Skip to content

The classic bucket hat is also known as an Irish country hat. It features a flattish or slightly rounded crown and a sloping, wider brim. They were originally made of cotton fabrics such as canvas, and of wool or tweed (the lanolin in the sheep’s wool made them waterproof). They became popular for country life and outdoor sports such as fishing or hiking.

In the 1960s the bucket hat became part of the mainstream, introduced through the mod fashion movement. These styles were typically made of stiffer fabrics and the silhouettes became larger to accommodate the bouffant hairstyles of the day.

The softer and more pliable Irish tweed hats were still worn by men through the 1970s. Rappers adopted the style in the 1980s and the popularity continued as street fashion through the 1990s. Bucket hats are still being worn today for fashion shows, and at concerts and festivals, both by men and women.

Written by TheSpectrum

See Also: Flower Pot Hat, Lampshade Hat


1940s blue velvet bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1940s blue velvet bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1940s felt bucket hat - Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1940s felt bucket hat

Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1940s felt bucket hat - Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1940s felt bucket hat

Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1950s feather bucket style hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1950s feather bucket style hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1950s velvet bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1950s velvet bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1950s plaid bucket fishing hat - Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1950s plaid bucket fishing hat

Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1960s chiffon bucket hat - Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s chiffon bucket hat

Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s fabric bucket hat - Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s fabric bucket hat

Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s hot pink floral bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s hot pink floral bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s Mr John bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s Mr John bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s Ranleigh black velvet bucket hat - Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s Ranleigh black velvet bucket hat

Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s Mr John straw bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s Mr John straw bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1960s floral bucket hat - Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s floral bucket hat

Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s cello straw bucket hat - Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s cello straw bucket hat

Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage

1960s flower trimmed bucket hat - Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s flower trimmed bucket hat

Courtesy of thespectrum

1960s straw bucket hat with plastic pinwheels - Courtesy of anothertimevintageapparel

1960s straw bucket hat with plastic pinwheels

Courtesy of anothertimevintageapparel

1960s devoré velvet bucket hat - Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing

1960s devoré velvet bucket hat

Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing

1970s bucket hat - Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1970s bucket hat

Courtesy of alleycatsvintage

1980s Kangol bucket hat - Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1980s Kangol bucket hat

Courtesy of pinkyagogo

1990s Kokin bucket hat - Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing

1990s Kokin bucket hat

Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing