One of the many differences between golf and other sports is the lack of uniforms. We are free to wear whatever we like as long as we adhere to the strict dress codes set by each golf club.
Luckily, one article of clothing that is acceptable at every golf course worldwide is the golf bucket hat. Outdoor Gloves
This hat style looks cool and adds a bit of sophisticated style compared to the traditional baseball cap. You may have seen similar hats like this at music festivals or worn by the elderly in most southern states.
The history of the bucket hats in golf is long and sorted, an article for a different time. For now, let’s focus on the present and that this hat is storming back on the scene and taking up space in everyone’s closet.
Join the party and choose one of these fabulous hats that come in many different styles, fits, and colors. Heck, why stop at one?
Bucket hats have been around for a while, and those of us who remember them from years past are happy to see them gaining popularity again.
To be a bucket hat, you must have the following;
These two characteristics make the bucket hat what it is today—providing maximum protection from the sun to your entire head.
With so many different styles available, deciding what level of protection you require and where you play is crucial. A bucket hat can block sun or rain, depending on where you play the most.
Many have a preconceived notion of what a bucket hat is but truth be told, there are many different varieties. Everyone from hippies to military personnel takes advantage of what a bucket hat offers; you just have to find the right one.
Traditional—The one that started it all. This design is most common as it uses a neutral-sized brim and offers complete coverage for your head.
Wide-Brim/Boonie—This type adds more width to the brim, which helps keep the sun off your shoulders. The military uses this style since their line of work takes them to some sunny locations.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics of each hat, so there are no surprises when it appears at your door. Since you’re going to wear this hat for an entire golf round, it needs to check all the boxes.
Listed as number one for its versatility, style, and comfort, this bucket hat for golf will suit many different tastes. The look will go with many different outfits, and it’s suitable for various weather conditions.
For hot days, there are two vents on each side to allow maximum airflow. This is key for anyone playing in hot conditions. Their positioning ensures that you get breathability without risking exposure to sun or precipitation.
The drawstring is thin and made from a soft material that won’t rub. This provides comfortable security on windy days and makes this hat useful for activities off the course as well.
Lastly, the sweatband on the inside is not only for sweat but adds a layer of softness, so you can wear this hat for hours without it being a nuisance.
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Nike doesn’t make golf clubs anymore, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help you improve your game. Leave it to the apparel giant to develop a functional and stylish golf bucket hat.
The brim is the star of the show here as it’s slightly wider than most but not quite a floppy golf hat. This is perfect for maximum sun protection without hindering your peripheral vision. It also makes it easy to add sunglasses if you wish.
The ventilation is evident by the many holes strategically placed around the upper part of the hat. This provides adequate airflow, but if you are a big sweater, you may want a hat focusing on aeration.
Use the ultra-thin drawstring to secure the hat during windy days. It’ll barely feel like it’s there and will keep your hat correctly positioned on your head.
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Callaway is keeping it traditional with this throwback design.
Although it has shades of your grandfather’s fishing hat, it’s been updated to fit current fashion trends while still performing as a protective layer of clothing.
This hat was made for sunny afternoons as it has many features to combat the stresses that our sun imposes. Starting with the strategically placed ventilation holes positioned right above the sweatline. This allows hot air and moisture to escape quickly.
It’s also made from a high-tech, lightweight fabric that offers 50 SPF UV ray protection. This makes it feel like you’re not even wearing a hat.
While the brim might be a bit too small for some and not fit everyone’s taste, we had to include it for its protection and convenience. At the end of the day, who cares what anyone else says, right?
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This may say unisex, but it has more features that women will love more than men. Having said that, it certainly can be worn by anyone since there is always a place for cool golf bucket hats on the golf course.
The slightly oversized brim gives it a subtle floppiness that is indicative of women’s hats, but it’s very understated, so only a keen eye can make the distinction.
The dome of the hat is made from a thin material akin to windbreaker material but much more breathable. I wouldn’t wear this in the rain, but I would need it to survive desert golf in August.
Windy days are no match for this white golf bucket hat because it has the same special drawstring that other Nike bucket golf hats have. It’s thin, comfortable, and easy to adjust the tension.
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Loving golf doesn’t mean you have to love the sun. Plenty of us out there thrive on cloudy days with moderate temperatures. Make every day a cloudy day with this wide-brimmed PING Golf floppy hat.
It may feel weird at first if you’re not used to this style. Spend some time on the range with it to see how it affects your peripheral vision. Once you’ve got that licked, you’ll never have to worry about the sun being in your eyes, your ears, or reflecting off the back of your neck again.
To lower the temperature inside the hat, aggressive aeration vents cover the entire back half. They extend to the top to make it easy for hot air to escape. This is also where you’ll find the drawstring that tightens the sweatband around your head.
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Not sure if you’re a bucket hat golfer? Try something a little more understated with this design from TaylorMade. If you’re okay with having the brand prominently displayed with very little subtly, this hat could be the best golf bucket for you.
Despite the blatant product placement, the hat is made from a blend of polyester and spandex. This is one of the highest-quality combinations possible because it provides durability, comfort, and breathability.
The narrow and angled brim makes this great for newbie golfers wearing bucket hats. It won’t get in your line of sight but still keeps the sun out of your eyes and off your ears.
