Bucket Hats

The bucket hat's path from fishing accessory to global wardrobe essential is one of the more unlikely journeys in headwear history. Irish fishermen wore early versions in the 1900s — a downward-sloping brim all the way around, a soft unstructured crown, cotton or wool construction. The US military adopted it in Vietnam for jungle operations. Bob Hope wore one on a golf course. LL Cool J wore one on stage in 1985. And so it went — from utility to subculture to mainstream, through every decade without ever quite losing the associations of the one before.

The silhouette works because it is structurally honest. The all-around brim provides 360-degree sun and rain protection that no front-brim cap can match. The soft construction packs flat. The absence of internal structure means it sits differently on every head — accommodating rather than prescriptive.

Hatloom bucket hats are crafted in cotton, canvas, corduroy and packable fabrics — in retro colourways, graphic prints, and clean solids. Reversible designs that offer two hats in one. Built for travel, outdoor wear, and the kind of casual confidence that looks like it required no thought at all.

Bucket Hat Materials Compared

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bucket hat?

A bucket hat is a soft, unstructured hat with a wide, downward-sloping brim that extends all the way around the crown. It originated as Irish fishermen's headwear in the early 20th century and was adopted by the US military, surf culture, hip-hop, and contemporary streetwear. Available in cotton, canvas, corduroy and packable fabrics for men and women.

How do you wear a bucket hat?

A bucket hat is worn sitting naturally on the head with the brim level all the way around or slightly angled down. There is no correct forward or backward orientation — the all-around brim is symmetrical by design. It suits casual and relaxed wardrobe contexts most naturally. Wearing it with the brim turned up on one or all sides is a stylistic choice with no rule governing it.

Are bucket hats in style in 2025?

Bucket hats entered mainstream fashion in the 1990s and have remained in active production and wear since. They experienced a significant revival in the 2010s through streetwear and festival culture and are now established as a year-round casual wardrobe item. Premium versions in quality cotton, canvas and corduroy have extended the silhouette beyond its purely casual origins into smart-casual contexts.

What is the difference between a bucket hat and a sun hat?

A bucket hat has a soft, unstructured crown and a relatively narrow downward brim (typically 5–7 cm). A sun hat — typically a wide-brim straw or fabric hat — has a wider, stiffer brim (8 cm or more) designed primarily for UV protection. Bucket hats offer moderate sun protection in a packable, casual silhouette; wide-brim sun hats provide superior UV coverage with a more formal or beach-appropriate aesthetic.

Can you put a bucket hat in the washing machine?

Most cotton and canvas bucket hats can be machine-washed on a gentle cool cycle. Remove any cardboard brims before washing, and air dry rather than tumble dry to prevent shrinkage and shape distortion. Corduroy bucket hats are best hand-washed to preserve the texture. Check the care label on each specific hat — some structured or treated fabrics require hand-washing or dry cleaning.

Browse Bucket Hats by Season

• Summer Bucket Hats — lightweight cotton, linen and packable bucket hats for warm weather
• Winter Bucket Hats — wool, sherpa and corduroy bucket hats for cold-weather casual wear