From the boater to the bucket, every style that should be on your radar

Words by Abigail Southan

he best sun hats will add a finishing flourish to any summer outfit. Not to mention protect your face from harmful UV rays.

From Grace Kelly and Bianca Jagger to the Duchess of Sussex, every stylish woman knows the power of a good hat. Although designed with functionality in mind, hats will forever be synonymous with the sartorialism of the 20th century – just think of the strong images conjured by bowlers, boaters and Jackie O’s pillbox.

Before today’s more casual climate, hats were essential for nearly every occasion, whether for weddings, work or even school. And yet, as a result of dress codes loosening up, headwear options have diversified. A few year’s back we witnessed a bucket hat renaissance; and now this trend is even bolder, with colourful crochet, floral-print and fisherman styles reigning supreme for summer 2023. If you prefer something more timeless, cowboy and wide-brimmed straw hats are enduring fashion favourites; and classics like the boater and Meghan’s favourite Panama are play-it-safe summer signatures.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best sun hats for women to wear in 2023. Invest in one or two to instantly elevate summer outfits and double up (alongside your favourite facial SPF) on that all-important UV protection.

Jacquemus

A few years back, Jacquemus and Olmos Y Flores took the term statement hat to new levels with their shoulder-sweeping straw styles. They were, of course, trés Instagrammable – cue a slew of nearly-naked shots from the likes of Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna and Emily Ratajkowski. Now, Simone Porte Jacquemus has brought back this cult accessory from his historical La Bomba collection for SS23.

Lack of Color

The cowboy hat will never lose its appeal but it can quickly go from chic to fancy dress, depending on what you style it with (if you do want to go all-out though, shop our edit of cowboy boots).

Isabel Marant

If you prefer to keep things simple, or don’t want to invest in something just for the summer months, why not try a baseball cap? Isabel Marant’s nods to early 1990s off-duty trends (Google Princess Diana for inspiration) with its faded cotton and retro logo embroidery.

Free People

Wide-brimmed hats might be the cherry on top of chic holiday looks, but they’re near-impossible to transport. Free People’s woven straw style has a packable crown, so it’ll survive in your suitcase. We love how the leather trims and Outback-inspired toggle chin ties.

Jacquemus

The bucket hat was associated with ravers and Nineties’ nostalgists until Prada debuted its logo nylon styles a few years back. Every summer since, the likes of Rejina Pyo, Ganni, Dior and Burberry have all created different takes – proving that this trend is going nowhere anytime soon. Simone Porte Jacquemus debuted his signature logo-stamped bucket hat during his first ever menswear show in 2018 and now this cult piece has become a mainstay in the women’s collections, too.

Arket

If you’ve moved on from the bucket hat, try the functional fisherman design instead – it’s understated and altogether more elegant. Made from off-white linen, Arket’s has that signature sloping brim, ribbed with embroidery for structure, and wide chin ties.

Miu Miu

Miu Miu’s hat nods to late Eighties’ styling – think wallpaper print and vintage Laura Ashley dresses – with its ditzy florals, upturned brim and oversized bow. Perfect for playful staycation looks, consider this accessory a bolder take on this season’s cult #coastalgrandmaaesthetic.

Gucci

Steeped in British history, the straw boater is associated with rowers, punters and school uniforms. Gucci has freshened this hat up, weaving the raffia with sparkling Lurex threads and embellishing the grosgrain band with its signature bumble bee charm.

Eugenia Kim

Not solely reserved for tennis players and golfers, the visor has become a fashion statement in recent years. Eugenia Kim’s two-tone version is made from woven raffia and fastens with black grosgrain ties.

Reiss

A celebrity favourite, the Panama is one of the most versatile hats out there – you can wear it with everything from floaty bohemian dresses to simple shirts and jeans (the Duchess of Sussex’s go-to combo for summer events).