From boaters to baseball caps, summer naturally brings a lot of hat options that serve as style statements and sun protection. As for winter, the definitive hat of the cold season is the beanie, but it’s not the only one. In fact, one of the most summery hat options has been reinterpreted by designers as a winter-ready option, and that’s the bucket hat.
Forward-thinking designers have reimagined the bucket hat in materials like faux fur and fleece, making for a warm, protective hat for the colder months. There are also stylish hats made from waterproof and water-resistant materials that can help shield you from rainy and snowy weather. The bucket hat may seem like an unlikely candidate for a style resurgence, but it coincides with a semi-ironic appreciation for all things early-2000s, from wallet chains to fanny packs to cargo pants.
Of course, many of these trends have been reimagined for today’s sensibilities. The cargos are slim and streamlined, and fanny packs are styled as over-the-shoulder sling bags. Similarly, bucket hats have been reinterpreted in unique ways. Some designers have gone for outlandish, adding wild animal prints, over-the-top textures and oversized silhouettes. Others have leaned into the seafaring origins of the hat by making them waterproof, and some have drawn from tactical and military styles. Either way, these are the best winter bucket hats to buy for cold and wet weather.
1. COS Teddy Bucket Hat
BEST WOOL HAT
The minimalist masters at COS have dreamt up a sleek and practical take on the bucket hat, finishing it in insulating wool fleece. A discreet drawstring allows you to adjust the hat as needed. The inner lining of the hat is cotton, instead of fleece, preventing itchiness. The hat is made from a blend of polyester and wool.
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2. Stutterheim Beige Beckholmen Bucket Hat
BEST WATERPROOF HAT
Stutterheim is a Swedish brand known for their stylish rain gear, and they’ve taken the materials they use on their slickers and applied it to this bucket hat. It’s made from a PVC-coated cotton blend which provides water resistance for wet days. It comes in a range of colors and sizes, making it a good unisex option.
3. UO Sherpa Bucket Hat
BEST VALUE
If you’re looking for an affordable pick, this fur bucket hat from Urban Outfitters is made from a fluffy sherpa material on both the inside and outside of the hat, providing insulation and warmth for your head. It’s available in a range of muted neutral colors like tan, black and this blush pink color.
4. Herschel GORE-TEX Packable Ben Bucket Hat
BEST OUTDOOR HAT
Details like a floppy extra-wide brim and drawcord make this winter bucket hat from Herschel looks like a fashion-forward version of something an angler might wear while fishing in a river. It’s available in muted colors like blue and black. The detail that sets it apart is the addition of GORE-TEX, the gold standard for waterproof but breathable attire.
5. Under Armour Winterized Reversible Bucket Hat
BEST REVERSIBLE
The inside of this hat is made from a soft fleece material, providing comfort and warmth in cold weather, while the outer is made from a woven polyester material. The hat is also reversible — you can wear its woven side in and fleece side out, and the varied colors offer different styling combinations. One side is a tan color, while the fleece side is a vibrant blue with textured lines.
6. The North Face Reversible Bucket Hat
BEST CORDUROY HAT
Corduroy is one of the best winter fabrics — the cotton fabric is soft, durable and naturally warm. This reversible winter bucket hat has a burgundy corduroy outer and an autumnal plaid on the inside of the hat. Both sides feature The North Face’s logo. Some reviewers noted that the plaid side has a tag, so you’ll need to remove it if you want to wear it on that side.
7. Valentino Garavani VLogo Bucket Hat
BEST SPLURGE
This hat from Valentino has a dark khaki outer made from sleek polyester, giving it a slightly militaristic vibe. The front of the hat has Valentino’s “V” logo. The inside of this winter bucket hat has an off-white cotton fleece material that will keep your head warm in cold weather.