No Hat, No Play: 15 Brands to Shop for a Sun-Safe (and Stylish) Summer

As a natural redhead, nothing pleased me more than when sun safety got cool. Over the past few years, sunscreen has become a beauty essential; rash shirts have had a glow up, and the chapeaux is finally in vogue. Even though the extra-extra-extra large straw styles that Jacquemus sent down the runway for Spring 2018 were less than practical, they sparked a wave of fashionable headwear that has gone from strength to strength every season since.

While a smattering of freckles might signify the joys of time outdoors, we’re known as the sunburnt country for a reason. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 2000 deaths from the disease recorded in Australia each year. Ultraviolet rays also accelerate signs of ageing.

Here is proof that there’s a hat for every head – from soft, packable styles that are perfect for holidays to straw boaters that channel European glamour.

Jace Banu

Jace Banu’s hats are designed in Australia and handwoven in Ecuador and Madagascar. The collection has vintage appeal thanks to romantic silhouettes and a pared-back colour palette. Its Cyla bucket hat comes in six spiral colourways for summer. The style is inspired by the history and culture of the Sicilian beachside town Cefalù.

Our pick

Lee Mathews

Crafted as part of the brand’s Workroom collection, an organic cotton drill hat by Lee Mathews is a timeless staple. In classic black and white colours, the soft-yet-structured bucket silhouette features a deep crown and stitched brim.

Our pick

Romy

Hobart-based label Romy is known for transforming artwork into everyday prints that are reworked across wardrobe staples. It applies the same philosophy to accessories like its Training Day cap, made in collaboration with Sydney-based artist Eliza Gosse. A retro leotard-wearing silhouette sprints across the front of this structured style. 

Our pick

Avenue the Label

The problem with wide-brim hats is having to carry them around without squishing the raffia out of shape when they're not on your head. But Avenue the Label has devised the perfect packable style: the Fornillo sunhat. The Sydney brand offers the hand crocheted style in neutrals like chocolate brown and classic beige, as well as striped colourways such as sage and brown-and-sky-blue. Roll or fold the silhouette into your tote or travel bag as needed. 

Our pick

Marle

New Zealand label Marle has grown a steady following thanks to its considered essentials and slow fashion ethos. And its hats don't disappoint. The new-season Kuia hat is made from chocolate and black straw raffia, while the Baba and Abuela silhouettes come in classic cotton canvas.

Our pick

Alpha60

If anyone can make a drawstring bucket hat cool, it’s Melbourne label Alpha60. The brand’s signature Saya hat is cut from cotton canvas and comes in a range of classic colours and prints. These broad-brimmed beauties are complete with a wire insert to help hold shape, no matter how you style it.

Our pick

Lucy Folk

Lucy Folk’s hats are summer staples. The brand is known for its nomadic-inspired design and handmade jewellery collection. But equal care is given to the embroidered canvas, which are made by artisans in India.

Our pick

Emma Mulholland on Holiday

Fans of Emma Mulholland on Holiday’s whimsical and printed ready-to-wear will be familiar with the Sydney brand’s lighthearted hat offering. Caps embroidered with phrases like “someone on holiday loves me” and “room service” speak the label’s tongue-in-cheek language fluently. It’s hard to pass a city beach without spotting one of the hibiscus-printed on show.

Our pick

Helen Kaminski

Craftsmanship shines through each one of Helen Kaminski’s designs. The range is full of classic raffia designs like the Anya, Esther, Dijon and Nala bucket hat. Or for something sporty-chic, there’s the Parker visor. 

Our pick

Assembly Label

Easy-wearing caps and classic raffia bucket hats are yet another reason to love Assembly Label’s refined approach to wardrobe basics. Throw one of these styles in your beach bag and stay shady all summer long.

Our pick 

Lack of Colour

Lack of Colour’s signature fedoras flooded festivals and Instagram feeds following its launch in 2011. Twelve years on and the brand has not lost its shine. Architectural straw styles like the Vista hat and domed Cove are sure to make a statement. But offbeat takes on trending bucket silhouettes are summer favourites, too: see the Wave and Holiday.

Our pick

Zulu & Zephyr 

Sydney resort label Zulu & Zephyr is a go-to for laid-back, coastal silhouettes – throw-on pieces that work from beach to bar. Its logo-adorned caps come in wide-brimmed bucket hat versions, too, complete with an adjustable drawstring. Channel cowboy cool with its Raffia Western silhouette. 

Our pick

Soleil Soleil 

Soleil Soleil’s printed towelling hats come oversized in four colours. Pick from lime green, chocolate brown, burnt orange and red. There are also everyday canvas caps adorned with playful motifs like fish, tigers and the sun.    

Our pick

Ochre Lane

It’s been the year of polka dots, and Aussie label Ochre Lane splashes big dots across a wide-brimmed silhouette. Lie in the sun and read for hours while staying protected in this oversized number. Much like its sell-out, size-inclusive swimwear, it’ll make you feel good all year round. 

Our pick

Additional reporting by Gitika Garg. 

This article was first published on February 10, 2023 and has since been updated.

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