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It’s peak summer, and we’re doing everything we can to stay cool while enjoying the final weeks of sunshine and bliss. In addition to slathering on the sunscreen (try these nontoxic face sunscreen brands), we’re also wearing sunglasses, scarves, and sun hats for added protection. We love a great wide brim hat for protecting from the summer sun — it’s one of the easiest ways to bring some shade with you wherever you go! The below options and styles are some of our favorites for park hangs, beach days, or strolls around the neighborhood. Bonus points if they make you look and feel like you’re having a euro summer moment. Speaking of which, some are even packable for a carry-on! Most importantly, these summer hats are made by sustainable brands that prioritize nontoxic, eco-friendly materials, as well as fair trade work conditions and responsible manufacturing. Grab your favorite and enjoy that summer sun!
1. Cuyana
Best For | Handmade Panama hats
Materials | Toquilla straw, a renewable resource made from young palm fronds
Price | $128+
If style and sustainability are of the utmost importance, you can’t do better than Cuyana’s collection of hats. Dubbed the Panama* Hats, these hats are responsibly made by indigenous women artisans in Ecuador — since they’re not truly Panama hats, the asterisk denotes the brand’s work to reclaim the hat’s true origin story (and you can sign a petition in support as well). Each hat is expertly handwoven using Toquilla straw and features adjustable interior bands and classic details like wide brims and ribbons. These are some of the most expensive on our list, but they’re worth the investment, thanks to the thoughtful production and timeless designs.
2. EILEEN FISHER
Best For | Raffia sun hats
Materials | Raffia palm fiber, cotton band
Price | $125
If timeless style is your thing, EILEEN FISHER sun hats are an easy yes. The brand partners with artisans in Madagascar to create beautifully crocheted raffia hats that offer generous sun coverage without sacrificing elegance. Each one is handcrafted using responsibly sourced raffia palm fiber through fair trade partnerships that help preserve traditional craftsmanship while supporting economic independence for local communities. The minimalist silhouettes pair with just about everything in your summer wardrobe, making these the kind of investment pieces you’ll reach for year after year.
3. Solbari
Best For | Sun hats with UPF
Materials | OEKO-TEX certified UPF 50+ cotton and linen, Bluesign approved nylon
Price | $59+
For sun hats that work just as hard as your sunblock, Solbari is a brand to know. With the catchphrase “the solar barrier you wear,” this Australian company specializes exclusively in sun-protective clothing and accessories, with every style independently rigorously tested and certified to UPF 50+ to block at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays. We’re especially fond of the Cotton Linen Collection, which pairs breathable, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified fabrics with practical details like adjustable sizing, packable construction, and generous brims that provide excellent coverage. Whether you’re gardening, traveling, or spending the day at the beach, these hats make it easy peasy to stay sun-safe.
4. Hat Attack
Best For | Beaded sun hats
Materials | Raffia, cotton, paper straw, linen
Price | $80+
Hat Attack is tough to beat when it comes to classic styles that you’ll want to reach for every time you’re out in the sun. The family-owned brand has spent more than four decades perfecting timeless, easygoing accessories. Today, founder BJ Gedney’s daughter leads the creative team, carrying on the brand’s legacy of classic designs with a continued commitment to quality craftsmanship, quality materials, and sustainable production. From wide-brim raffia styles to packable woven hats that are made for travel, Hat Attack’s collection strikes that sweet spot between practical sun protection and truly beautiful styles.
5. Will & Bear
Best For | Packable, crushable sun hats
Materials | Raffia, paper straw, 100% Australian wool felt
Price | $96+
Designed in Australia but made for the world, Will & Bear’s hats are both gorgeous and green. As a certified B Corp, the team prioritizes fair trade and ethical production as well as sustainable and natural materials for all goods — plus, for every hat sold, a tree is planted. With a number of bucket hats, straw hats, caps, and more, there’s a sustainable style for everyone, and we’re obsessed with the rich and stunning neutral colors. Best of all, Will & Bear offers a number of sizes so there’s no “one size fits all” philosophy here — each hat will fit your crown just as it should. 👑
6. Patagonia
Best For | Water-resistant sun hats
Materials | Organic cotton canvas, postconsumer recycled nylon faille made from recycled fishing nets, recycled polyester
Price | $45+
It’s no surprise that Patagonia wants you to be one with Mother Nature. That’s why these hats are made with exceptional function in mind. Whether you opt for the Duckbill Trucker Caps or the Bucket Hats, both are quintessential to the certified B Corp aesthetic — while also leveraging water-resistant, odor-resistant, and sustainable materials. We most appreciate how many color and style options there are and that many of the hats float if you go for an unintentional dip in the water. Protect your skin and the planet with one of these affordable caps, visors, or brimmers, from a brand that prioritizes purpose over profit, time and time again.
7. Jenni Kayne
Best For | Chic, lightweight sun hats
Materials | Raffia
Price | $165+
For minimalists with style, Jenni Kayne‘s sun hats are worth the splurge. Crafted from breathable and breezy raffia, these hats have an effortless, California-inspired look that pairs with everything from swimsuits to matching linen sets. We especially love the practical details: Adjustable interior bands for a more customized fit and travel-friendly designs that easily roll up for packing without losing their shape. Whether you’re headed to the beach or jetting off on vacation, these are the kind of gorgeous hats that make sun protection look undeniably chic.
8. Parks Project
Best For | Hats with graphics
Materials | 100% cotton, brass clasps
Price | $34+
Another brand made for the summer? The Parks Project, whose mission is to “leave the world better than they found it.” You can support the protection and preservation of parklands too, from Acadia to Zion, by grabbing one of the brand’s iconic hats. Often made in collaboration with brands like Leave No Trace, National Geographic, and the Prospect Park Alliance, donning one of these while out hiking, walking, or biking is the perfect chance to align your style with your values. Cutie designs, breathable cotton, flexible sizing… What’s not to love?
9. Terrain
Best For | Sun hats for gardening
Materials | Raffia, cotton, palm, suede, natural wood
Price | $38+
Terrain is one of our go-tos for unique home and garden finds. Founded as a destination for people who appreciate the beauty of the natural world, the team at Terrain curates decor, outdoor furniture, gifts, and apparel that blur the line between outdoor function and effortless style — and its sun hat collection is no exception. From handmade cotton crusher hats to beautifully woven raffia designs, there’s something for every aesthetic, whether you’re tending the garden, heading to the farmers market, or lounging by a body of water. We also appreciate that many of the styles ring in under $50, making it easy to find a beautiful, well-made sun hat without blowing your summer budget.
Featured image is from Cuyana
