The best summer hats not only provide protection from sun exposure, but add instant pizazz to your favorite summer outfits. If you are heading off on vacation, to an outdoor wedding, to the beach, or any other outdoor adventures there is a perfect hat for you. Let’s chat about how to Beat the Heat in Style with my Favorite Summer Hats.
Nothing protects you from summers uvb rays better than a great summer hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. The options go far beyond your standard beach hats. They come in every style imaginable from fedoras, to wide brims, buckets, and even baseball caps. I do have a larger head so most brands I wear a medium.
There are prices to suit every budget. I recommend having a couple packable ones and investing in well made ones if you can. Many of my straw hats I have had for years. The less expensive ones tend to tear and lose shape, but you can find some good ones at good price points as well.
It is no secret that I am a big fan of Helen Kaminski hats. They are adjustable which is a huge plus in my book. The quality is unsurpassed and they last for years. You can find vintage Helen Kaminski hats on eBay here. . Hats.com carries many hat brands including Helen Kaminski (often at the best prices you can find anywhere) here.
I am probably asked most often about her Provence 8 hat. It has a smaller brim, so it can be worn with almost anything. You can wear the brim up or down, and it is totally packable. I have owned this hat for three or four years and it is just like new. If it gets a little out of shape in my suitcase, I spray it with water, put a wet towel in the center of it and roll one around the brim. It pops right back into shape.
This hat was given to me by a dear friend who recently passed away. I have owned it for at least 10-15 years. It is the Classic. You can often find this style on eBay. I have linked some below. I am wearing it with my life jacket from Cara Brown Designs.
I like this wide brim HK Dessa hat (on super sale right now) with a flowing maxi, or a wide leg pant. The wide floppy brim balances out the fullness of your lower half. It would also be great with a flowy maxi dress. I wear the Provence 13 when around the pool. I have owned it for probably five years.
SHOP HELEN KAMINSKI HATS
Wallaroo hats are very reasonable and of great quality. They can be found on Amazon here. I am wearing the Victoria with my pal Kim from Northern California Style. They are one size but they do specify crown size on the Amazon site. Kim, Sarah and I covered Summer hats a couple of years ago in this post Stylish Summer Hats for Women Over 50.
In this photo from a couple years back, I am wearing the Wallaroo Traveler. It offers great sun protection with a upf of 50. This is a great sun hat for walking, gardening or running errands.
My favorite gardening hat is from Wallaroo.
SHOP WALLAROO HATS
I am a new fan of Eric Javits. These hats have an inner band and are one size fits most. I wear a medium in most brands and they fit me perfectly. They are currently having a big 4th of July sale here. Almost all of his hats are rated SPF 50 and are packable. A win win. I currently own the Squishee Instinct but hope to add a few from the list below to my collection. These hats are super comfortable.
SHOP ERIC JAVITS
I love the casual look of the Britxon Proper Hat. I am wearing a small in this hat. I believe this one is unisex. We have a new Brixton store in San Luis if you are local. You can also shop their entire line of hats here. Their offering is in the mid price range, but very good quality.
I am hoping to share another line Janessa Leone with you soon. I am coveting the Felix Bucket Hat, and their fabulous Tanner Hat bag.
I love classic baseball caps with adjustable sizing. This Paris cap can be found at Anthro. It comes in black and white. Anthro has many other great baseball options here as well. I think I need a linen one.
Here are some of my favorite Price Friendly hats. There are so many good options. Keep in mind cost per wear. Here I am wearing a great looking option from Target.
SHOP CHEAP CHIC HATS
As you can see there are numerous women’s summer hats to choose from, no matter your personal style. The best sun hats are the ones you will reach for most and enjoy. They come in all sorts of fabrications including raffia, crochet, canvas and straw. They all give you some protection from the sun’s rays, but many offer up to 50 spf. Others offer more breathability but just filter the sun. I am not a big fan of the visor versions because the chance of sunburn to the top of the head. The wide-brim sun hats with SPF will offer the most protection against UV radiation. The choice is yours.
Thank you for reading Beat the Heat in Style with My Favorite Summer Hats.
I like your style very much and also like hats. I am trying to style the Mer Sea wrap; I’m not quite there yet but experimenting. I had several nice comments this morning at church.
I love the mer sea wraps. I usually just tie in front in a double know, or throw over one shoulser!
Always enjoy reading your posts Cindy.
