How to recognise it
A low round crown and a narrow brim that slopes downwards, often stitched in several rows. Made in cotton, denim, nylon or terry.
Where it comes from
In the early 20th century Irish farmers and fishermen wore tweed versions. They became fashionable in the 1960s, hip-hop popularised them in the 1990s, and they came back in the 2020s. In Lithuania they are often called a panama.
Who and when it suits
A light summer sun hat for holidays, festivals and the beach. It folds easily into a bag.
Variations and look-alikes
A bucket hat comes in cotton, denim, linen, nylon for rain, terry for the beach, faux fur or knit for winter, reversible and with a chin cord. It differs from a sun hat in its narrower, more firmly stitched brim, and from a Panama in its soft fabric crown with no dent.
How to style it
- In summer choose cotton or linen.
- With a T-shirt and shorts.
- Folds into a bag.
- Wash cool and hang to dry.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why is a bucket hat called a panama in Lithuania?
Colloquially any light brimmed summer hat is called a panama; a true Panama hat is made of straw.
02Does a bucket hat protect from the sun?
Yes, the downturned brim shades the face, ears and neck.
03How do you wash a bucket hat?
A cotton one can go in the machine on cool in a bag and be hung to dry.