Your Summer Hat Style Guide
How to Stay Cool, Protected, and Seriously Stylish All Season Long
Summer is here, and that means it’s officially time to swap out your cold-weather staples for something lighter, breezier and way more fun. And let’s be real: no summer look feels complete without a great hat. The right hat doesn’t just finish your outfit—it keeps you cool, shields your skin from the sun, and gives you that effortlessly put-together look we’re all going for. So, how do you pick the perfect one? Let’s walk through it together.
Why You Actually Need a Summer Hat
Sure, hats look good. But they do so much more than that. On sunny days, they’re your first line of defense against UV rays—especially for your face and scalp. They create instant shade (which also means instant relief), and they add that final, stylish touch to your outfit without much effort. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the park, a backyard BBQ, or just running errands, the right hat keeps you looking and feeling cool.
The Panama Hat: Effortless Style, Always
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| Belfry Daley | Belfry Jairo | Belfry Shofner | Belfry Vargas | Belfry St.Thomas | Belfry Vasto |
If you only own one summer hat, make it a Panama. It’s the ultimate warm-weather classic lightweight, breathable, and endlessly stylish. Woven from toquilla straw, it’s perfect for travel, city days, or beachside cocktails. And it goes with just about everything: linen shirts, flowy dresses, even your favorite jeans. A Panama hat doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.
Wide-Brim Sun Hats: Shade and Drama
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| Belfry Alice | Belfry Vittoria | Belfry Micola | Belfry Tanaro | Belfry Orvieto | Belfry Carolina |
Want more coverage and a little drama? A wide-brim sun hat is your best friend. These hats give your face, neck, and shoulders extra protection while instantly leveling up your outfit. They’re especially perfect for beach days, outdoor weddings, or when you’re spending hours in the sun. Go for straw if you want a beachy vibe, or cotton for something a little more relaxed. Either way, you’re going to look amazing and stay protected.
Bucket Hats: Casual, Cool and Totally Back
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| Belfry Arpina | Belfry Italo Blue | Belfry Ugo | Belfry Tristano | Belfry Italo Rust | Belfry Livio |
The bucket hat has made a huge comeback and it’s easy to see why. They’re low-key, super packable, and incredibly easy to wear. Toss one in your bag, and you’re ready for a day at the park, a weekend festival, or a spontaneous hike. These hats are usually made from soft materials like cotton or denim, and they give off that relaxed, vintage vibe we all secretly love.
Summer Fedoras: Put-Together Without the Heat
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| Belfry Speranza | Belfry Jacopo | Belfry Monza | Belfry Udine | Belfry Bellarosa | Belfry St.John |
Fedoras aren’t just for cooler months. The summer versions usually made of straw or lightweight blends give you that structured, dressed-up look without making you sweat. They’re great for occasions when you want to look polished (think date nights, rooftop parties, or outdoor dinners). If you want something a little sharper than a floppy hat but just as breathable, a summer fedora is the way to go.
Visors: Light, Sporty, and Surprisingly Chic
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| Belfry Cathalina |
If you’re someone who doesn’t love a full hat or you just like to wear your hair up a visor might be your new go-to. It protects your face from the sun but leaves your head uncovered, which is great for hot, active days. Whether you’re playing tennis, running errands, or heading out for a long walk, visors combine sporty function with a fun, throwback feel.
Straw Hats: A Summer Staple
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| Belfry Francesca | Belfry Lazzaro | Belfry Ivo | Belfry Sidonia | Belfry Andrea | Belfry Pirlo |
There’s something so quintessentially summer about a straw hat. They come in all shapes and sizes boaters, floppy brims, western-inspired styles and they all say the same thing: it’s time to relax. Straw hats are lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear just about anywhere, from brunch to a picnic in the park. Pick one that suits your vibe and make it your everyday companion.
Finding the Right Fit (And Style) for You
When it comes to choosing the perfect summer hat, comfort is key. Look for breathable materials like straw, cotton, or linen that won’t trap heat. Make sure your hat fits snugly too loose and it’ll blow off, too tight and it’ll be uncomfortable. If you’re a traveler, packable hats are a game-changer. And above all, choose something that feels like you. A hat is an extension of your personality whether it’s classic, bold, laid-back, or somewhere in between.
Explore Our Summer Collection
At Hats in the Belfry, we’ve curated a summer collection that blends timeless style with breathable comfort. Every hat we carry is made with quality in mind—because your summer essentials should look great and last. Whether you’re dressing up, jetting off, or just enjoying a sunny weekend close to home, we have something that’ll suit your style and your lifestyle.
Visit hatsinthebelfry.com to explore the collection. Because staying cool and looking effortlessly put together? That’s what summer style is all about.
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As always, if you have any questions on styling or need help finding your perfect summer hat, we're always happy to help!
Feel free to reach out to our customer service at 888-999-HATS (4287) or by email at hats@hatsinthebelfry.com.
Want to come see us and shop in person? Come visit us at 103 Main Street in Downtown Annapolis!
