Outdated Hat Trends To Ditch For Summer 2025 (& 4 New Ones To Try)

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It is that time of year again when summer hats begin to take over the boardwalk, whether crocheted, bejeweled, or inexplicably enormous. These hats have served as fashion statements with something to prove, while shielding faces and egos alike. But some of these head toppers have officially worn out their welcome. Cynthia Kennedy, a San Diego-based personal fashion stylist, spoke exclusively with Women about the hats to avoid in summer 2025, which she said is "less about making a huge statement and more about looking effortlessly pulled together."

"There's also a big shift toward function meets fashion," Kennedy continued. "These are hats you'd actually want to wear, not just for the photo. Whether it's a sculpted bucket hat, a sleek visor, or a canvas cap that elevates your off-duty look, the vibe this year is 'easy polish.'" Hats of the past have shaded us well, but trends evolve, and so should your hat game. 

Once a symbol of effortless beach glam, the giant floppy sun hat has taken a hard turn from stylish to simply extra.  Yes, it shielded your face (and possibly three neighboring chairs) from the sun, and it looked dramatic in a windless photoshoot. But in real life? It flops into your eyes, blocks everyone's view, and threatens to take flight at the first hint of a breeze. Stylist Cynthia Kennedy told Women exclusively that the famous and sometimes infamous hat is "taking a backseat this year." "People want hats they can actually wear, not just pose in. Structure over size is the new rule," she said.

Try a sleek, structured straw boater hat, such as the Lanzom Sun Hat, for a timeless upgrade. Opt for a canvas bucket hat in a minimalist print or a breezy cotton cap with a modern silhouette. They still offer sun protection without the drama. Your head will thank you. So will everyone sitting behind you.

The straw fedora, once the darling of beachside brunches and summer music festivals. It was usually paired with maxi dresses, chunky bangles, and the confident stride of someone who definitely read "Eat, Pray, Love" twice. But time has not been kind. What once felt effortless now reads more like "Pinterest board from 2011." The vibe has shifted from boho-cool to slightly confused community theater costume.

Cynthia Kennedy said that the straw fedora, especially ones with the black band "feel a little tired." "The shape isn't super flattering on most people, and it doesn't feel current," Kennedy exclusively told Women.

However, if you still want to capture similar vibes, try woven boater hats or modern wide-brim hats instead. And if those options do not float your boat, you can also pick up a crisp baseball cap in a neutral tone, a low-key linen bucket hat, or even a vintage-inspired visor (yes, really). But please leave the straw fedora in 2012!

Once the crown jewel of Y2K nostalgia, trucker hats made a hard comeback and now it's time for an equally hard goodbye. With their foam fronts, mesh backs, and cryptic slogans or worse, bedazzled butterflies, these hats screamed "cool girl on MySpace" for a brief, glittery second. And though we had a revival of y2k fashion in summer 2023, in 2025, the look feels less retro-chic and more rummage-sale regret. "Trucker hats in general are kind of fading, especially in bright neons or novelty prints," Cynthia Kennedy exclusively told Women.com. "A tonal baseball cap or textured canvas version feels much more now." One great option is NPJY Baseball Cap, which comes in a neutral brown color that you can wear with anything.

So, this summer is all about natural textures and clean lines, and hats that are cool and breathable, and best of all, no rhinestone slogans in sight!

The floppy crochet bucket hat had its fifteen minutes of fame with it being bright, playful and a DIY dream. You would see them at festivals, farmers markets at and every influencer's beach day. But in 2025, the charm is starting to unravel. What once felt fun and carefree might now double as a potholder if the day gets too hot.

That said, Cynthia Kennedy exclusively told Women that crochet is definitely not going anywhere, but the same cannot be said for the "super soft, slouchy bucket hats that were everywhere last year." "Summer 2025 is more about shape and intention. If you want texture, look for woven raffia or anything with a bit more structure." One option for tapping into this style is Lack of Color Women's Palma Straw Fedora, which is available in two sizes. 

You can also lean into the elevated ease of this season by trying a structured cotton or linen bucket hat in muted tones like sage, soft beige, or stone gray. You will still beat the heat without the floppy fringe.