I am and have always been, a hat lady. California born and raised 😉 (SF native and lived surrounding the Bay Area then moved to Orange County Coastal area). Now enjoying the Jupiter, Floridawater-oriented retirement lifestyle . Hats are a must here to protect scalps from burning and pre-cancer danger. Baseball caps are my casual go-to. I have quite the collection from my numerous travel adventures (imagine 30+ 😂). I also own two Helen Kaminski hats, including the Cassic 5 and Newport SB. Thank you for posting we are able to purchase on eBay. I found both, brand new with tags, for less than 1/2 of retail prices. Love both can have the ribbons replaced with scarfs and ties to match my outfits. I take these both on cruises to dress up my wardrobe.
As for Walleroo, I have 5 in different colors/patterns and they truly are THE go to for SPF50 protection. Mine are the Breton’s (3) and Petite Victoria’s (2). Enjoy how they completely “squish” while packing in a suitcase then pop back into shape with a simple shake. The brims are so flexible as to style in various positions.
Thank you recommending the Helen Kaminski hats, I just love them. Both you and Jennifer C recommended the Walleroo’s and I cannot thank you both enough. I cruise frequently to hot Caribbean resort areas and these hats are a “Must Have” for the SPF factor as well as the packing friendliness.
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you Katelyn. I am preparing a packing post as we speak and will be packing my Helens and possibly wallaroo!
Hi Cindy, I just discovered your site and I am enjoying it very much. I’m 72, always looking for fashion advice and suggestions on dressing appropriately for my age. I’m an active grandmother of (7). My husband and I like traveling and enjoy good wine. Look forward to reading your blob tomorrow
Hi Pat
Welcome! We are so happy you are here. Seven grandchildren must keep you busy! My husband and I are wine lovers as well. I share a lot about local wines on Instagram.
Hi Cindy,
I really love this post! Thanks so much for the in depth info! I also love the olive brown and white crop pants you are wearing…could you please share purchase info?
Thanks again,
Suzie L
Hi Susie
I am so sorry I missed this! That is a skirt and it is black and white from Anthropologie. Unfortunately, it is only available in XL nowhttps://rstyle.me/+noPse81w01O1TF-fqS8jRA. Zara does have a very similar skirt as well here https://c8.is/42uc4gk. I actually like the zara one better and it is a brown black.
Hi Cindy,
What an informed post on hats. Thank you. They serve many purposes, The fashion statements they create add so much pizazz to
what you are wearing. You suite wearing hats so well. Love your style, it’s unique and a “standout” special.
Hi Katherine
I love hats. They are a necessity here in the su,mmer!!
Great post Cindy! I love hats and you’ve given us so many fabulous ideas. Thanks!
Hi Barbara
Thank you so much for stopping by!!
Dear Cindy! Great post with many fun hat suggestions! Like you, I have natural white hair and hats are so important to keep my hair from turning yellow/brown. So many wonderful options available for all occasions. Love your Paris Baseball hat with the red tennis shoes. You just gave me a great Fourth of July idea! Cheers from Anna in Arizona!
Hi Anna
Yes I have to struggle to keep my hair from turning yellow as well. I also love wearing hats when I do not want to do my hair!
I like hats but don’t know appropriate rules for women in hats!
When do I remove it?
What about the messy hair do under the hat?
An help will be appreciated.
Ethel, obviously I don’t know what hairstyle you have, but I have certainly struggled with the flattening effects of wearing hats. I find that it helps if I part my hair on the opposite side of my head before putting on my hat. I’ve also taken the top section, twisted it an bit, and secured it with a small claw under my hat. No more flat hair. However, I can’t speak to the etiquette of when a woman should remove her hat.
Hi Sarah
Thanks for weighing in. Good tips!!!
Hi Ethel
I looked it up. “It is not necessary for women to remove their hats indoors” When I wear a hat it is often because I don’t want to do my hair. That is the beauty of hats!
😂 Oh my, am I in the same mindset! No need to remove our hats when in outdoor public nor indoor settings despite the old and outdated adage that we must for respect. 95 degree hot and beating sun is unforgiving. Take off the hats and our scalps are burned quickly. Give me a baseball hat in casual settings (outdoor or on patios and indoors in casual settings) and those lovely decorative hats for indoor and/or outdoor outings, picnics, cruise events, wine tastings, weddings and any other semi-formal events which preclude the wearing of those baseball caps I so love. Formal outdoor events, go for the dressy hats. I have several in go-to colors of white, ecru and turquoise. I dress them up (depending on occassion) with flowers, scarfs, ribbons and/or decorative accessories. I even have a couple of beautiful custom designed couture hats to celebrate Halloween. Hats are so much fun. At times an indulgence, at times mandatory!
