Best summer hats 2026: Beach hats, sun protection and more

Summer is in full swing and your best companion to any summer adventure is a great hat.
Whether you’re planning beach vacations, camping trips, afternoons by the pool, music festivals or long days spent sightseeing, the right hat can provide stylish sun protection while keeping you cool and shaded.
When it comes to hats, fashion and function can easily go hand in hand. The secret is reading reviews and doing the research first.
We shopped out everything from packable straw hats to UPF rated styles designed for hiking and other outdoor adventures.
Scroll on to check them out.
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com and GoodMorningAmerica.com, and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.
Best cooling hat

1-Size Fits Most Cooling Wide Brim Hat Navy
- $19.98
- The Home Depot
Best beach hat

Crochet Raffia Sun Hat
- $195
- Jenni Kayne
Best affordable straw hat

Straw Sun Hat for Women
- $12
- $22.99
- Old Navy
UPF protection

UPF 50 Active Wide Brim Sun Hat
- $44.95
- Land's End
Best for camping

Vented Trailsmith Hat
- $59.95
- REI
Best packable visor

Packable Straw Full Visor Hat - Shade & Shore Tan
- $12
- Target
Best lightweight and breathable

Cotton Crusher Hat
- $40
- Anthropologie
Best reversible bucket hat

Reversible Cotton Bucket Hat
- $48
- Lululemon



