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Whether you're spending summer in the city, heading to the coast or travelling abroad, choosing the right summer hat is one of the easiest ways to stay cool while also staying stylish. From timeless Panama hats to contemporary bucket hats, the best summer hats combine breathable materials, sun protection, exceptional craftsmanship and understated style.
At Lock & Co., we've spent centuries helping customers find hats that suit both their lifestyle and personal style. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of summer hats, how to choose the right one and how to care for it so it lasts for many summers to come.
A great summer hat does far more than complete a look.
The right style can:
Natural fibres such as Panama straw allow heat to escape while providing lightweight comfort, making them one of the most popular choices for warm weather with the added benefit of UPF50 protection.
Few hats are as synonymous with summer as the Panama hat.
Handwoven from toquilla palm straw in Ecuador, Panama hats for summer are lightweight, breathable and gracefully elegant. Whether paired with linen or relaxed weekend attire, they remain one of the best summer hats for both men and women.
Bucket hats have become a modern summer staple.
Offering relaxed styling with practical sun protection, they're ideal for holidays, tennis tournaments, festivals, countryside walks and everyday wear.
Lock & Co.'s bucket hats for summer combine contemporary design with lightweight fabrics, making them easy to wear and travel with throughout the season.
A wider brim provides additional shade and protection around the face and neck while creating an elegant silhouette.
Wide brimmed hats blend practicality and classic style, making them ideal for garden parties, racecourses, or beach vacations.
Travelling this summer?
A packable hat allows you to protect your investment and save space while fitting neatly inside your luggage.
Many Lock & Co. summer hats are designed specifically to roll or fold safely without losing their shape.
Choosing the best summer hat depends on several factors.
Ask yourself:
Different occasions often suit different brim widths and materials.
Even the finest summer hat won't feel comfortable if it doesn't fit correctly.
Measuring your head accurately ensures both comfort and longevity.
Use our hat sizing guide to ensure that you find the ideal hat size.
Certain crown heights and brim widths naturally complement different face shapes.
Understanding these proportions helps you find a flattering silhouette with confidence.
Use our face shape guide to help you find the ideal summer hat that suits you best.
Colour can dramatically change the versatility of your hat.
Popular summer shades include:
Neutral colours pair well with seasonal pieces, while darker shades offer a more contemporary look.
A quality summer hat should last for many years when properly cared for.
How to make your Summer hat last longer:
Panama hats require additional care to preserve their woven structure.
→ Panama Hat Care
→ Hat Care Tips
Every season introduces new interpretations of classic summer styles.
From timeless Panama hats to modern bucket hats and lightweight travel-ready designs, our latest collection brings together traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styling.
The best summer hats combine breathable materials, lightweight construction and timeless styling. Panama hats remain one of the most popular choices thanks to their comfort, elegance and versatility, while bucket hats are ideal for more casual wear.
Natural fibres such as Panama straw allow air to circulate more effectively than many synthetic materials, making them particularly comfortable during warmer months.
Yes. Panama hats are incredibly versatile and can be worn with everything from linen tailoring and casual summer outfits to dressier looks.
Consider:
Store it in a cool, dry place in a hat box and avoid crushing the brim. If travelling, choose a packable style specifically designed for transport.
Have a scroll and discover some of our other articles, from press coverage to style guides and informational pieces.
From classic Panamas to lightweight fedoras, these are the styles worth investing in for Summer 2026.
Whether you're travelling abroad, attending a garden party or simply enjoying the sunshine, these are the styles to consider for Summer 2026.
This year, Lock & Co. becomes an official licensee of Royal Ascot for the first time, a milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and British ceremonial style.
At Lock & Co. Hatters, we see racing season as an opportunity to embrace timeless elegance, where the right hat doesn’t just complete a look, it defines it.
As part of our 350th anniversary collection, we are proud to celebrate two of our most loved and iconic cap styles: The Gill Flat Cap and The Whitebridge Bakerboy Cap.
Join us on March 27th for wear a hat day and help make a difference. It's simple, fun and helps give hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
2026 will see Lock & Co. celebrating throughout the year, with very special events to attend, exclusive limited-edition men’s and women’s hats and caps launched each month - and even some extra-secret surprises!
Thank you, most kindly, for your custom, and we hope to see you in the shop or on our website soon. You are always most welcome.
Celebrate the season with timeless Christmas gifts from Lock & Co. Hatters. Explore our heritage inspired collection of hats, scarves, and accessories, crafted with care and designed to last.
