best-sunscreens-for-men/” target=”_blank”>that SPF</a>, for sure, but topping yourself off with a shade-giving hat is an essential line of defense at the <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g64149432/best-swim-trunks-for-men-reviews/” target=”_blank”>beach</a>, the park, or anywhere else people tend to congregate in the sun for hours on end. </p><p>But enough about us. Let’s focus on you and all the best hats you have at your <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a64540141/how-to-wear-sandals-on-the-beach/” target=”_blank”>disposal this summer</a>. Time to get shopping, friend. Right this way… <em><em><em></em></em></em> </p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Stetson
Best Outdoorsy Hat
Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Hat
If straw ain’t your thing, how’s about this technical option from the outdoors specialists at Columbia? It’s easily stowable for convenient carrying, and with a mesh panel, it’s breathable for summer weather, too.
Colors
41
Sizes
One Size
Materials
100% Nylon
Best Classic Hat
Carhartt Rugged Professional Cap
Think of it as your trusty Carhartt beanie, just built for the warmer months ahead. Durable, tough, and versatile—this is one that gets the job done with ease.
Colors
6
Sizes
One Size
Materials
100% Cotton
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Best Affordable Straw Hat
Quiksilver Pierside Straw Hat
A summer hat made especially for sitting on the pier, gazing at a waterfront view for hours on end. And for under 20 bucks, too!
Colors
6
Sizes
S-2XL
Materials
100% Raffia Straw Fiber
best classic hat
J. Crew x ’47 Cleanup Cap in Heavy Cotton Twill
Doesn’t get much more iconic than a Yankees cap, does it? J. Crew and ’47 have teamed up for a timeless option crafted from cotton twill that’ll last you for plenty of summers to come.
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best designer hat
Gucci Striped Canvas Bucket Hat with Embroidery
It’s summer, after all; don’t be afraid to add a splash of color. Especially in the form of this luxe, playful Gucci bucket hat.
best relaxed hat
Câbleami Panama Hat
A straw Panama hat is what summer dreams are made of. For long days spent out in the sun, this hat adds the perfect laid-back vibe to your fit. The straw fabric is nice and light, too.
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best luxe hat
Loro Piana Naoki Webbing-Trimmed Straw Hat
Then again, no one does summer relaxation quite like Loro Piana. It’s all about the laid-back, luxe vibes with this timeless straw hat.
Best Wide-Brim Hat
Fishpond Lowcountry Hat
This wide-brim hat is just fishin’ for compliments.
Colors
Tan
Sizes
M-L
Materials
Guatemalan Palm
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Best Dad Hat
Champion Ameritage Dad Cap
A black Champion dad cap? For less than 20 bucks? That’s a no-brainer.
Colors
16
Sizes
One Size
Materials
100% Cotton
Best Functional Hat
The North Face Class V Brimmer
With an adjustable drawstring, this Steve Irwin–esque hat is for the true summertime adventurers.
Colors
7
Sizes
S-XL
Materials
68% Recycled Nylon, 26% Nylon, 6% Elastane with FlashDry
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Best Straw Hat
Stetson Open Road Straw Hat
He’ll be ready for the open road with this solid choice from Stetson.
Colors
Cognac
Sizes
6 3/4-7 5/8
Materials
100% Shantung Straw
Best Everyday Hat
Polo Ralph Lauren Logo-Embroidered Baseball Cap
Clean, simple, and classic. Your everyday dad hat.
Colors
10
Sizes
One Size
Materials
100% Cotton
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to summer hats, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through alot of trial and error, and these summer hats are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.