From cowboy chic hats to concertina bonnets, our shopping guide is filled to the brim.
As essential as they are stylish, sunhats are a staple of New Zealand summer. Sure, being sun-smart is sensible – but it’s also a chance to get creative with your outfit, especially in a season when clothing layers are kept at a minimum.
“Hats bring so much personality to an ensemble,” says fashion stylist and FashioNZ Power Lister Sammy Salsa.
“For me, it’s all about shape and fit. A great summer hat balances functionality with style – you shouldn’t have to compromise on either,” adds fellow stylist and Power Lister Sarah Stuart. “Opt for versatile styles with adjustable brims or neutral tones to ensure your hat complements a range of outfits and occasions. Don’t shy away from exploring textures like straw or linen – they’re perfect for summer.”
Shop, and style, our hat picks below:
Cowboy Smarter
Hot on the heels of the Western fashion trend (popularised by Beyonce and her Levii’s Jeans), this season’s cowboy hats are riding high on contemporary fabrications, from distressed straw to denim-on-denim.
“Lucky for us, trends for summer 2024 are leaning into floppy and cowboy hats,” confirms Stuart. “They’re not only practical for sun protection but also bring an irresistible air of drama to your summer wardrobe.
Shop the Trend:
Buckets Full
“My go-to for summer is a bucket hat,” says Salsa. “It’s such a versatile statement piece to take you from the beach to the bar for drinks. I love the urban feel of a bucket hat with any summer outfit, whether it be with an oversized boyfriend shirt and wide-leg trousers or paired with a fun summer dress to keep it cute.
There is a bucket hat for everyone this season – be it fashion takes in shiny black and leopard print, or more feminine takes with raffia with scalloped edging and sometimes, even, a lacey look.
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Big Brim Hats
While we’d never suggest actually hiding behind your hat this summer, the bigger the brim, the more shade you have to relax under. Straw hats with a downward brim are not only elegant but ensure you can read your book, Kindle, and (let’s face it) phone with the right kind of tunnel vision. Tight cane styles with a high crown bring the glamour, while softer styles appear more relaxed – and can be folded back for when you want to look up and socialise again.
How to style it to the next level? “I love pairing hats with scarves, especially ones with a vintage-inspired touch,” says Stuart. “Think 1950s glamour – a silk scarf tied elegantly under the chin or around your head and knotted adds a playful yet sophisticated element. It’s such a chic way to elevate your look while bringing a little drama to your outfit.”
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Special Mention: In the Fold
If you’re on the move this summer, a hat that flat packs is in order. Lorna Murray’s grass-fibre folding hats have been handcrafted in Southeast Asia, with travel front of mind. They are available in both natural and bold colourways, for all kinds of holidays.
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Shopping tip:
To make sure you find a hat that is snug enough to not blow away in the wind, but not too tight to cause discomfort over time, it is best to shop in person. The next best thing is to check online size guides, with a soft measurement tape in hand. If you are clicking through a multi-brand boutique, you can always look up the label’s own website for specific product details and dimensions before adding to cart.