The Bucket Hat

The bucket hat is a very flexible and compact type of hat. It is generally made of different materials, from cotton to wool. Its design has a hanging wing that falls in front of the face; this is designed to protect the wearer from the Sun during fishing. Today it’s an accessory whose fame is on the scale. It attracted the attention of countless famous brands that have incorporated it into their lines.

History of the Bucket Hat

The origin of this hat goes back to the time when they were still called “fisherman’s” hats around the 1900s. At this time, “fisherman’s” hats were made with felt, wool, or tweed. They were manufactured mainly to protect farmers or fishermen from the rain. This is thanks to the fact that the wool did not wash into a natural raincoat.

In addition, thanks to its design and materials, making it incredibly compact, it was possible to store it in a trouser or jacket pocket without much problem.

This type of hat was used during the 1940s by army soldiers to protect themselves from the different climatic adversities they might face in combat.

During the ’60s, these hats began to have greater fame as an accessory for informal and urban use. People began to see it as a fashion object, leaving aside the purely practical and functional part of the garment. And, to turn, concentrating on the aesthetic part.

Its peak period was during the ’80s and early ’90s. This was thanks to the fact that many famous rap groups began to use this garment as a representative accessory. Because of this, the bucket hat gained surprising fame and became the indispensable accessory of the time’s urban and hip-hop culture.

Currently, it’s a hat that, despite being left behind for around 2 decades, thanks to the fashion movement that relies on nostalgia for the ’90s, is beginning to gain fame again in different urban and bohemian scenes. Even well-known brands such as Zara and Pull & Bear are adding them to their production lines. They offer a modern version of this hat to the current public.

How Are Bucket Hats Made?

The manufacturing process of the “bucket” hats is relatively easy. The first thing needed is to have the three main pieces: the body, the cup, and the brim.

You must have the correct measurements since this type of hat shouldn’t be too tight or too wide. This is because it can look bad and lose the style you want to achieve. Once you have the pieces with the correct measurements, they are carefully intertwined and sewn together so that the seams line up and give the hat the proper shape.

The method most used by some manufacturing companies is that they create two different hats and sew them together so that it’s reversible. This is the most common way to find bucket hats on the market. After having the manufacturing ready, some brands choose to make embroidery or decorations to the hat so that they are more distinguishable and at the same time have a different and fun aesthetic touch.

What Materials Are Bucket Hats Made Of?

In its beginnings, this hat was made with wool becuase it is in its natural state, that is, unwashed. It provided a perfect waterproof cover to protect Fishermen during the rainy season.

However, since this accessory has become a fashion item with the passage of time, the materials have varied a lot. Now you can find bucket hats made of linen, cotton, and even plastic. The importance of the manufacturing material lies in the waterproof cap’s capacity. And also, in turn, how fresh and breathable it’s to be able to face hot climates without bothering the user.

How to Wear a Bucket Hat?

The variations of styles and the bucket hats presentation fall on the target audience for which this hat is directed. The gender of its wearer mainly gives these separations.

Are the Bucket Hats for Men or Women?

Originally this hat was only used by men during fishing and agriculture. However, when it gained more popularity in urban rap and hip-hop scenes, it quickly became a unisex accessory. It was worn by great figures of the time, both male and female. And, to this day, it remains a complement that both men and women can enjoy.

Bucket Hat for Men

In these cases, manufacturers aim for more relaxed and informal styles. It can be used with jeans accompanied by a shirt, and the hat will look good. However, if it is aimed for a more mixed look, it is possible to combine it with more formal jackets. This is very seen in brands such as Prada or Louis Vuitton.

Another factor that you can highlight with this hat is long hair since when the hair sticks out over the edge of the hat, it gives it a more relaxed look. Although there is a surprising number of colors and patterns in which this hat can be presented, it’s best to use sober colors, such as white or black, without very striking patterns since they can be easier to combine with when wearing any outfit.

Bucket Hat for Women

In the cases of women’s bucket hats, these come in smaller sizes to avoid covering accessories such as earrings or obscuring makeup.

On the other hand, these hats serve to highlight feminine characteristics in a very harmonious way. For example, if you have short hair, this hat can give a vintage touch to the general look and make the shape and the cut stand out more. Or, in case of a bad hair day, it can be incorporated into the outfit to not only cover up the messy hair but also to add a more stylized touch to the outfit.

Consider that the hats must be combined by taking into account the manufacturing material. Since each material is better combined with another specific one, if we are not careful with this, we can make the hat we choose look forced, and the overall outfit can look ornate.

Are the Bucket Hats Only for Working?

Although in the beginning, this hat was only intended to be a protection from the Sun for fishermen and farmers, today, this characteristic of the bucket hat has been put aside and is used mostly in a purely aesthetic way.

However, its manufacture in waterproof, fresh, and light materials makes it retain its functionality and versatility. Thanks to its current popularity, this hat is not only used for protection during work but also as an accessory in urban environments.