The 30 Best Summer Hats for Men Who Value Style and Sun Protection

You could skip the hat and let your scalp sizzle like a cast-iron skillet—or you could wise up and join the ranks of men who’ve figured out that headwear isn’t just sun protection, it’s strategy. No, this isn’t your dad’s sad stack of promo caps. This is 30 handpicked hats: minimalist Euro visors, waxed cotton buckets, Japanese denim numbers and even a cowboy lid or two (because yes, you can pull it off).

Whether they admit it or not—or legitimately have something to hide—most guys treat hats as a last resort. But when the forecast reads “hellfire,” they’re your first line of defense against sunburn, humidity hair and the existential horror of sweating through a 90-degree brunch. And yet, the average guy’s headwear game is either a crusty giveaway cap or a delusional felt fedora. Enough.

We combed the internet for hats that actually earn their keep: breathable linen baseball caps, rainproof bucket hats built like luxury tents, a cashmere number that costs more than your flight to Italy. They’re practical, stylish, and built for real-life use. So whether you’re avoiding UV rays in Capri or just trying to look like you didn’t roll straight out of bed at the farmers market, we’ve got your dome handled. Let the floppy hat crowd fry. You’ve got smarter options.