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It’s TCFSwim Week and we’re talking all things plus size swim, which means we also need to talk about the beach or poolside accessory that can make or break your whole beach look: the hat. Specifically, hats for big heads and big hair.
If you’ve ever pulled a cute straw hat down at a boutique only to have it sit awkwardly on top of your head like a tiny crown, you already know the frustration. Most standard hats are designed with head circumferences in the 21-22 inch range. If you’re above that, whether because of natural head size, a full afro, protective styles, locs, wigs, or just a lot of glorious hair, the “one size fits most” label is basically a lie.
But the options exist. You just have to know where to look. We found them.
Standard hats are made for heads in the 21-22 inch range, which leaves anyone with a bigger circumference or big, voluminous hair literally out in the sun. Natural curls, braids, locs, protective styles, wigs for larger heads, all of it needs room. A hat with actual depth protects your style and your skin without forcing you to choose between the two. The right one completes your swim look and keeps you covered. Both matter.
How to Shop for Hats for Big Heads: What You Actually Need to Know
Before you add anything to cart, a few practical tips that will save you time, returns, and frustration:
Measure your head first. Grab a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows and ears. Write that number down. Standard hats typically run 21 to 23 inches. If you’re at 23 inches or above, look specifically for hats labeled XL, XXL, or “large head” sizing. Some brands like Sungrubbies specialize in extended hat sizing and publish their circumference ranges clearly, which is exactly what you want.
Adjustable is your best friend. Hats with interior drawstrings, elastic bands, or adjustable inner ties give you flexibility that rigid sizing doesn’t. This is especially important if your head size varies based on hairstyle, a wash day twist-out takes up more real estate than a sleek bun, and a good hat accounts for that.
Skip the one-size-fits-most myth entirely. It’s in the name: “most” is not “all.” For big heads and big hair, one-size styles almost never work. Look for brands that publish actual measurements, not just generic sizing claims.
Choose breathable fabrics for summer. Straw, raffia, cotton, and lightweight woven materials keep you cool when it counts. Heavy materials trap heat in ways that become miserable by midday at the pool or beach.
Structured styles sit better. A fedora or a stiff-brim sun hat tends to hold its shape on larger heads better than a floppy, unstructured style that can collapse inward. That said, wide-brim floppy hats with adjustable ties can still work beautifully, just make sure the crown has enough room.
Which Style Is Right for You?
Floppy beach hats are the classic poolside and beach day choice: wide brims, relaxed silhouettes, and maximum sun coverage. Look for extra-wide brim options for more face and neck protection.
Straw fedoras are the move for rooftop hangs, poolside brunches, or vacation days where you want a little more structure and polish. Many brands now offer XL and XXL options in this style specifically.
Bucket hats are having a moment and are genuinely functional for water days. Look for options with a stretch band or adjustable closure rather than a rigid-sized style.
Baseball caps with adjustable snaps or elastic backs are your go-to for active days… swimming, walking, outdoor activities where you need something that stays put.
Visors are a smart option for anyone with big natural hair, locs, or a high puff who still wants sun coverage without compressing their style. Open-crown construction means the hair lives free while your face stays shaded.
10 Hats for Big Heads & Big Hair to Shop Now
If you have a big head or big hair, hats can be a challenge. But! We've found the most flyest and stylish hats for big heads and big hair for the summer!
The KIN Apparel Waterproof Satin-Lined Bucket Hat is built for heads that need room and hair that needs protection. Tan microfiber exterior with a full satin lining that keeps braids, locs, curls, and protective styles smooth and frizz-free even on humid beach days. The waterproof construction handles unexpected rain or pool splashes without looking like you borrowed it from a fishing trip. UPF protection keeps your face and scalp covered.
Up to 26 inches circumference
"We call this the country club and Southern belle stunner. We love the 4” wide brim all around that provides high sun protection with a UPF 50, saving your beautiful skin from the sun's harsh rays whilst providing an extremely stylish and versatile hat."
