The 11 Best Rain Hats That Balance Function and Style
You'll stay dry and fashionable.
Spring showers are officially upon us, and with that in mind, you’ll want to invest in the best rain hats to keep yourself nice and dry. Of course you should also consider a chic rain jacket and a comfortable pair of rain boots to get the job done, but a quality rain hat will provide extra protection, shielding your face and hair from any type of rain. Whether you encounter a light drizzle, a torrential downpour, or anything in between, a rain hat will undoubtedly save the day.
Aside from combatting raindrops, the best rain hats can also be used to protect your face from the sun. So, next time you decide to embark on a trip to the shore, make sure to pack a rain hat in your beach bag (right next to your sunscreen products, of course).
To note, rain hats aren’t just practical—they’re also considered a stylish headwear accessory, especially in the realm of street style. During this past Paris Fashion Week (which was largely overshadowed by the unfortunate forecast of nonstop rain), showgoers decided to style their waterproof outerwear with a variety of rain hats.
Moral of the story? If you choose the right rain hat, it can serve as a stylish investment piece that you'll wear through rain or shine.
Best Overall Rain Hat
If you’re searching for a dependable rain hat to wear with practically any outfit, look no further than Athleta’s bucket hat. This sustainable accessory is crafted with 100% recycled polyester, so it’s completely water resistant. Plus, its simple design and neutral shade makes it extremely versatile.
Size: One size
Colors: Beige, black
Material: Recycled polyester
Customer Reviews: "Love love love this hat. The fit is perfect and the color is awesome."
Pros: Water-resistant fabric, adjustable cord, comfortable fit.
Cons: The brim is a bit shorter compared to other rain hats.
Best Designer Rain Hat
Burberry’s EKD bucket hat is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s definitely worth the investment. When you purchase this hat, you’re also buying into a heritage brand that is renowned for their craftsmanship (specifically with regard to rain-resistant pieces). This luxe piece of headwear also features the brand’s classic check pattern for an elevated feel.
Sizes: M-L
Color: Sand (classic check pattern)
Material: Polyester, cotton
Pros: Durable fabric, made to last, elevated design.
Cons: Color isn't extremely versatile.
Best Polyester Rain Hat
Most polyester hats are completely waterproof, so this is something that you’ll want to look out for when selecting a rain hat. While wearing Rains’ bucket hat, you can rest assured that not a single rain stop will permeate its outer layer. Also, this hat is machine wash friendly, which makes it super early to care for. No hand washing necessary!
Sizes: XS- M
Color: Green
Material: Polyester
Pros: Waterproof fabric, machine wash friendly.
Cons: Only offered in one color.
Best Sweat-Wicking Rain Hat
Whether you’re on a run, or you’re simply on the move, Lululemon’s reversible bucket hat deserves a special place in your wardrobe. It’s designed with sweat-wicking fabric so you won’t have to worry about your hat getting drenched in sweat (or rain) while you’re in go-mode.
Sizes: S-XL
Colors: White/ bone, deep coal/ black, meadow sweet pink/ peony pink, black/ camo deep coal
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
Customer Reviews: "This is a fun comfortable hat. Love it!!!"
Pros: Sweat-resistant, reversible, waterproof.
Cons: Some reviewers note that it sits a bit too high on the head.
Best Rain Hat for Winter
We can all agree that winter rain is the worst—no one enjoys being cold and wet. For those chilly months, do yourself a favor and consider Aqua’s bucket hat which boasts a polyester outer layer and a sherpa lining so you’ll stay cozy and warm. This accessory is also reversible, so when it’s not raining, feel free to turn this piece inside for a cute and fuzzy look.
Size: One size
Colors: Black, silver
Material: Polyester, sherpa
Pros: Sherpa lining provides warmth, water-proof exterior,.
Cons: If reversed, sherpa is not water-resistant.
Best Water Repellent Rain Hat
Sandro’s water repellent bucket hat is an essential for any rainy day adventure. Because this hat has such a straightforward design, it can be worn on numerous occasions. For a casual day outdoors, style Sandro’s bucket hat with a beige trench layered over a white T-shirt, straight-leg jeans, and your favorite pair of rain boots.
Size: One size
Color: Black
Material: Polyester, wool, cotton
Pros: Features water-repellent technical fabric, lined with wool for warmth.
Cons: The brim is only 2 inches.
Best Rain Hat for Summer
If you’re planning to spend a decent amount of time in the sun this summer, make sure you carry J.Crew’s hat along with you. It’ll protect your head from summer showers, but it will also shelter your face from the sun. With its extra-wide brim, you’ll have ample protection.
Sizes: S-L
Colors: Khaki, white, green, black
Material: Cotton, canvas
Customer Reviews: "I bought this during a sale and couldn’t be happier. I specifically love the ties that give the bucket hat the perfect amount of feminine touch."
Pros: Provides protection from rain and sun, easily secured with two ties
Cons: Can withstand light showers but might not be great for heavy downpours
Best Quilted Rain Hat
San Diego Hat Company's quilted bucket hat features fleece lining on the inside and it's packable for on-the-go moments or travel. The quilted texture also gives this hat a nice flair, making it an undeniable standout.
Size: One size
Colors: Black, blue
Material: Polyester
Customer Reviews: "Fits very well, doesn’t fly off in the wind. I almost wish it would rain so I can wear this."
Pros: Durable fabric, packable, stunning quilted texture.
Cons: The brim lacks structure.
Best Colorful Rain Hat
Stutterheim is known for its raincoats, and not so surprisingly, the brand carries a range of all-weather hats, too. This option is made from rubberized cotton fabric and it will pair amazingly well with any of the brand's outerwear. There are 14 shades available, so perhaps you'll snag more than one.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Black, charcoal, navy, green, light sand, mosaic blue, loden green, seafoam green, sand, burgundy, pink, red, yellow, pale pink
Material: PVC rubberized coating, cotton, polyester
Customer Reviews: "A simply wonderful bucket hat. Wearing it with pride and pleasure,"
Pros: Offered in a variety of colors, rubberized coating.
Cons: Can't be washed on a regular setting (must be washed on a delicate setting or by hand).
Best Wide Brim Rain Hat
When rain is pouring down from every direction, it's best to wear a wide brim hat that will completely cover your head. The feeling of raindrops hitting your face is simply unpleasant, but with Lanliebao rain hat, you won't have to deal with that any longer. Its features a brim that is 3 inches wide, and it was designed with torrential downpours in mind.
Size: M
Color: Black
Material: Polyester
Customer Reviews: "I can put my hair up in this hat and its secure enough to stay on when the wind is strong, but not too tight. My hair stays completely dry."
Pros: Wide brim, waterproof, foldable, easy to carry.
Cons: Not offered in a matte finish .
Best Nylon Rain Hat
Instead of black, why not try a colorful rain hat with contrast stitching for a fresh feel? Raindrops will glide right off this nylon style. This hat also features a timeless design so you'll be able to wear it for years to come.
Sizes: S-L
Colors: Red, black, beige
Material: Nylon, cotton
Pros: Beautiful shade, timeless design, waterproof.
Cons: Narrow fit.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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