What Hat Should I Wear on Holiday?

Whether you're planning a city break, a beach escape or a long-haul adventure, choosing the right holiday hat makes all the difference.
The best travel hats combine comfort, sun protection and style, while packable
summer hats
are ideal for keeping your luggage light. Here's our guide to the
best hats for every holiday this summer 2026.

Summer Holiday Hats Q&A

The best holiday hat depends on your destination. A lightweight Panama hat is ideal for warm weather, while bucket hats and caps are great for sightseeing and casual travel.

Beach hats with a wide brim offer the best sun protection. Panama hats are a popular choice thanks to their breathable weave and timeless style. For a more casual look, you can opt for wide-brimmed summer hats made from straw, paper or cotton.

Some Lock & Co. Panama hats are designed to be rolled for travel, while others should be packed carefully to protect their shape. Explore our full collection of packable and rollable hats for easy travelling.


The best travel hats are lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear for long periods. Packable styles are especially practical for holidays.

Explore our packable and rollable Panama hats.

Measure the circumference of your head. Place a tape measure around your head, positioned mid-forehead and just above the ears. Take note of the measurements in centimeters or inches. Use our hat sizing guide to find the best fit before travelling.

Best Hats for a City Break

From sightseeing to café terraces, choose a lightweight hat that's comfortable to wear all day and easy to pair with your travel wardrobe.

  • Panama Hats: a classic Panama hat offers breathable comfort and timeless style, making it ideal for exploring cities in warm weather.
  • Baseball caps: a smart baseball cap is a practical choice for casual sightseeing and days spent on the move.
  • Bucket hats: lightweight and versatile, bucket hats provide relaxed sun protection while packing easily into your luggage.

Best Beach Hats

For days by the sea or pool, opt for a breathable hat with a generous brim to help keep you cool and shaded.

  • Wide-brim Panama hats: a wide-brim Panama offers elegant sun protection while allowing air to circulate in hot climates.
  • Classic sun hats: a lightweight sun hat provides reliable shade for long afternoons spent by the water.

Best Hats for a Resort Holiday

Resort dressing calls for timeless elegance, with styles that work just as well by the pool as they do for evening drinks.

  • Fedora Panama Hats: a fedora Panama transitions effortlessly from daytime exploring to evening dining.
  • Montecristi Panama Hats: handwoven in Ecuador, Montecristi Panama hats are prized for their exceptional craftsmanship and emmaculate finish.

The Lock & Co. Guide to Summer Hats
Best Summer Hats for Women
Best Summer Hats for Men

Best Hats for a Countryside Escape

Whether you're exploring coastal paths or country gardens, choose a practical hat that offers comfort and protection throughout the day.

  • Bucket Hats: soft and easy to wear, bucket hats are a practical companion for countryside walks and outdoor adventures.
  • Baseball Caps: a lightweight baseball cap offers everyday comfort for relaxed days spent outdoors.
  • Panama Hats: for smarter countryside escapes, a Panama hat provides breathable comfort without compromising on style.

Best Hats for Long-Haul Travel

Lightweight, packable hats are ideal for long journeys, helping you arrive ready for sunny days without taking up valuable luggage space.

  • Rollable Panama Hats: designed for travel, rollable Panama hats can be packed with care before returning to their original shape.
  • Packable Summer Hats: flexible packable styles are a convenient option for holidays where suitcase space is limited.

Shop our practical summer hats for those long journeys and sunny adventures:

Best Hats for Formal Holidays

From destination weddings to summer events abroad, a well-chosen hat adds the perfect finishing touch to a smart holiday outfit.

  • Fine Panama Hats: a finely woven Panama hat complements linen tailoring and lightweight summer suiting for formal occasions.
  • Elegant Occasion Hats: for weddings, garden parties or race days abroad, an elegant hat brings sophistication to any holiday outfit.
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