Get your head in the game: Chris Haslam serves up nine ways to save your slap from the sun and upgrade your shabby appearance at the same time

BADBOY BUCKETS

The surfy statement

Stussy Stock Bucket Hat

Much like the Stuff editorial team, Stussy might be heading into middle age these days, but the kings of Californian casual clothing remain cool as feck – and you’ll not find a more vintage surf vibe than this classic washed cotton bucket, complete with iconic embroidered logo. £54 / stussy.co.uk

The technical topper

Norse Projects Gore-Tex Bucket Hat

This is clean, simple Scandi style with robust 50-denier polyester and a waterproof but breathable Gore-Tex membrane in the middle. An excellent practical choice… but please, no matter how bad the weather gets, do not be tempted to use the adjustable chin-strap.

  £80 / norseprojects.com

The dashing deckhand

Universal Works Waxed Bucket Hat

A direct descendent of hardy 15th-century sailors who waxed sailcloths to protect them from the elements and used the leftover scraps to make smocks that kept them dry on deck, this modern five-panel bucket hat is made using British Millerain TekWax cotton that’s stiff and totally waterproof.

  £60 / universalworks.co.uk

COOL CAPS

The rakish runner

On Running Lightweight Cap

When sweat in your eyes is not an option and you can’t do a headband justice, this featherlight cap from On Running is hard to beat. Laser-cut ventilation looks and works great, while the fabric band soaks up sweat and the whole thing dries in minutes once you’re home and panting on the hall floor.

  £30 / on-running.com

The waterproof wonder

Mont-Bell Gore-Tex OD

Finally, a super-technical 100% waterproof five-panel cap that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag on your head. This is 38g of Japanese outdoor genius: the three layers of Gore-Tex remain impervious to any amount of water and even let your head breathe when the sun comes out. £55 / outsidersstore.com

OVER-THE-TOP  ORIGINALS

The peaky performer

Cashmere Newsboy Cap

Whether you’re collecting on an unpaid debt, bareknuckle boxing or just visiting your ma on Sunday, you need to look the part. This eight-piece cashmere cap has a slim profile and is available in eight sizes. Just remember, this is a respectable magazine, so behave accordingly.

  £225 / lockhatters.com

The cinematic stunner 

Borsalino Jules Braided Canape

Here’s a milliner with some pedigree, having been worn by both Bogart and Bergman in the Casablanca airport scene. You can choose any design and be in safe hands with Borsalino, but for a modern twist this new 100% hemp hat has a small 4.5cm brim and 3cm grosgrain hatband.

  £245 / borsalino.com

The sheepy shield 

Musto Technical Tweed Cap

Harris tweed was invented in the 18th century by Scottish farmers trying to keep warm and dry; and, just like the shellsuit a century or two later, it was adopted by the upper classes as high fashion. No matter which camp you sit in, this classic wool flat cap will do the business. 

£65 / musto.com

HOW TO DECIDE

1 Dad or snap? A dad hat is a baseball cap with (usually) five panels and a slightly curved brim, while a classic snapback has six panels and a larger, flat brim. Note, you don’t have to be a dad to own a dad hat.

2 Big head or little head? Use a soft tape measure or length of string and place it around your head, mid-forehead and just above the ears, and keep one finger under the tape to allow for a little wiggle room.

3 Bucket or duck it? It’s a tricky look to pull off, but if Irish fishermen, US troops, Run-DMC and every Mancunian in living memory can manage it we say embrace the bucket hat. Just keep the brim short.

4 Sweaty or settee? When choosing a hat for sport rather than just looking nice, make sure it’s machine-washable. Because the world does not need any more faded sweat-stained caps.

The caring corker Picture Organic Narrow Cap

From sustainability-focused French boardsport specialist Picture, this classic snapback has a unique flat cork brim and comes in a choice of blue, green or black organic cotton. Unlike some ‘greenwashing’ brands, Picture’s eco credentials extend to everything it sells.

€29 / picture-organic-clothing.com