Best Hat Materials for Summer

 

Summer's finally here, and there's nothing that completes your summer look like a cool hat.  But what's this—not all hats are created equal, especially when it comes to material, style, and sun protection. Some trap heat, some wilt under humidity, and others… just don’t go with anything in your closet.

And how do you choose a hat that is cool and will not look bad? It starts with the material.

In this tutorial, we're going to guide you through some of the best summer hat fabrics, why each is amazing (or less amazing), and how to pick the best one for you. If you're browsing LuxeBrims' collection of women's hats or looking to update your summer wardrobe, this will help you make a choice that lasts all season.

👉 Shop Summer Hats Collection

 

1.    Straw – The Timeless Summer Classic

Perfect for: Beach trips, sun vacations, farmer's markets, and easygoing everyday wear.

Straw hats are the go-to summer accessory—and with good reason. They're lightweight, extremely breezy, and effortlessly trendy. Made of natural fibers like raffia, seagrass, or wheat straw, these hats offer breathability, keeping your head at ease even during scorching sun.

There are so many various types of straw to choose from—Toyo (reflective paper-based straw), Panama (Toquilla palm and famous for its excellent weave), or the rougher versions of seagrass and raffia. Each will provide a different texture and appearance to your summer collection. 

Pros:

·         Extremely light

·         Natural and breathable

·         Classic appearance that will complement most items

Cons:

·         Not water-resistant

·         Will become deformed if crushed or wet

👉 Shop Straw Hats

 Popular Styles:

• Cassidy Rancher Straw Hat

• Saguaro Wide Brim Fedora

 

2.    Cotton – Soft, Simple, and Reliable

Best for: Everyday use, running errands, park strolls, or casual outdoor gatherings.

Cotton is a sleeper success as a summer hat. It has none of the glamour of straw or the stuffiness of felt, but it cannot be beat for comfort. Cotton hats, especially bucket or baseball hats, are soft and airy and easy to just shove in a bag without fear of ruining the shape.

If you're heading out on an excursion or just spending the day outdoors, a cotton hat gives you practical sun protection without the fuss. Choices like the Daily Bucket Hat offer a relaxed, understated look that pairs with nearly anything.

Pros:

·         Soft and gentle on the scalp

·         Good at absorbing sweat

·         Easy to wash

Cons:

·         Tends to hold onto sweat and feel soggy or damp

·         Tends to lose shape with wear, especially without support

🛍 Try a cotton sun hat for ultimate softness.

 

3.    Linen – The Sophisticated, Lightweight Choice

Perfect for: Dry, warm conditions, brunches, garden parties, or better excursions.

Linen, typically made out of flax fibers, is a refined yet casual fabric which screams summer elegance. It's one of the most breathable items of clothing that you can don, which is why it's a smart choice when temperatures begin to rise yet you still want to appear put together.

As it is so light and heat-resistant, hats made from linen can be worn for hours on end without making you feel damp or wet.

Pros:

·         Organically temperature-controlling

·         Gives a high, clean look

·         Light on the head

Downsides:

·         Not ideal for rainy or damp weather

 

Style Tip: A lined linen bucket hat or floppy-brim linen blend is a casually chic accessory to any straightforward summer outfit.

✨ Great pick for classy summer outfits.

 

4.    Lightweight Felt: Yes, Felt—In Summer?

Felt hats are usually considered fall and winter headgear, but don't discount them yet. Synthetic felts or wool felts that are light in weight can actually be great at the cooler summer evenings or windier days when you want to have a little more coverage and embellishment.

The trick is selecting packable or crushable pieces that won't retain heat. LuxeBrims offers a selection of light felt fedoras that meet structure with airiness, especially in neutral shades that work with summer outfits.

Perfect for: Evening wear, music festivals, travel

Advantages:

·         Travel-friendly and packable

·         Often water- and UV-resistant

·         Flattening is resisted

Disadvantages:

·         Less breathable

·         May retain heat in very hot climates

 

Summary Table

 

Material	Best For	Popular Types	Pros	Cons
Straw	Beach days, vacations, everyday wear	Raffia, Toyo, Seagrass, Panama	Lightweight, breathable, stylish, versatile	Not water-resistant
Cotton	Daily use, casual outdoor wear	–	Soft, machine washable, comfortable	Absorbs sweat, may lose shape
Linen	Hot, dry climates	–	Ultra-breathable, elegant appearance, heat resistant	Wrinkles easily
Wool Felt	Cool summer evenings, events, indoor/outdoor use	–	Soft texture, structured, sun protection	Warm for hot midday temps

 

 

Choose What Works for You

Finally, yours best will have something to do with how you plan on wearing the hat, where you're going, and what kind of image you want to project.

Having trouble finding your perfect match? Browse our carefully selected collections at LuxeBrims to find your perfect summer hats that match your lifestyle and personality—be it something casual and travel-friendly, or bold and accurate.

And remember: great style starts at the top.

 

• How to Choose the Best Travel Hat for Summer 2025