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Bucket hats: For the longest time, I never understood the appeal. It was a style that I associated with fervent fishermen, grandmothers in the garden, and devotees of Hunter S. Thompson—descriptors that I am not. But like mayonnaise, spinach, and podcasts, I have come to have a newfound appreciation for the chapeau beloved by Fear and Loathing fans. Because the bucket hat is fully happening right now, and it's actually kind of great.
It all started—as with most things I love about fashion—with Prada. At the Spring 2022 show, designers Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada presented a collection filled to the brim with variations of the bucket hat: black nylon, white cotton, red leather, yellow vinyl, stripes, you name it. My interest in the hat was piqued. Then came Virgil Abloh’s show for Louis Vuitton that same season. He, too, showcased buckets, this time with the LV logo or a psychedelic print. There was nothing outdoorsy about them. They were cool. Urbane. They had a sense of humor. I officially became a bucket hat convert. So much so that I bought three in the span of a few weeks, most likely while listening to a podcast and eating a sandwich slathered in mayo.
I am fully aware that I am a late bloomer when it comes to the bucket hat; the style has been riding the resurgence of '90s fashion for some time now. I also spent my formative years in the “be kind, rewind” decade, so I’m really late. Nevertheless, I’m into it now, and with the selection below, you could be, too.
The trick, if you're wondering, is to simply wear one. Don't overthink it. Don't try for a fisherman vibe, or a Hunter S. vibe. Just try for your vibe and throw a bucket hat on top. You might be surprised by how easy it is to wear one. Or maybe you won't be. Maybe it'll just feel that natural. You're a bucket hat convert now. Welcome to the club.
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Reclaimed Vintage Vintage-Inspired Bucket Hat
Reclaimed Vintage Vintage-Inspired Bucket Hat
Add this to your check list. (Sorry, but it needed to be said.)
If you live and die by the Swoosh, rest assured it's got you covered too.
Still on the fence about tie-dye? Take it slow by starting with an accessory.
STÜSSY Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Gauze Bucket Hat
STÜSSY Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Gauze Bucket Hat
The tried-and-true uniform for every OC skateboarder.
It doesn't get anymore '90s than this, folks.
The ideal hat for when you want to add a pop of color—in this case, an easy, bucolic green.
No bucket hat story is complete without Kangol.
Daily Paper Multi Colored Repatch Bucket Hat
Daily Paper Multi Colored Repatch Bucket Hat
With this hat, all you need is a simple tee, your favorite jeans, and white sneakers to be fully minted.
Paul Smith Tie-Dye Cotton-Serge Bucket Hat
Paul Smith Tie-Dye Cotton-Serge Bucket Hat
If a Monet turned into a hat, this would be it.
Real men wear madras.
Rick Owens x Champion Gilligan Hat
Even Rick Owens has jumped on the bucket-hat craze. That says something.
A little bit of orange goes a looong way.
CELINE HOMME + Gregory Edwards 'Stranded in the Jungle' Printed Cotton-Drill Bucket Hat
CELINE HOMME + Gregory Edwards 'Stranded in the Jungle' Printed Cotton-Drill Bucket Hat
I could throw out a bunch of animal-slash-wilderness puns, but all anyone needs to hear is that this hat is fucking cool.
Tell me you're into nature without telling me you're into nature.
It's all there in the intro.
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