The Bucket Hat is Back

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Kangol: what do all of these big names have in common? The answer is a little more unusual than you’d think. In recent fashion shows, all of these major fashion designers have displayed their love of the simple bucket hat.

Bucket hats??

You mean those floppy hats grandpa used to wear when he went fishing? The one with the hooks stuck into the side and the handmade flies and the camo print and –

Yes, the humble bucket hat is reemerging from its unfashionable cocoon again and taking the couture world by storm.

Originally, the crushable design, wide brim, and quick-drying material made it perfect for fishermen around the turn of the 20th century, but as it served a fairly niche market, it fell out of style. You may or may not remember, but in the 1990s, the bucket hat swooped back into the fashion world and reigned supreme with hip-hop artists and denim-clad school children alike. Gradually, however, the bucket hat again began to fall out of favor.

Now we are in 2020, and bucket hats are again surging in popularity, but as it’s a notoriously difficult-to-style hat, you might wonder how exactly you wear one. Clarify: how exactly you wear one and have it look good.

We’re here to give you some tips on how to embrace the bucket hat trend while still looking en pointe.

Outfits

One point in the bucket hat’s favor is that its shape (or lack of) makes it look the same on just about anyone. If you have an oval face, you may have a tiny advantage, but overall, it doesn’t play favorites. So how do you wear one? Here are some outfit ideas:

• Camping/Hiking: Camping and hiking wear lends itself about as well as anything to the bucket hat. A simple, button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, khaki shorts, hiking boots, and a neutral-colored bucket hat with a wide brim and chin strap will keep you not only cool, but also cool. *eyebrow waggle*
• Exercising in Cool Weather: If you’re out exercising in cool weather, a bucket hat can tie together your workout clothes while keeping your head warm. Simply match your sweatsuit to your bucket hat for a look that’s complete and functional.
• Brunch and the Beach: For a laid back look, choose simple, flowy outfits and pair them with a straw bucket hat. You could also choose a solid-colored shirt or dress and pair it with a gingham-print bucket hat for a touch of whimsy.
• Make a Statement: Bucket hats nowadays come in every color, pattern, and material, so if you’re feeling like you want to make a statement with your hat, you have a lot of options. Be aware that you need to own whatever direction you go: either all of your outfit is bright and bold, or you wear solid prints on bottom to highlight your hat’s colorful design on top.

  

• Be Transparent: PVC and organza are making a splash in the bucket hat world but for different reasons. PVC (a clear plastic material that can have colors and designs) lets you make a statement with the hat itself but also what’s under it (think colorful hair, scarves or other accessories). Organza, on the other hand, creates a soft, delicate look that pairs well with flowy or sheer material.
• Sophistication: Two things that never were meant to go together that actually do: sophistication and bucket hat. Believe it or not, you can pull off the sophisticated lewk by coupling a neutral-patterned dress or leather bomber jacket with a leather bucket hat.
• Chic: Nothing says chic quite like the color white. If you want to put out the vibes that you know what’s what, try wearing white from head to toe. White sneakers, white pants or flowy skirt, loose, white top, and a white bucket hat to cap it off. Bonus points if everything is linen.
• Nostalgic: Of course, in these trying times, nostalgia holds a warm place in people’s hearts. If you’re going for the nostalgia vibe, design an outfit with as much denim as possible and top it all off with a bleached, patched, or splatted painted denim bucket hat. Throwing in a pair of oversized hoop earrings and a choker would complete the look.

Styling

How you wear your bucket hat makes as much of a difference as what you wear it with. A rolled brim, for instance, can completely change the way your hat looks. Wearing your hair down, piled up under the hat, or in a low ponytail or bun also alters the hat’s appearance. If you want to look more serious, pull the bucket hat straight down to your ears, but if you want to seem fun and flirtatious, tilt it back a little. Like we mentioned earlier, bucket hats are more than just the canvas of yesteryear. They now come in:

• Camo
• Tie-dye
• Houndstooth
• Floral
• Sheer or transparent
• Gingham
• Fur
• Denim
• Cotton
• Straw
• Leather
• Nylon
• Metallic fabric
• Corduroy

Accessorize

Even though colors, fabrics, and patterns abound, there are still things you can do to customize your hat further. Consider adding patches, pins, and custom embroidery. Additionally, bright hatbands and oversized sunglasses are very trendy and go with just about any bucket hat.

It looks like bucket hats are here to stay, so don’t be afraid to grab one on your next shopping venture and work it into your everyday style. And if you’re looking for a customizable bucket hat, make sure to ask about our embroidered hats to fit your team, school or company. Our design process is simple, our quality is unmatched, and our turnaround is quick.