The best part of summer? Basking outdoors in the warm weather. The worst part? Sunburns. Luckily, beyond the usual application of SPF, there's an easy way to steer clear of sunburn territory: just buy a hat! (Pick the right one, and you'll score some style points, too.) Here, you'll find the best of the best headwear for summertime, buys that will keeping you looking (and feeling) cool as a cucumber—and all at affordable prices. And for more enviable additions to your summer wardrobe, be sure to stock up on these 30 Perfect Summer Sandals Under $30.
Best Life’s editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we’re hoping you’ll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn’t mean you’ll pay more for them (we’d never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece’s initial publication date, but it’s the internet and we can’t guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | This Braided Floppy Hat
Target$17; buy now at Target
Add some drama to any outfit with this black-and-tan floppy hat, the perfect addition to everything from beach cover-ups to formalwear. And for more great summer buys, check out these $25 Outdoor Party Essentials Under $25 for the Ultimate Summer Bash.
2 | This Pretty Pom-Pom Number
$26$14; buy now at Walmart
Want to add a pop of color to your outfit? Adorned with a string of multicolored pom-poms, this adorable hat is perfect for quickly brightening up any look.
3 | This "Sun Kissed" Cap
Etsy$25; buy now at Etsy
If you're eager to keep your summer headgear casual, this distressed blue-and-yellow baseball cap is the ideal way to top off your favorite tank top and cutoffs look. And for more warm weather must-haves, discover these 25 Beach Essentials You Won’t Believe Are From Target.
4 | This Frayed-Edge White Hat
ASOS$24; buy now at ASOS
A little bit oversized, sure, but still light enough to keep you cool, this ASOS hat is ideal for keeping the sun off your face.
5 | This “Dear Summer” Hat
Forever 21$15; buy now at Forever 21
You don't have to spend a huge amount to get huge style. Case in point: This adorable hat from Forever 21, which costs just $15. And for more ways to beat the heat this summer, try these 30 Summer Beauty Products That Sweat-Proof Your Look.
6 | This Floral Straw Hat
Aldo$25$20; buy now at Aldo
Even if you don't have much of a green thumb, you can still make pretty botanicals part of your summer aesthetic with this flower-adorned woven hat.
7 | This Red Wide-Brimmed Hat
Zappos$18; buy now at Zappos
Bored by standard-issue beige? This woven red hat is just the pop of color you need to add serious visual appeal to your summer look.
8 | This “Hello Beaches” hat
Nordstrom Rack$20; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
With its wide brim and cheeky slogan, this hat is the perfect accompaniment to a bikini you just can't wait to show off.
9 | This Black Boater Hat
Madewell$48$30; buy now at Madewell
Who says goths and summer don't mix? With this striking black hat, you can maintain an (almost) all-black-everything aesthetic...no matter how hot it gets.
10 | This Tan-and-White Statement Piece
Target$15; buy now at Target
Even if you're not escaping to the French Riviera this summer, you can still look like you summer in Saint-Tropez with this stylish striped hat.
11 | This “But First, Rosé” Straw Hat
Aldo$22$11; buy now at Aldo
Sure, coffee's great and all, but rosé definitely deserves prime billing on your summer accessories.
12 | This Striped Panama Hat
Saks Off Fifth$58$20; buy now at Saks Off Fifth
A little pop of color goes a long way in this stylish multi-tonal Panama hat.
13 | This Striped Fedora
Lululs$26$16; buy now at Lulus
Cheap and chic go hand-in-hand with this striped hat from Lulus, which will set you back just $16.
14 | This “Seas The Day” Hat
Nordstrom Rack$20; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
If the only thing you love more than looking stylish is a good pun, this "Seas the Day" hat sure fits the bill.
15 | This “Summer Vibes” Hat
Walmart$10; buy now at Walmart
The best way to banish all lingering thoughts of winter from your life? With this "Summer Vibes" hat, of course.
16 | This Rainbow-Edged Floppy Hat
$15; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
A hint of multicolored trim around the edge of this stylish sun hat makes it the perfect accoutrement to your typical monochromatic look.
17 | This "Vacay" Cap
Etsy$25; buy now at Etsy
If you live for summer Fridays, this "Vacay" cap is the perfect way to top off your outfit.
18 | This Colorfully-Accented Fedora
Forever 21$20; buy now at Forever 21
Want something bold and bright to add to your accessories collection? With both a woven braid and colorful pom-poms, this hat from Forever 21 is the perfect fit.
19 | This Floral Bucket Hat
ASOS$16; buy now at ASOS
If you long for a more colorful look but aren't quite ready to embrace Hawaiian shirts, this floral bucket hat is the next-best thing.
20 | This Pretty Backless Hat with a Bow
Target$13; buy now at Target
Preppy without being overly prim-and-proper, this bow-adorned hat is the perfect addition to your favorite garden party look.
21 | This Frayed-Edge Panama Hat
DSW$25; buy now at DSW
Cool, casual, and super cute, this black-and-white Panama hat is a chic topper for cute sundresses and ripped jeans alike.
22 | This Casual Black Cap
ASOS$10; buy now at ASOS
If floppy hats aren't your thing, you can still keep the sun off your scalp in style with this cheap and chic black cap from ASOS, which will set you back only $10.
23 | This Tasseled Straw Hat
Aldo$20$15; buy now at Aldo
Need to instantly add some summer fun to your look? Top off your outfit with this tasseled hat.
24 | This Stylish Scarf-Adorned Hat
Walmart$18$12; buy now at Walmart
If you need some extra sun protection, this oversized hat comes with an attached scarf that's perfect for covering your neck or shoulders.
25 | This “Just Beachy” Cap
Zappos$20; buy now at Zappos
The trucker hat trend is back—and thanks to this red-and-white "Just Beachy" hat, it's cuter than ever.
26 | This Patchwork Bucket Hat
Urban Outfitters$24; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Preppy and fun with a hint of a hippie vibe, this plaid bucket hat is so versatile you'll wish you could wear it all year.
27 | This Wide-Brimmed Black Hat with a Bow
Walmart$20$12; buy now at Walmart
Summer glamour doesn't have to cost a fortune. For just $12, you can look like a movie star hoping to go unnoticed with this oversized black hat.
28 | This Straw Trilby
ASOS$16; buy now at ASOS
With a turned-up edge and a black ribbon detail, this straw trilby is about as chic an outfit topper as they come.
29 | This Reversible Denim Bucket Hat
Rue 21$10; buy now at Rue21
Get two hats for the price of one with this denim bucket hat, which has an adorable tan side underneath.
30 | This Hibiscus Floppy Hat
Nordstrom Rack$20; buy now at Nordstrom Rack
The next-best thing to taking a Hawaiian vacation this summer? This hibiscus-accented hat, of course. And for more summer essentials, check out these 20 Genius Pet Accessories to Keep Your Furry Friends Cooler All Summer.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram!