Available up through 65cm circumference or a hat size 8 1/2
The Ashley Stewart Embroidered Sequin Cowboy Hat brings sparkle without the costume store energy. Blue denim base with sequin embellishments that catch light without screaming for attention. This is the cowboy hat that works for pool parties, festivals, or beach days when you want a little extra. The embroidery and sequin detailing give it enough personality to stand out poolside without looking like you're trying too hard. At $49.50, it's an accessory-level investment for when you want coverage with a side of country flair.
Up to a 23 inch circumference
"Say goodbye to bad hair days and too-tight hats with the JOYTOAST x KELSEY DENVIR Check Bucket Hat! Available in three sizes made with big heads, big hair, and protective styles in mind. These hats will fit your noggin, curls, thick hair, wigs, and locs!"
Available up through 27.5 inches circumference
Packable, Stylish & Ready for Anything! Meet the Hairbrella Sun Hat, your ultimate all-weather companion. Whether you’re hitting the trails, exploring a new city, or simply running errands, this sun hat is built to protect your hair and style from sun, rain, and humidity. No matter the weather, Hairbrella’s got you
Up to a 71 cm circunference
"The Chloe hat offers a 5" brim for maximum sun protection for your neck and face. The interior has a soft stretch sweatband. The hat adds some glamor to a summer style. The brim can be worn turned down or up, and it is completely packable."
Available up through 61cm circumference or a hat size 7 5/8
Channel California cool with the Raffia Cowboy hat, featuring hand crochet raffia and a structured cattleman crown, perfect from beach to bar.
"This broad-brimmed beauty is the perfect hat to dress up and stay sun-protected and stylish. We love taking it on vacations and it makes a beautiful complement to any outfit and it does a great job protecting your face."
Available up through 63cm circumference or a hat size 7 7/8
Take the shade with you with our stylish Summer Ultra Wide Brim Sun Hat. The generous 5" brim offers unbeatable protection against UV rays.
Up to a 24 Inch circumference
"Shield yourself from the sun in style. This striped straw hat features a statement brim for sun protection and style. Adjustable ties inside give a custom fit so your new favorite hat doesn't get lost to the wind. Whether you're lounging poolside, strolling through the city or enjoying a breezy day, this hat is your perfect companion."
Measures at 23"
Rush straw lifeguard hat with 5" brim, fern print underbrim, UPF 50+, chin strap with wood lock, and moisture-wicking comfort band for beach days.
Up to a size 23 5/8"
Hats + Hair: Making It Work
Finding hats for big heads is step one. Figuring out what to do with your hair once the hat is on? That’s the next challenge and it’s a real one. Here are some combinations that actually work:
Low bun or ponytail pairs well with any structured hat style… fedoras, sun hats, straw styles. Clean at the nape, hat sits where it’s supposed to.
Loose curls or a defined wash-and-go look stunning under a floppy wide-brim hat. The key is making sure the hat has enough crown room, which is why adjustable ties are your best friend.
Braided styles, crown braids, side braids, box braids pinned up pair beautifully with fedoras and bucket hats. The flat profile of a braid sits naturally under structured styles.
Full afros and big natural styles are exactly what the open-crown visor was made for. You get face and neck sun coverage without compressing your hair at all.
Wigs and protective styles the JOYTOAST x Kelsey Denvir bucket hat was specifically built with you in mind. When a brand publishes that in their product description, that’s the one you trust.
The Bottom Line on Hats for Big Heads
A hat that doesn’t fit isn’t a cute accessory… it’s a frustration waiting to happen. And skipping sun protection because the sizing never works for you isn’t an option either.
Measure your head. Check the circumference, not just the size label. Look for brands that publish real measurements and specifically call out extended sizing. And when you find the one that actually fits? Snag it in two colors.
You deserve a hat that sits where it’s supposed to, stays put when the wind picks up, and looks exactly as good as you imagined it would. Those hats exist. We just rounded them up for you.
Which style are you adding to cart? Drop it in the comments and browse the rest of our TCF Swim Week coverage for more of the best in plus size swim fashion!
