The Best Men's Sun Hats: Bucket, Safari & Fedora (2026)

The best men's sun hats: bucket, safari, fedora and cowboy, ranked by coverage and style.

Last updated: July 2026

A cap shades your face; a real sun hat shades your face, ears and neck. For full coverage the safari and bucket hat lead, while the fedora and cowboy hat trade a little coverage for a lot of character. Here are the four styles and when each earns its place.

In this article

• Coverage comparison
• The four hats
• FAQ

Coverage comparison

Hat	Coverage	Best for	Price
Anti UV Bucket Hat	Full, 360 brim	Beach, festivals, streetwear	$29.98
Weathered Cotton Safari Hat	Full, wide brim	Travel, hikes, yard work	$23.99
Mesh Breathable Fedora	Good, vented	Vacations, patios	$29.98
Vintage Jazz Cowboy Hat	Good, wide brim	Statement summer style	$34.98

The four hats

Frequently asked questions

What is the best sun hat for men?

For pure protection, a wide-brim bucket or safari hat, both shade the face, ears and neck, which a cap cannot.

Do bucket hats actually protect from the sun?

Yes, the continuous brim shades all sides, and UV-rated versions like our Anti UV Bucket Hat add fabric-level protection.

Are bucket hats still in style?

Yes, the bucket hat has held its place in both streetwear and practical summer wear for several seasons running.

What sun hat is best for travel?

A soft cotton safari hat, it packs flat in a bag and recovers its shape, which stiff-brim hats cannot do.

Can a fedora be a summer hat?

A breathable or vented fedora works well for summer evenings and vacations, prioritise mesh or lightweight weaves over felt.

More hat help: the complete hats and caps guide and the best sandals for beach and travel.