8 Of The Best Summer Beach Hats That Will Help You Stay Cool and Covered
If you're anything like me—a.k.a. someone who burns as soon as they look at the midday sun—beach hats are a saving grace. Thankfully, there's no shortage of options that are both stylish and easy to pack. Whether you're a bucket hat lover or someone fond of a Western-inspired moment à la Hailey Bieber, the best beach hats will not only turn your swimwear and cover-ups into a full look, but they'll also save your nose and forehead from turning lobster red quicker than you can even check the UV index.
Regardless of your skin tone and tolerance for the sun, dermatologists are united in their belief that covering up during the hottest hours of the day is crucial. In its official sun safety guidelines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends wearing a hat that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck—particularly one made of canvas or in a darker color for added protection—between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Whether you're heading out of the city for a sandy getaway or have a tropical vacation in mind, I pulled together the best (and chicest) sun hats to wear all season. Keep the sun out of your eyes—and off your face—in style, with these.
Los Angeles-based label Janessa Leone is a firm favorite of editors, including ELLE US's senior fashion commerce editor, Dale Arden Chong. Think minimalist-leaning, made-to-last headwear in sustainable materials. I've personally taken my Greta straw hat everywhere—from Spain and Italy to Mexico—over the years, and it's never let me down when it comes to sightseeing or sunbathing on the beach.
Sizes: S-L
Colors: Black, Dark Earth, Tan
Materials: 100% straw
There's something undeniably cool about wearing a straw cowboy hat to the beach. This delicious chocolate brown option from Australian label Lack of Color is made to be styled with a turquoise bikini, gold body chain, vintage sunglasses, and a carefree attitude.
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: Carob
Materials: 100% paper
Customer review: 'I couldn't love this hat any more! The perfect shape and shade for summer (and beyond). Love how lightweight it is —consider it my new favorite hat!'
The bestselling Lantern style from Madewell is an under £100 fan favorite for a reason. The flippable brim on this roomy bucket hat lets you wear it slightly off your face while still offering enough coverage to shield you from the sun on a hot day at the beach or park.
Sizes: S/M-M/L
Colors: 6 optionsMaterials: 100% raffia
Customer review: 'I've never really been a hat wearer, but just as I was about to wrap up my shopping, this one caught my eye. I tried it on and instantly fell in love. It's the perfect size and shape and the perfect little accessory to complete a look!'
Whether you have an adventure on the agenda or just want to kick back in the sun, this easy-to-pack wide-brim hat is a reliable companion for destination beach trips. It folds like a dream while keeping its shape. The adjustable leather tie is a chic addition—and comes in handy when the wind hits the shore.
Sizes: One size
Colors: White, Mixed Coffee, Toast, Mixed Green
Materials: 100% paper straw
Customer review: 'I'm taking a road trip to the southwest and really needed a hat that was good quality, would cover my face and neck, and that I could tighten in case it gets windy! This hat is all of those things and super cute.'
With light distressing at the edges, this bucket hat is both casual and cool. Hide underneath it for a day of reading and watching the waves. Then, style it with a colorful sarong and beaded accessories when you hit the beach bar come sundown.
Colors: Navy, Black, White
Materials: 100% cotton
With 40 years of experience, Hat Attack consistently delivers trusty accessories. Its sustainably minded, made-in-the-USA hats hold their shape for years, and there's no shortage of classic colorways and styles to elevate your vacation 'fits. Take this fully lined, frayed-edge number, for example—it will enhance even the simplest of swimsuits.
Colors: Solid Natural, Solid White
Materials: 55% linen, 45% cotton
With plenty of colorways available, there's sure to be a Bondi Bucket Hat for you. Rendered in Solbari's signature UPF 50+ Technical Performance fabric, this comfortable, breathable hat also comes dermatologist recommended.
Colors: 10 options
Materials: 100% nylon
Customer review: 'Perfect lightweight hat and coverage for Florida sun. The cinch allows a tight fit for windy days and stays in place. Quality and style are best I've found for price. Highly recommend.'
This wide-brimmed straw hat from Nikki Beach aces it in the boho beach glamour category—it also boasts UPF 50+ protection. I love the conversation-starting shell detailing, which turns any seaside look into a moment.
