Fashion seems to be stuck in a permanent state of “Throwback Thursday.” From fanny packs to jelly shoes, ’80s and ’90s nostalgia is in full swing. The latest trend to make a comeback will delight fishermen far and wide: the floppy, flexible bucket hat.

The bucket hat first became a fashion icon, thanks to hip-hop stars such as LL Cool J, who incorporated a red Kangol hat as part of his signature look back in the day. Decades later, design houses like Dior are putting the accessory on the runway, topping off ensembles with high-fashion bucket hats.

This bucket hat (J7267) from Mega Cap offers UPF 50+ sun protection and has water-repellant properties.

But the style isn’t just for fashionistas; the bucket hat has broad appeal, according to Reed Harper of Sunday Afternoons (asi/90134). “Buckets are a widely accepted style and can be worn a multitude of ways, from beachgoer to urban chic,” he says.

So, what makes the quirky hat so popular? “Whether it’s kids or adults, buckets are great because they are unisex, unstructured and can be worn with just about anything – and I do mean anything,” Harper says.

The hat’s floppy, down-sloping brim makes it a perfect alternative to its more popular cousin, the baseball cap. Bucket hats can be thrown into a bag or “folded up and put into your pocket,” says Michael Nakajima of Mega Cap (asi/70434).

That down-sloping brim is also a great feature for shielding the wearer from sun glare. “One reason bucket hat styles made a comeback is because of the awareness of how much … UV rays harm the skin,” Nakajima says.

This kid’s bucket hat (S2D03037) with a fun butterfly print from Sunday Afternoons is a great way to protect little one’s from the sun’s harmful rays.

Sun protection is a major reason the style is so popular with parents. How many times have you passed an adorable toddler wearing a cute bucket hat? “Kids love bright colors and patterns and would easily make the compromise of wearing a hat, rather than wasting playtime getting lotioned up,” Harper says.

When selecting the perfect bucket hat for a promotion, considerations like fit, color, style and sun protection are key. However, it’s also important to think about logo placement. “There’s really not much space to decorate on a bucket style hat,” Nakajima says. The crown is usually short, and the brims aren’t constructed for easy logo placement, he adds. The best options for decoration are carefully placed embroidery, patches and transfers.

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