How to recognise it
A low round crown and a wide, 10–15 cm, flexible brim that ripples. Often straw, raffia or cotton, with a ribbon.
Where it comes from
Wide sun hats have been a women's summer accessory for centuries, and in the 1970s the soft floppy hat became a badge of boho style.
Who and when it suits
A hat for the beach, holidays and outdoor events, shading you from the sun and looking elegant with a swimsuit or a maxi dress.
Variations and look-alikes
A wide-brim sun hat comes in straw, raffia, linen, cotton with UPF protection, packable for travel, stiff or completely floppy, with a ribbon, lettering on the brim or a chin cord. It differs from a fedora in its much wider, soft brim, and from a bucket hat in a brim that is horizontal and wavy rather than turned down.
How to style it
- With a maxi dress or swimsuit.
- Choose a UPF fabric for strong sun.
- Tie it with a ribbon on a windy day.
- Store it in a box so the brim does not bend.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Does a wide-brim hat protect from the sun?
Yes, the wide brim shades the face, neck and shoulders.
02How do you travel with a wide-brim hat?
A packable one goes in the suitcase; a stiff one is carried or boxed.
03Who suits a wide-brim hat?
Most people; petite people do better with a medium brim.