The Ultimate Straw Hat Guide | Hemlock Hat Co

If there is an accessory that has stood the test of time, it’s the straw hat. Perfect for both men and women, it serves as the perfect mix of fashion and function, making any outfit give off summer vibes.

Now that beach season is right around the corner, you’re probably on the hunt for a straw hat, which is why we’re here to help. Find out all the details about straw hats and how to pick your perfect match below.

Straw Hats: All-Mighty Protectors

The sun is both friend and foe, bronzing our skin but leading to signs of aging like wrinkles and discoloration. A straw hat is both a stylish and effective way to beat the heat, shading your face from harmful sun rays. 

Keep in mind that the protection you get from a straw hat depends on the size of the weave, with the tightness increasing the protection. Some larger weaves may allow some rays to get through and reach your skin.

Types of Straw Hats: Find your Match

From Panama to Boater, there are a ton of straw hat types, all of them perfect for different occasions. To find your match, look at these types that get all the hype.

The Lifeguard Hat – Baywatch Vibes Anyone?

Well, ok. We will admit that the babes of Baywatch were not usually rocking these hats. But they are called lifeguard hats. Worn by most lifeguards that span the beaches of the most popular coastal towns, these hats feature a thick woven look and a strap to tie up under the chin.

Hemlock Hats Co’s lifeguard hat collection are our most popular straw hats. Check out our adult lifeguard collection here and our kids lifeguard straw hat collection.

The Boater Hat – The Historical Hat

The hat with an international presence is the Boater hat, traditionally worn as a formal hat for warm weather. Over the years, it’s transformed into a hot summer accessory, seen on the catwalks of moguls like Coco Chanel and more.

The Panama Hat – Sporty + Sexy

Light woven straw comes together beautifully with a banded cap to create the straw hat that has a sporty yet sexy look, the Panama. Made popular by President Roosevelt himself, this hat has stood the test of time and made it to the top of the fashionista blog charts as the summer’s must-have accessory.

Hemlock Hats Co’s premium straw hat collection is our collection closest to the traditional Panama hat. 

The Floppy Hat – The Perfect Beach Hat

Nothing screams summer like a floppy straw hat. Its large brim covers the face and shoulders and the look pairs well with all the hottest swim accessories on the town. They come in so many different styles and can be customized to go with any color combo that makes your swimsuit pop.

 When choosing a floppy hat, be careful with the weave though, making sure to choose one that’s tightly woven to enjoy the protection from the sun. 

The Garden Hat – From Garden to Glamour

The top features a unique rounded shape that’s made this little summer accessory quite the buzz this year. It’s cute, wide-brimmed for extra sun protection, and even has a spot to tie scarves and leather belts to add an extra stylish flare.

Our lifeguard hat and premium straw collection is perfect for gardening and other outdoor activities.

Finding the Hat for You

With so many straw hats to choose from, you’ll have some things to consider. First of all, it’s good to take a look at your style and see which hat pairs well. On top of that, you want to look at your vacation spots, seeing if beach bumming is on the list. 

This will help you pick from our top picks, choosing one (or more!) that is stylish and functional, keeping you cool and away from the sun’s harmful rays even on the hottest summer days.