Fashion / Style

Gimme shelter: the best summer hats for the shade

Put the finishing touches on your swimsuit with a well-rounded summer hat - essential for protecting your complexion, shading your latest read or helping you seek out that perfect beach spot without the glare.

Lack of Color

Cult favourite hat makers Lack of Color have everything you need to get your headwear sorted for summer. You’ll have a hard time choosing from oversized straw boaters, printed bucket hats and luxe wool hats for sunset gazing. We love their scalloped Dolce hat which is perfect for those dreaming of an Amalfi coastline and wanting to channel European vacation vibes. Each piece at LOC is responsibly made and designed to be worked into your everyday wardrobe, so don’t be shy to take your hat beyond the beach this season.

Lorna Murray

If you want to make a statement on the sand this summer, then peruse the creations of Sydney-based artist and designer, Lorna Murray. Her accordion pleated hats are a work of art unto themselves, reminiscent of something Audrey Hepburn might have worn on her Roman Holiday. Choose from a range of colours and patterns to coordinate (or contrast) with any outfit. Handcrafted from natural fibres, each piece is easily collapsible to fit into your beach bag and durable enough to withstand water, sun and any melted ice-cream drips.

Sarah J Curtis

After seeing people spend a fortune on their skin without investing in sun protection, Sarah J Curtis knew she had to do something. Her namesake label is dedicated to creating luxury hats that provide sufficient shade from the harsh Australian sun. The Instagram-worthy Paloma hat has the ultimate wide brim to provide enough shade to rival a beach umbrella. Its smaller companion; the Summer Time Fun is perfect for events paired with a floaty dress and strappy heel. With her emphasis on minimalism and luxury, Curtis has developed headwear to be celebrated all year round.

Avenue The Label

If you don’t consider yourself a hat person then don’t concede defeat until you’ve checked out Avenue’s range of straw hats. The sky's the limit with their styles in both wide and small brims, in a range of materials such as soft paper yarn, structured wheat straw, textured raffia and lightweight sisal. Best of all, their classic boaters come with ribbon ties so you won’t be at a loss on a windy day. Even if you’re not on board yet with the humble bucket hat, one look at their classic yet sophisticated versions will have you bowled over. We’re eyeing off their Bellflower metallic bucket hat (and adding to our Christmas list).

Will & Bear

Hats are designed for the journey, and Will & Bear want to be there with you for every step of the way. Born on the road, every style takes inspiration from the landscapes of nature and is crafted from all natural or recycled fibres. Their summer staples include straw hats, canvas bucket hats and textured cotton ‘dad caps’. Designed and built for roaming, Will and Bear also sell additional carry clips to secure your hat to a backpack or bag. Best of all, with every purchase made they’ll plant 10 trees so you can protect the environment whilst also protecting yourself.

Tio Y Tia

Inspired by the American Southwest, Tio y Tia was created after founder Natalie Najafi fell in love with a thrifted wool hat that she wore to pieces. Their range of classic yet stylish styles are designed to be worn with the same spirit. Designed in Brooklyn, each piece is handmade by the oldest hat maker in America, who also crafted hats for artist Georgia O'Keeffe. For complete coordination, Tio y Tia also have a woven straw fan to match their raffia boleros. We love their soft straw hats that have us dreaming of an endless summer.