As a bonus, this hat is waterproof so you can wear it during downpours. The angled brim helps channel water away from your face and neck so you can stay dry and focused.
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Although this is the newer version of my number one pick, the changes made are not that much better. The Victory 3 looks more updated and has a relaxed vibe, whereas this one has regressed and looks more simple and traditional.
Despite that, it still deserves a spot on the list because the Victory 4 is made with the same quality that earned the Victory 3 its title of best bucket hat for golf.
It’s made with 100% polyester, which conforms nicely around your head, so you stay comfortable throughout the whole round. It also has the same thin and light drawstring chin strap to customize the fit.
One of the positive changes is the subtle texturing on the entire hat; this adds a bit of modern flair to it that should help younger golfers get on board.
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Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the reviews in this article. Our team has over 100 years of golf experience, has spent thousands of hours reviewing golf equipment, and has hand-picked these hats. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.
Check out these purchase parameters to help you decide which bucket hats are best for you.
Getting the right size bucket hat is not an exact science. Unfortunately, only a few offer custom sizing through adjustable straps or drawstrings. In most cases, you will be offered a size that is in the middle of small and medium or a size that’s in between large and X-large.
The smaller size will work just fine for women, while most men will be comfortable with the L/XL size.
Where you do most of your playing will help determine which golf bucket hat to purchase.
Mostly Sunny— For this climate, select a bucket hat that provides SPF protection. Many of the hats listed above are made with 50 SPF. This will help keep you hydrated and reduce your risk of overheating or, worse, sunstroke.
Mostly Rain— Nothing ruins your score faster than being drenched. While you’re busy keeping your grips dry, get a waterproof bucket hat. This is crucial to regulate your body temperature to maintain feel for all shots. It also helps keep droplets from falling off your hat.
Mostly Windy— If you play in the wind, then you need a way to keep your bucket hat secured to your head. There are two ways to do this. The most common design feature is the drawstring chin strap. This tightens under your chin to hold your hat down tightly.
You can also find hats with an internal strap that tightens around your forehead. This is not as effective in strong winds, so be honest about the wind you regularly encounter.
Just Plain Hot—Golf and hot weather go together like peas and carrots. We all prepare differently, but if you need a bucket hat to beat the heat, ensure it has plenty of ventilation. The best place for this is near the top of the hat, where the excess heat rises and needs a place to escape. Just don’t wear this style of hat in the rain; it will work wonders for you.
We all have to look good out there, so ultimately, you need to find a hat that looks good to you and won’t cause any doubts or self-consciousness.
The main aspect to focus on is the width of the brim. This has the most effect on what kind of style and look the hat will have. Opt for a wider brim if you want a subdued and traditional look. Choose a narrow and angled brim if you want to be more cutting-edge and laidback.
Bucket hats come in all the colors of the rainbow. Choosing something bright and eccentric can be tempting, but I caution you. Be sure you have an outfit in mind for whatever color you choose. People often choose outrageous color schemes that don’t match their golf clothes. This causes them to not wear the hat as much as they should.
Be sure you have a few shirts in mind to wear with whatever color you choose. This will ensure you look your best while also reaping all the benefits that bucket hats offer.
Yes, you can wear a bucket hat to golf. They are accepted at all golf facilities, provided you don’t have any custom designs that display foul language, lude acts, or reference anything illegal and still practice proper golf etiquette. They are perfect for golfing because they provide 360° of sun protection.
Golfers wear bucket hats for their unique style and functionality. Recently, the golf bucket hat has seen a resurgence in demand. With today’s healthy, conscience population, protection from harmful UV rays is essential, and no hat protects better than the best golf bucket hats for men and women.
There are only scarce sightings of bucket hats on the PGA Tour, but the most notable would have to be Joel Dahmen. He is dedicated to the style and typically sports a boonie style with a wide floppy brim. We’ve also seen the likes of Kirk Triplett and even Rickie Fowler occasionally sport the look.
No, bucket hats are not out of style in 2022. They are rising in popularity due to their functionality and casual style. Since golfers these days are seeking more fashion options to express themselves, the bucket hat is a perfect outlet and is seeing a lot of action recently.
Yes, a bucket hat is better than a cap for many reasons. The most prominent advantage bucket hats have is they provide much more protection. They protect not only your eyes but also your ears and even your neck. This will save you time applying sunscreen and keep your hands from getting greasy.
Yes, bucket hats keep the sun off due to their oversized brim. While brims come in many sizes, even the most narrow-brim bucket hat provides more protection than most other caps, especially baseball caps. For even more protection, look for a boonie hat with a wider-than-normal brim to cover parts of your shoulders.
If you’re sensitive to the sun, introduce a golf bucket hat into your wardrobe. While there are many styles, if this is your first one, go for the Adidas Men’s Victory 3 Bucket Hat. It’s a simple and tasteful design that makes getting used to it very easy.
Keep your eyes, ears, and neck safe with the Victory 3 or any of these bucket hats. Protect yourself now so you can continue to enjoy golf healthily for decades to come.
Long Fingerless Gloves Clint became the Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto’s busiest golf academies and was featured on Canada’s National Golf TV program, “Score Golf Canada,” twice. He now tests and reviews golf equipment and gets to enjoy the game he loves whenever he wants while helping people lower their scores.