From boaters to baseball caps and buckets, the best summer hats for chic sun protection

  • Hats can elevate an outfit and protect your face, neck, ears and shoulders 
  • Straw toppers, baseball caps and cowboy hats are trending 

Hats are a summer must. Wearing one can elevate an outfit and protect your face, neck, ears and shoulders from the sun.

'You really have to shade yourself, says New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes.

'The sun does a lot of damage besides skin cancer. It creates brown spots, gives you wrinkles, and kills collagen.'

For a fun, safe, burn-free season Diane recommends reapplying your sunblock every two hours, wearing protective clothing and topping off your look with a hat. 

Daily Mail reveals the season's hottest toppers.

Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to post a roundup of European vacation photos, with a carousel of images wearing an stomach baring two piece set and a raffia hat

Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to post a roundup of European vacation photos, with a carousel of images wearing an stomach baring two piece set and a raffia hat

Straw hats are effortless

Raffia is the most sustainable type of palm. A hat made from the natural fiber is versatile, lightweight, durable and the perfect summer companion. 

Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to post a roundup of European vacation photos, with a carousel of images wearing an stomach baring two piece set.

The billionaire accessorized with two gold watches and Lack of Color's Raffia Cruiser.

The hat features a classic dome boater with a flicked edge, adding a touch of casual sophistication to her getup.

Whether it's a boater or fedora, straw hats can provide excellent sun protection.

The Lack of Color hat features a classic dome boater with a flicked edge, adding a touch of casual sophistication to her getup

The Lack of Color hat features a classic dome boater with a flicked edge, adding a touch of casual sophistication to her getup

Raffia Cruiser by Lack of Color, now $103; lackofcolor.com
Waverly Hat, $287; janesseleone.com

A wide brim hat - like the one Halle Berry's wears - offers unbeatable shade to your face, neck and shoulders thanks to its generous brim length

A wide brim hat - like the one Halle Berry's wears - offers unbeatable shade to your face, neck and shoulders thanks to its generous brim length

Wide brimmed sun hats are smart

There's no such thing as too much sun protection.

A wide brim hat offers unbeatable shade to your face, neck and shoulders thanks to its generous brim length.

Styles made of  cotton canvas or terry cloth are durable and breathable in the heat while protecting you from the sun. 

Halle Berry was a vision in Cabo wearing a black one-piece bathing suit with a plunging neck.

She topped the look with a black belted robe and accessorized with a stack of gold necklaces and an oversized sun hat. 

Whether you prefer a structured look or a more relaxed, floppy vibe, opt for a brim that's at least 5inches.

This sun-smart wardrobe essential is a must for beach day! 

Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat by Free People, $68; freepeople.com
Erin hat by Peter Grimm, $40; petergrimm.com

Emily Ratajkowski completed her look with a straw cowboy hat and dark shield sunglasses

Emily Ratajkowski completed her look with a straw cowboy hat and dark shield sunglasses

Cowboy hats are still in, y'all! 

The popularity of Kevin Costner's hit show 'Yellowstone' made western wear increasingly popular with the fashion set several years ago.

And the look - derived from the clothes worn in the 19th century Wild West - continued to trend, thanks to Beyoncé.

Ever since the singer announced her eighth studio album Act II, the second of the Renaissance trilogy, cowboy hats have been all the rage.

Emily Ratajkowski showed off her incredible figure in a string bikini with a tropical print at a beach in Torrent de Cala Pi. 

She completed her look with a straw cowboy hat and dark shield sunglasses. 

Crown Vintage Straw Cowboy Hat, now $29.99; dsw.com
Beaded cowboy hat by David & Young, now $19.97; nordstromrack.com

Kendall showed off her pert posterior in a black thong bikini while she protected her face with a red Polo baseball hat

Kendall showed off her pert posterior in a black thong bikini while she protected her face with a red Polo baseball hat

The humble baseball cap is trending with the fashion set

Enjoy long days outdoors with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pretty face is protected.

Baseball caps date back to the 1860s when baseball teams began playing professionally in the United States.

The first styles were made of straw to protect the players' eyes from the sun, but the plant-based material was easily knocked off the head.

In the 1940s, the Brooklyn Excelsiors were the first team to wear the style of cap we know today, featuring a round crown made of merino wool, a stiff peak and a visor.

The sporty toppers became a fashion statement for both men and women in the 1950s and 1960s.

And in the 1980s they gained street cred, thanks to rappers like LL Cool J.

Today, baseball caps have been embraced by people of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds, and are a staple in American culture.

They are a popular accessory among many female celebrities, like Rihanna, Ashlee Simpson and Kendall Jenner.

Kendall showed off her pert posterior in a black thong bikini while she protected her face with a red Polo baseball hat.

Baseball hats are an iconic cornerstone of athleisure but these casual toppers can be styled with anything. 

Exclusive Ebbets LA hat by Todd Snyder
New Jersey Devils Fanatics, now $22.39; shop.nhl.com

Justin and Hailey Bieber are often spotted out and about donning bucket hats in a range of colors, fabrics and prints

Justin and Hailey Bieber are often spotted out and about donning bucket hats in a range of colors, fabrics and prints

Bucket hats have (and will always be) cool-kid approved 

Fashion trends come and go but the bucket hat is still going strong.

The '90s essential is a versatile piece that seamlessly integrates with modern wardrobes.

Justin and Hailey Bieber are often spotted out and about donning bucket hats in a range of colors, fabrics and prints.

Hailey took to Instagram to post a picture of herself cuddled up with her husband wearing a light yellow terrycloth hat. 

Shanina Shaik color coordinated her topper with a baby blue romper while yachting in Europe.

Capturing the attention of designers and style enthusiasts, we're not only seeing bucket hats on the streets and beach, but on the runways.  

Shanina Shaik color coordinated her topper with a baby blue romper while yachting in Europe

Shanina Shaik color coordinated her topper with a baby blue romper while yachting in Europe

Leather-trimmed cotton-blend canvas-jacquard bucket hat by Gucci, $620; net-a-porter.com
Ally hat by Eugenia Kim, now $150; eugeniakim.com