Sizes: S/M-M/L
Colors: White
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Freya Drohan is a fashion editor, writer, stylist, and brand consultant with over 15 years of experience. She began her career in the newsroom in her native of Dublin, Ireland. Previsouly, she was the the editor in chief of the NYFW content app, HEED and the executive fashion director at The Daily Front Row. Her writing has been published by Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, Elle, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Maxim, and more. As a copywriter and strategist, she has worked alongside fashion, beauty, tech, and hospitality brands helping them hone their editorial identity and define their voice and point of view.
Freya has appeared on Fox5, New York1, Katie Couric Media, and podcasts as a fashion expert. To date, she has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, designers, and models for print, video, and online features. Freya is currently a judge for the SUPIMA Design Competition and a member of the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild where she is passionate about nurturing new talent in the industry and creating compelling fashion content across platforms.
Follow her on Instagram @freyadro, where she documents her collection of 300+ dresses and the adventures of her dachshund, Gorgeous George.
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A Lululemon-inspired longline sports bra you can wear for your next morning workout class, grocery run, or *even* your "let me rot all day in bed" moment. It's supportive, not too compressive, and lightweight, so it'll be delightful in warmer weather. A spaghetti strap romper that's so effortlessly cute, you'll want to live in it all summer long. It's got that perfectly loose fit that still looks put-together, adjustable straps for the right amount of support, and (the best part) pockets. The lightweight fabric makes it ideal for sweltering hot days when anything else feels like too much. Just throw it on with sandals, sneakers, or literally no shoes at all — psst, I think it's perfect as a beach coverup! A well-constructed satin midi skirt with the same shine, look, and silhouette as pricier silk options but is sooo much more affordable. You'll be itching to strut your stuff in this whenever you get the chance because you can wear it on dressier or more casual occasions. A pair of high-waisted running shorts that look just like Lululemon without the super steep price tag. These are lightweight, breathable, and come with a deep zippered pocket so your phone won't end up flying across the floor mid-squat. The stretchy fabric moves with you, the tulip hem adds a cute 'lil flair, and the high-rise waistband is *chef's kiss*. Whether you're going on a hot girl walk or actually working out, these shorts are ready for the job. And a pair of cozy drawstring shorts so comfy, you'll consider canceling plans just to lounge in them. They have a soft, lightweight feel and stylish look. Plus, the elastic waistband won't dig into your skin, and the roomy pockets are big enough for your phone, keys, or a snack you're trying to sneak into the movie theater. A pair of ~dreamlux~ leggings that are the closest thing you'll get to Lululemon Align leggings without dropping major cash on them. 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A floral wrap dress designed with pockets (yep, dreams do come true), so you can finally stop clutching your phone like it's a lifeline while strolling around town. The fabric's lightweight, breathable, and flowy enough to make you feel like the star of a coming-of-age movie — and comfy enough to wear on those sweltering summer days that are right around the corner. A Hanes sweatshirt that feels like a warm hug from your freshly laundered hoodie collection. This classic crewneck has that soft, just-right midweight feel, and comes in enough colors to match your best personal color analysis — IYKYK. A vintage-inspired bustier for your night-out wardrobe 'cause you + this = no bag angles when you start taking pics for Instagram. It's made with structured boning, a mesh bodice, and an open back that says "Yes, I did just step out of a fashion editorial." It'll pair flawlessly with jeans, skirts, or anything that deserves a little ~drama~. Bonus: reviewers say it stays up even when dancing! An oversized button-down shirt aka the new MVP of your wardrobe. It's lightweight, flowy, and juuust structured enough to look like you put in effort — even if you rolled out of bed like five minutes ago. Wear it open over a tank, buttoned up with jeans, or tossed on as a beach coverup when you're feeling Hamptons chic. It comes in a bunch of colors, doesn't wrinkle easily, and looks chic as heck! A sleeveless halter bodysuit that's sleek, supportive, and super soft — the ultimate trio, IMO. It's double-lined and holds everything in without a bra *and* reviewers compare it to Zara's and Skims' version. Wanna take a guess on which one is the most affordable? (Hint: It's this one.) A soft and stretchy tie-waist T-shirt dress with pockets (I repeat: pockets!!) so you can add something that's basically the epitome of summer in clothing form to your wardrobe. 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