With summer approaching and self-quarantine still in place, I’m trying to spend as much time outdoors as I can.  It’s the one thing I feel we still get to “do” even if it’s just sitting on the porch or taking a walk around the neighborhood.  I’ll take it!

I never go outside without a hat – read why here – so having something functional and stylish is key.

For summer, I’m all about straw hats.  They’re packable, breathe well and offer great sun protection.  I’ve found 3 straw hat styles that work best for me – boater hats, Panama hats and visors.

I recently scored a couple new ones on sale and wanted to share my tips for what to look for.  Read on for sizing, fit and outfit pairing tips.

Straw Boater Hats

Boaters come in wide or narrow brims and have a stiff straw so they hold their shape well.  I prefer a wide brim boater – better sun protection and the stiff shape works well on larger hats.

Pros: fashion-forward and versatile.  You can easily dress it up, down, make it more feminine or edgy.  A narrow brim boater is better for causal looks while a wide brim boater lends well to dramatic looks.

Cons: boaters tend to have shallow crowns, so if you have a big head, this might be a tough style for you.  The shallow crown also means you typically have to wear it perched on your head (exposing more of your face to the sun), rather than pulled down over your forehead.  So if it’s windy outside, this is a tough hat to keep on.  Also, they aren’t packable, so they take up more space.

Boater Hats I Love

Panama Hats

Panama hats are my favorite.  It’s a classic silhouette with a neutral vibe.  You can make them look masculine or feminine.  They too come in shallow or wide brims.  For city excursions or low impact sports (golf, boating) I like a shallow brim.  For beach or pool lounging, I prefer a wide brim.

Pros: they look good on everybody.  The classic style means you can find them anywhere and at all different price points.

Cons: no cons for me, but they do lean a little masculine so I’d plan your outfit accordingly.  I probably wouldn’t wear a Panama hat with something super feminine or to a special occasion.  The vibe here is little tougher and cooler.

Panama Hats I Love

Visors

With an opening at the top and back, visors keep you cool while still protecting your face from the sun.

Pros: you can wear any hairstyle with them (topknot, bun, ponytail).  The majority are adjustable so sizing issues are virtually nonexistent.  They are very compact – most can be rolled up by unfastening the back.

Cons: they definitely lean casual.  I consider visors to be 80% function and 20% fashion.  I wear mine while swimming or doing beach sports.  If you’re looking to make a statement, I’d go for a boater or Panama hat instead.

Visors I Love