The Best Summer Hats for Men, According to Style Editors

For runners like myself who prefer to rack up miles outside all summer, On’s lightweight cap is exactly what I want on my head. It weighs next to nothing, and the perforated side panels let air flow through when the heat starts climbing. The curved brim gives my face some much-needed shade without feeling bulky like a full-coverage sun hat. The adjustable buckle closure lets me customize the fit to bolster the comfort level. To keep me from dripping completely, the sweat-wicking band helps keep moisture from building up when I start putting in the miles.

I also like the reflective On logo on the front, which adds some visibility when I squeeze in an evening run. It comes in a bunch of light, pastel-inspired colors that look good with your athleisure wear and workout clothes. The only drawback? It’s a one-size-fits-most design, so runners with especially small or large heads may want to double-check the fit.

I used to associate straw hats with dads grilling in the backyard or retirees on a beach trip, but they’ve become one of my favorite summer accessories. I’ve been rocking this one from Sunday Afternoon since last May. Beyond the style factor, the breathable weave and fedora brim make them practical when temps climb. It’s not as wide as Columbia’s version, but it still comes out far enough to keep the sun from hitting me directly in the face. It looks great with a tee and shorts or a camp collar and pants for a cool resort look. Yes, it’s made of mostly paper, but it’s not a cheap, flimsy hat that will fall apart after a few wears.

Not every summer hat needs to be built for a five-mile run or a full day in the sun. Sometimes I just want something that pulls your outfit together like Ralph Lauren’s bucket hat that gives nautical vibes. It has a more polished look than your typical outdoor hat, thanks to the striped pattern and signature embroidered Pony logo on the front, giving it that classic preppy feel the brand is known for.

Compared with performance-focused bucket hats, this one doesn’t have the same ventilation or technical features, so it’s not the one I’d grab for a long hike or a brutally hot beach day. But for casual summer plans like grabbing drinks on a rooftop or adding a finishing touch to a vacation outfit, it’s hard to beat. The linen fabric feels lightweight and comfortable, while the shorter brim keeps the silhouette cleaner and less outdoorsy than wider sun hats.

I used to overlook visors because they don’t offer the same all-around coverage as a traditional hat. But after spending more time outside in the summer heat, I get why runners, golfers, and outdoor athletes swear by them. Lululemon’s visor does keep the sun out of your eyes and shades your face without trapping heat on top of your head. It’s a great option for hot-weather workouts when breathability matters more than full coverage. Though this might not be the best option for bald dudes looking for protection around your ears or the top of your head.

This visor nails that lightweight, barely-there feel I want on sweaty summer days. The open crown design allows plenty of airflow, while the curved bill helps block glare when I’m running or spending hours outside. The polyester-elastane fabric feels durable without adding bulk, and the mesh sweatband helps shake off light moisture when temps spike. After testing it on runs, I appreciated that it stayed secure and nonrestrictive.

Exceeding all our expectations is The North Face’s sun hat. With its airy full-brim design and UPF 40+ protection, it's perfect for long, sun-soaked days. The FlashDry-Pro™ sweatband works wonders by actively wicking away moisture to keep me dry and comfortable. The nylon fabric feels breathable and lightweight, and the adjustable chin strap actually feels good and easy to maneuver. Plus, the hat has a bona fide endorsement by the Skin Cancer Foundation, earning its Seal of Recommendation for its excellent UV protection.