Bucket hats are (and always have been) a statement. Throughout history, bucket hats have been a functional option: Originally worn by Irish fishermen and farmers to protect them from the rain, the bucket hat has since been used by the U.S. military, worn by film and TV stars, appeared in music videos, and, of course, included in collections from countless streetwear, menswear and fashion designers. In the last few decades, the functionality of these hats has pushed its way into popular culture to create a look that is both practical and trendy. As fans of custom hats of all shapes and sizes, we had to do a deep dive on this popular variety.

Benefits of the Bucket Hat

It’s not a secret that bucket hats are just…better. Certainly better than any other hats, and maybe even better than any accessory. At their most basic, bucket hats are a perfect way to block out the sun and prevent your face (and neck) from burning. Where other hats only protect your face, bucket hats cover all the bases with a continuous rim. For the days when you forget to add sunscreen to your skincare, throw on your bucket hat for the extra security your skin needs.

Bucket hats have also got your back on those days where your hair is just not cooperating. The amount of hair problems a bucket hat can hide will save you time while getting ready (and have you running to add more to your wardrobe). Replace the judgmental looks strangers give you for your day-five-without-washing hair with looks of fashion envy by popping on a trendy bucket hat before running out the door. You’ll get an effortlessly cool look that is actually effortless.

Bucket Hats on the Big Screen

As early as the 1960’s, the bucket hat solidified its place on-screen with the iconic sitcom Gilligan’s Island. The title character rocked a khaki bucket hat with his bright red shirt and light-wash jeans: an outfit that lives rent-free in my brain, from both watching the show and seeing the costume recreations every year on Halloween.

Since then, the prevalence of bucket hats in TV and movies has only grown. Within the last year, many of the most popular shows and movies have featured equally memorable bucket hat looks. In the examples below of some recent bucket hat appearances, it’s obvious that a great hat can really steal the show.

 Booksmart (2019) featured a Kangol fur bucket hat in cream; the clothing brand’s embroidered logo can be seen on the front.

This article by High Snobiety goes through 5 iconic examples spanning a long time line throughout history of the all time classic that is here to stay.

‍Making Your Bucket Hat Your Own

Adding a hat that is 80 percent rim can say a lot about the wearer, so it’s important that your hat says what you want it to. What better way to get your message across than by making a custom hat? Maybe you want a bucket hat for event swag, in which case you could customise bucket hats with embroidered images or phrases. If repping your company is more the goal, then design bucket hats to include the company logo and slogan. Whatever you want to tell the world, let custom bucket hats be your messenger.

With Machine Screen Printers, you can design custom hats online and bring your bucket hat dreams to life. Starting with the base, you can choose between different styles and colours of bucket hat to customise. Pictured below are two examples of bucket hats that can be sourced and personalised with Machine Screen Printers. Using our custom embroidery services, you can put your message front and centre on your hats.

AS Colour Bucket Hat

If there’s something you want to try that you suspect may be tricky though, let us know. We will try and move mountains to get the look you’re going for.

Embroidered bucket hats

Add a little depth to your design with embroidery! This dimension will literally make your design pop off the bag, presenting a durable and less flashy way to add some unique texture. Just like shirts, there are a few styles of embroidery that offer: Standard, Metallic and 3d.

Standard Embroidery

This is probably what comes to mind when you think of embroidery. Although this process is our most commonly used style, using a basic thread, your professional stitched design will lay nearly flat to your bag.

Metallic Embroidery

This unique embroidery method uses a thread that actually consists of a rubber core wrapped in metallic thread. This shimmer result is best used as an accent element in your design rather than the main feature.

3d Embroidery

Puff uses a thick, foam-like material that is then stitched over, resulting in designs that pop off the garment and create a 3D effect. It adds a bit of height and depth to your embroidered design.

Digital Transfer printed bucket hats

Using a hybrid of screen printing and digital transfer technology developed in New Zealand, digital transfers have come of age, producing a print that can be applied to a wide range of fabrics whilst delivering far superior results than what has been available before.

Our Digital Transfer prints are the perfect solution for low volume print runs or specialist materials and produce super sharp, eye catching prints.

Vibrancy & Detail

Our digital transfer printing provides commercial grade colour matching and ensuring colour vibrancy and durability. The level of detail is like never before and allows small print runs to be possible without the high cost of multiple screen set ups.

Versatile

Digital transfers are a good fit for most garments including polyesters. Our wearable transfers are made with a proprietary water-based ink formula which provides great wash ability and breath ability. We have developed techniques to heat press even the most delicate fabrics without leaving distinct pressure marks.

Get Started!

Ready to get started designing that perfect custom bucket hat? Something that has a long and useful life that your customers and employees love?

Reach out to our team if you’re interested in something that’s not on our site! We’d love to help you find the perfect product.