It is much easier to find a bad hat than a good hat. It’s a category of retail where the decks are stacked precipitously against the consumer: For every handsome, elongated bucket, there are hundreds of unappealing bowler caps. For every classic floppy wide-brim, there are legions of cheap-looking Panamas. Tiny beanies that don’t cover the ears. Fiddlers. Newsboys.
In an effort to cull a comprehensive list of nice-looking, non-offensive, even — dare we say it — cool hats that you can wear as easily on city streets as you can at the beach, we dug through pages of felted fedoras, creamsicle-colored fisherman caps, and wool Kangols. Below are our favorite 15, most of which can be rolled up, stowed in a bag, and quickly whisked out when the sun starts beaming down.
Or a slightly more elongated version, from a classic French brand.
A startlingly expensive-looking cotton hat from Amazon, that two Strategist writers happen to own (and love).
If you’re thinking, “But maybe a Panama hat would look good on me” — ignore your instincts and go for this sleeker straw flat-top instead.
Writer Alice Gregory’s favorite summer hat is half bamboo fan.
Another structured take on the very popular bucket — this one is off-white, canvas, and folds down into almost nothing.
A very British-looking waxed cotton hat by the new, very cool Spanish-based brand Maar.
Similar looking to — but much cheaper than — the very popular, very out-of-stock Crochet Bell Hat by Lauren Manoogian.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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