Hi Katelyn
I love your philosophy on hats!!
Your posts are inspirational. You will need a hat in the coming days, 100 degrees in Paso Robles, yikes! Glad we spent the weekend there several days ago, it was 80 degrees.
Hi Nancy
We have not had a lick of hot weather here. We will be complaining when it gets over 110 ha ha! Where we live, it always cools off at nght. We get the Templeton Gap breeze.
Love all of the hat ideas. Have had a couple of skin cancers so hats are now part of my wardrobe.
Ditto on the coat you’re wearing with the Paris cap! Looks stylish! Is it waterproof? Love the longer length. Looking for a jacket for an Alaska cruise.
Hi Jean
It is actually terry from Eileen Fisher. Here is the link https://rstyle.me/+PbPDR4HryzLbE42U__9OCQ. I wear it all the time. So comfy and washes beautifully.
Beware of the cheaper hats. I bought a cute one but when I got caught in a rain shower while on vacation in the Caribbean, it was ruined.
You have so many hats, Cindy and wear them well. I have a small head so find it hard to find ones that fit my head and don’t overwhelm me.
Hi Joanna
I agree with you. I have not had good luck with inexpensive hats. Have you tried a small cloche style or fedora? My DIL has a very small head and she wears hats like that very well. I linked to one of Eric Javits. I have the opposite problem unfortunately!!
I’ve just this year discovered brimmed hats I love to wear. It took a long time to find a brim size and height of hat to suit my face and body, but well worth the effort. Thanks for covering this topic so well. I look forwardt forward to an autumn/winter blog on rain hats and winter hats and how to wear them with style.
And the RED HAT I GAVE YOU FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY WILL MAKE IT OUT OF YOUR CLOSET FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY?
Red lips and red hat and you are holiday ready‼️
~ I forgot to add that I will look at the Helen Kaminski hats you mentioned. Thanks for all you do. ~
~ Howdy Cindy H. Thank you for your recent post on hats…one of my favourite accessories. My husband and I live in the mountains of West Virginia, where hats are needed here (year round). If the weather is overcast, I wear a hat. If it is sunny, I wear a hat. Mostly, cowgirl hats with a Cattleman’s Crease and 4 inch brim. I do wear a straw hat my husband bought for me a several years ago. Even in winter, I’m never without one. Hats complement so many outfits. I have one by Double D Ranch that was bench made by Trent Johnson of Greeley Hatworks (Colorado) and another by Charlie 1 Horse. I also have a variety of baseball caps. Lastly, I wanted to say that you ALWAYS look so chic and polished. And of course, your infectious smile. ~
I have 2 vintage Kaminski hats and didn’t know about the wet towel trick!!!! Guess what I’ll be doing soon? I got the Paris baseball hat because of you. I love it. But what’s funny is how many people ask me if I’m going to Paris!! Thanks for a timely report. Hats are helping me grow out my gray!!!
I love the navy coat you are wearing with the Paris cap! Is is available anywhere?
I just found a new brand locally at a very good price point. Kooringal, designed in Australia with built-in UV 50+ at $35. It has a ribbon which runs around the inside of the brim so it can be adjusted for a custom fit. I think my style is called Sadie and is 100% cotton. I love the Kaminski andJavits hats but after leaving 2 behind on different travels, I have stopped buying expensive hats! You look great in these and I especially like the Wallaroo Traveler picture where you look so youthful.
Hi Wren
Thank you for pointing out that brand. I think they are very similar to Wallaroo. I have not personally tried them. The reason I look youthful is that picture is a couple years old!
You are one of the handful of women I’ve seen who actually looks great in a hat. Personally, I never wear hats, for 2 reasons — they make me hot and itchy, and they flatten my hair. If I absolutely must be in the midday sun, I’d rather carry a parasol (LOL).
Hi Bette
I know that can be a problem for some. One of the things I love about hats is I don’t have to do my hair!
HI Cindy, great post as always-
you might comment on sizing: those of us with larger heads need to find hats that fit!
That said,2 years ago I bought a great hat in Target that fit well, and is still going strong
2 years later!
Hi Mary
Thank you for reminding me! Now you know why I am not a true fashion blogger. I do have a largish head so I have added notes on each. I had a Target hat that was great too. The ones that are in the stores now seem like they are one season and toss. They do have a great look though!
Love Kaminski hats! I own several, many bought on ebay, as you mentioned a great resource for purchasing these stylish hats! And you look great in all of them!
Hi Cheryl
I adore Kaminski hats. I was lucky enough to have been gifted two, purchased two on sale and one on eBay!!