Sea captains have worn hats for decades. The traditional captain hat is a peaked and has a visor to shade the eyes. This style came about in the late 1800s. It was comfortable and lightweight, and it started to show up as part of different countriesâ€™ army uniforms.

The United States Army adopted the look when its soldiers were fighting in warm climates during the Mexican-American war. These types of hats are worn by every division of the military. Sea captainsâ€™ hats are white with a navy brim.

If you don't want to look like you stepped into the Love Boat, you can adapt this style to suit your needs. The Greek fisherman cap has a similar silhouette and a more laid-back vibe.

They're usually made of a soft material and have a relatively flat crown. They also have an amply sized visor. Cording or other embellishments may decorate these caps.

This style is trendy and versatile. You can even get away with wearing an ivy or newsboy cap on the boat to give off a similar appearance.

Classic Boat Hats

Boater hats, sun hats and safari hats are timeless alternatives to captains hats. Sun hats tend to have large brims that protect you from UV rays at every angle. They provide more coverage for your shoulders and back than many other hats. In addition, they're appropriate on and off the beach. You can spend all day at the seaside in a a big, floppy hat.

Boater hats are as traditional as they come. These straw hats were popular for outdoor activities in the 1900s. They don't have a deep crown. Therefore, they might not be suited for use in heavy winds. A boater can show off your vintage style when youâ€™re attending a dinner party at the yacht club, though.

Safari hats are durable and designed for all types of weather. Many of them are crushable, which means that you can stuff them into your beach bag without worrying about damaging them. They're meant to be worn in the sun. Therefore, they are made from materials that keep you cool.

What to Look for in a Hat for the Boat

Whether you're boating in the ocean, on a river or in a lake, you need something that will stand up to the elements. Most likely, you're taking advantage of a sunny day when you're heading out on the water. Therefore, your hat should shade your face. A cap with a visor shields your eyes from the sun's harsh glare and helps you see where you need to go.

Waterproof materials come in handy when you're on a boat. Everything tends to get a little damp after a ride. You wouldn't want to ruin your good felt fedora.

However, you have lots of options when it comes to materials for these types of hats. Panama hats are made from palm straw and were designed in the humid tropics. They stand up to wetness and are breathable in the summer sun.

Treated cotton can also protect you from rain and sand. Safari and bucket hats are usually made from rugged materials that support you as you go on adventures. Get one that's soft and molds to your head for all-day comfort when you're paddling out to your favorite fishing spot.

If you're boating in a strong breeze, hang onto your hat. A chin strap can keep the head wear in place when you hit top speeds. A well-fitting hat shouldn't lift off in the wind. The right size hat will stay put when you spend a day sailing.