There was a time when bucket hats were only worn by older men who went fishing. However, in recent years, the bucket hat has been given a new lease on life on the golf course, thanks to the hipster and street-style vibes that are prevalent today. To acquire a look of irony, some people may choose to wear a bucket hat; yet, the bucket hat is a cunning piece of clothing that protects you from the sun in a way that is significantly superior to a standard golf hat. It is also possible for it to protect you from the rain if you choose one that is made of the appropriate material.
Your face, neck, and ears will be protected from sunlight by a high-quality bucket hat, and it will also help you maintain good vision while you are playing putts (Insert Link) while it is raining. Taking into consideration your requirements and preferences, we have chosen the top bucket hats in each category.
Top 7 bucket hats
Staff favorite: Tilley The Iconic T1 Bucket Hat(Insert Link)
Best budget: Sunderland Golf Waterproof Wide Brim Hat (Insert Link)
Best for the rain: Galvin Green Art Waterproof Hat (Insert Link)
Best for sunny days: Rhoback The Spackler (Insert Link)
Best fashion: Malbon Eagle Bucket Hat (Insert Link)
Best for a relaxed look: Birdie Juice Bucket Hat (Insert Link)
Best decorative logo: Arnold Palmer Men’s Imperial White Bay Hill Allover Umbrella Bucket Hat (Insert Link)
How we chose the best bucket hats for golf
Keeping in mind that the bucket hat serves not only as a protective covering but also as a fashion or statement piece, we endeavoured to find a balance between what is fashionable and what best serves its purpose. For the purpose of determining which hat is the best in each category, we conducted research on the materials, the water resistance of the hat, and the classic and wide-brim options available. In preparation for those hot days on the course, we also studied the possibility of moisture-wicking characteristics. In the end, but certainly not least, we selected some classic logos that pay homage to the history and legacy of the game.
Staff favorite: Tilley The Iconic T1 Bucket Hat
Benefits
— UPF 50+ sun protection
— Exact sizes offered
— Durable water-repellant finish
Drawbacks
— Highest-priced pick
Tilley is a fantastic company that provides a hat that is guaranteed to last a lifetime and comes in perfect sizes. It is a lightweight alternative that is suitable for everyday use and features a water-repellent finish that is long-lasting as well as moisture-wicking characteristics. A high UPF 50+ sun protection rating is included, as well as a secret pocket and a wind strap that may be used to keep the item close at hand on windy days. On the other hand, considering that it comes with a lifetime guarantee, this bucket hat might be the only one you require, despite the fact that it is somewhat pricey.
Colors: 11
Fabric: Cotton duck
Size range: 7-7 7/8
Best budget: Sunderland Golf Waterproof Wide Brim Hat
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Elastic headband for comfort
— Affordable
Drawbacks
— Overly visible branding
— Only 1 color
It is possible to make a stealthy choice while it is raining because bucket hats have the potential to keep the rain off of your face and, in this particular instance, your neck as well. Sunderland’s wide-brimmed hat is an excellent option for those on a budget, as it boasts moisture-wicking characteristics and the capacity to function effectively in wet conditions. The only colorway it comes in is black, which might not be the most tempting on days when the sun is shining brightly, but this is the kind of hat that can be simply stored in your bag and only brought out when it starts to rain if you so desire.
Colors: 1 | Fabric: Polyester
Size range: S/M and L/XL
Best for the rain: Galvin Green Art Waterproof Hat
Benefits
— Extra long brim to protect the neck
— Waterproof and windproof
— Chin strap
Drawbacks
— Pricey
Galvin Green is a market leader in foul-weather wear, and it stands out from the other options in its own range of bucket hats due to the fact that it has an extra-long brim in the rear. This gives you the ability to avoid the rain from running down your neck when you are playing a round that is chilly and wet. The Art Hat also features a chin strap to prevent it from being blown away by high winds and an elasticated sweatband for the utmost comfort. Additionally, it is available in five different sizes to provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Colors: 2 | Fabric: Polyester with ePTFE membrane
Size range: S-XXL
Best for sunny days: Rhoback The Spackler
Benefits
— Adjustable chin strap
— Moisture-wicking
— UPF 50+_sun protection
Drawbacks
— Small fit
— Larger brim can flip up in the wind
The Spackler is a hat that has a sleek appearance and is constructed for sun protection. It has a front, side, and neck coverage that is larger than the normal one compared to the other hats on our list. Be aware that the enormous brim has the potential to flip up in the wind, despite the fact that it features a chin strap that can be adjusted for those super windy days. Your skin will be protected from sunburn thanks to the UPF 50+ rating, which is provided by the nylon fabric, which also offers good drying capabilities and high breathability. According to the reviews, this bucket hat has a tendency to run small, so if you are considering making a purchase, we recommend going with the larger size.
