The 6 Hats Everyone Will Be Wearing Instead of Bucket Hats This Summer

In general, summer hats are the one accessory that can make or break an outfit. Add the right one to the most basic outfit or simple swimsuit, and you’ve got a look that feels complete in seconds—but forego a hat or opt for one that clashes, and it can derail everything. With summer coming in hot, we’re giving you the full download on the best summer hats to shop for the 2025 season so all your outfits are as up-to-date as possible.

The one hat trend we’re not seeing as much of anymore? Bucket hats, especially kitschy styles in loud colors and quirky prints. So lo and behold, you’ll find an extensive collection of fresher summer hats that I believe are well worth the storage space they take up. Whether you’re wearing a bikini and cover-up or are feeling like a summer dress is more your beat, you can’t go wrong by topping it off with any of these six styles.

The Best Summer Hats to Shop Now

• Best Baseball Cap: Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Cap ($50)
• Best Cloche Hat: The Row Falken Hat ($620)
• Best Wide-Brimmed Hat: Janessa Leone Waverly Hat ($287)
• Best Silk Scarf: Bembien Simone Silk Scarf($110)
• Best Skull Cap: Loro Piana Crochet Cotton Beanie ($600)
• Best Bandana: Guizio Knit Bandana ($48)

Polo Caps

Baseball caps may be nothing new, but Kendall Jenner is singlehandedly ensuring that the It style of the season will be none other than a classic Ralph Lauren Polo Hat. At $50 and coming in a range of color options, it’s the low-level investment piece you’ll wear all summer—and maybe even into fall.

Cloche Hats

If you’re looking for a hat that’s as easy to wear as a bucket hat but more forward, let me introduce you to the cloche hat. Like the chicer older sister of the bucket hat, cloche hats emerged in the 1920s and are set to define the 2020s as well with their sleek, minimalistic silhouettes.

Wide-Brimmed Hats

Naturally, it wouldn’t be a discussion on summer hats without a mention of a tried-and-true style, the raffia hat. This summer, sun hats with a wider brim and overall more structured shape are what we’re prioritizing. They’re practical but ultimately so timeless.

Silk Scarves

While not a “hat” per se, silk scarves are quickly becoming the accessory that’s defining the coolest warm-weather outfits. Fashion people are tying them over their hair to wear with both beach and non-beach outfits alike.

Skull Caps

Early adopters are already testing the water with summer’s more out-there hat trend, the skull cap. These beanie-like toppers are fitted and crocheted, and tap into 1920s flapper style. I’m a fan of the way they lend a free-spirited boho feel to everything.

Lace Bandanas

Another alt-accessory that’s not quite a hat but functions as one aesthetically is the bandana—specifically, the delicate bandana. Coming in crochet knit, lace, and eyelet embroidery, these pretty hair accessories are another item we’ll see fashion people styling all summer.