Colors: 2 | Fabric: Nylon
Size range: S/M and L/XL
Best fashion: Malbon Eagle Bucket Hat
Benefits
— Retro logo embroidered on the front
— Sun protective
— 4 color options
Drawbacks
—Lacks great moisture-wicking properties
Golfers of average skill level have been given additional flair as a result of Malbon’s street-style-infused lineup, which features a number of collaborations. This trendy bucket hat, which features an embroidered Malbon eagle on the front, is not the most technical item of clothing; on days when it rains, it will be drenched in water, but on days when it is hot, you can bank on it to protect your ears from becoming sunburned. The fact that this look is available in four distinct colorways—black, white, red, and navy—means that you may flaunt your superior sense of style by wearing it while you are out on the course.
Colors: 4 | Fabric: Cotton
Size range: S/M and L/XL
Best for a relaxed look: Birdie Juice Bucket Hat
Benefits
— Fun logo and design
—On- or off-course wear
— Sun protection
Drawbacks
— Not as fitting for those who don’t listen to the Subpar podcast
The Birdie Juice Bucket Hat is the best option to go with if you want to make it clear that you don’t take yourself too seriously on the golf course, but that you still enjoy playing the game. Those who are aware of the design will notice that you are a fan of Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, as well as their podcast, which is titled “Subpar.” Additionally, the cartoon logo invites a look that is both fun and flirtatious.
Colors: 1 | Fabric: Not listed
Size range: M/L and L/XL
Best decorative logo: Arnold Palmer Men’s Imperial White Bay Hill Allover Umbrella Bucket Hat
Benefits
— Signature Bay Hill umbrella logo
— Protects the head and neck from the sun
— Fun and colorful design
Drawbacks
— Only 1 design option
— 100% cotton
One of the most well-known logos in the history of golf, the umbrella emblem that Arnold Palmer used to represent his brand is a tribute to a legend. While shielding your head and neck from the sweltering heat of the sun, this bucket hat, which was manufactured by Imperial, a company that is a pioneer in the headgear industry, is a duplicate of a wallpaper print that is filled with miniature umbrella graphics. This lid may be lacking in certain technical aspects, such as a cloth that is waterproof, but it more than makes up for it with its elegance. When it comes to connecting with the history of the game of golf, this bucket hat is an excellent option for both younger and older golfers.
Colors: 1 | Fabric: Cotton | Size range: M-XL
Protect yourself on the course
Protection from the sun is more crucial than it has ever been. Having a physical barrier between you and the sun is something you should do in addition to applying a layer or two of sunscreen. When it comes to protecting your face, ears, and neck from the sun, bucket hats for golf are an excellent option to consider. Having stamina in later rounds is essential to playing successfully, but if you are overexerting yourself, you won’t be able to finish strong. Breathability, packability (the ability to bounce back from bending), moisture-wicking, and/or water-repellent properties are all essential qualities for an excellent bucket hat.
How to pick the right bucket hat for you
You should choose a hat that you enjoy in terms of its style, but you should also make sure that it will shield you from any extreme sun or rain. If you play a lot of rounds during the summer, then you should choose a white hat because it will help you stay cool and it is also easy to clean. You should seek for waterproof choices that have seams that are sealed if you play in rainy conditions on a regular basis.
Waterproof vs. regular
There are a lot of golf firms that sell waterproof hats. If you are confident that the rain will not cause you to veer off course, purchasing a hat that is waterproof is a prudent choice. The first things you should check for are Gore-Tex and seams that have been sealed completely. In these kinds of circumstances, bucket hats that cover your neck are the best option since they will keep water away from your neck and back without causing any damage. You will be able to stay dry and a little bit warmer if you wear a long neck brim.
Cotton vs. tech fabric
Because of its breathable and lightweight characteristics, cotton is an excellent material. However, it is also capable of absorbing water and becoming heavy. It doesn’t matter if the moisture is sweat or rain; a bucket hat made of cotton isn’t the best choice for days that are either extremely hot or rainy. Spend your money on something made of nylon or technical fabric instead, as these materials have the capacity to repel water and allow air to pass through them.
Fashion vs. function
There has been a big shift in golf fashion over the course of the past five or so years, and the bucket hat has been at the centre of this transformation. When it comes to this particular aspect, there are not many bucket hats that offer the best of all worlds, with the exception of Tilley’s top option. On the other hand, everyone enjoys showing off their unique individuality when playing golf. It is important to bear in mind that the most attractive hats often do not double as utilitarian pieces for when the weather is awful, so choose your hat from that perspective.
Q&A
Can you wear a bucket hat for golf?
Oh, of course, and you really ought to! When applying sunscreen, it is simple to forget about the ears, and as a result, they are the areas that burn the most quickly. These caps, known as bucket hats, are designed to protect your ears and neck from the harmful effects of the sun.
Why do golfers wear bucket hats?
There are golfers who enjoy donning bucket hats for the sole purpose of displaying their sense of style and achieving a hipster look. Some people appreciate them because of the sun protection or moisture-wicking capabilities that they possess.
Can PGA players wear bucket hats?
Yes, but only a select few do, with the exception of Joel Dahmen, who stars in “Full Swing.”