What Are Golf Hats Called?

Are you bewildered by the many golf hat options? Most golfers choose from a range of hats and choose their accessories depending on the weather and style preference. 

And while protection from the sun and rain are certainly two great reasons to wear a hat, it's essential to choose a style that doesn't impede your line of vision.

In this post, we'll take you through a deep dive into what’s permitted and what’s trending in the golf world, helping you find the perfect golfing headgear. Now, you’ll be able to deflect the elements and enhance your game - and make a bit of a style statement as you play! To start, let's get into the types of hats golfers wear on the green.

What Kind of Hats Do Golfers Wear?

Ivy Cap (Flat Cap)

The flat cap or ivy cap - sometimes called a Newsboy cap - finds its roots in the UK. The flat cap was unique as one of those oddities straddling the English class system. It could be seen on the heads of working-class men in cities and rural environments and on the heads of the upper classes. It had some far reach before it made its way onto the golf greens! Time for a quick history lesson.

In 1571, Parliament decreed that all non-noblemen and boys over six must cover their heads with wool caps on Sundays and holidays. Anyone found without would be issued with a three farthing fine.

This law didn’t last much more than 25 years, but the tradition remained. Likewise, the flat tweed cap became linked with the working man, although the upper classes did borrow it for outdoor wear when walking and shooting.

Traditionally made of tweed, the flat cap was inexpensive, partly explaining its popularity. Remember, in those days, men must always wear a hat on holy calendar days. 

The moniker, ivy cap, arose due to its popularity with college professionals and fraternity brothers. They often wore this cap during a relaxing round of golf at the weekend. The connection to golf flourished from there!

The flat cap is back as a fashion accessory among young men and women in the US and UK, but it was golfers Harry Vardon and Old Tom Morris who initially made the cap famous on the fairway.

Bucket Hat

It’s probably fair to say that bucket hats tend to be favored by more mature golfers. We can understand why: they offer extensive protection from the elements. And apart from debatable style points, bucket hats point to the fact that several hours in the sun or rain come with caveats.

While some golfers believe bucket hats lack polish or a sense of style, others on the green value them for their impeccable protection. 

As they are often the choice of senior players, younger golfers feel they add a sense of gravitas. Where do you fall on the bucket hat spectrum? Let's move on!

Boonie Hat

The Boonie hat is firmly associated with the American military, but it's made its way onto the green. In the 1930s, the army issued a wide-brimmed hat made of denim - and later, herringbone twill. 

The modern Boonie hat has a wide brim that keeps the sun out of your eyes, while some designs have drawstrings to facilitate a snug fit.

The design and brim on a Boonie hat are floppy enough for easy storage in a golf bag, and although they may seem out of place, they offer similar protections as the bucket hat.

Beanie

The Beanie needs little introduction, as it’s a popular hat choice for many sports and outdoor activities on cooler days - including a relaxing golf day.

This head-hugging design keeps ears and neck warm in colder golfing climates. Most players lose body heat via the head, so a well-insulated Beanie can help you stay warm.

Fedora

While the Fedora may not be as common on the course (anymore!), it can make a timeless and powerful statement during local and All-Star games.

The Fedora is typically made from wool or straw, with a more intricate design than the classic Panama hat. Offering a vintage style similar to the flat cap, the Fedora's small brim will shade your eyes and help keep you dry.

Panama Hat

Classically stylish and elegant, a Panama hat says it all without saying a word. Not just a pretty face, a Panama hat will keep the sun from your head and face, shading your vision for that game-changing putt.

A Panama is the perfect fusion of style and function for those who want to look the part and ace their game. An authentic Ecuadorian Panama hat can be folded and stored in a tube, taking up little room in your golf bag.

Baseball Cap

Baseball caps are the most preferred choice of headwear on the fairway and are currently very much in vogue amongst both amateurs and professionals.

Golfers like baseball caps because they shade the head, face, and eyes. However, professional players often use the baseball cap as an advertising board for sponsor names and logos. Clever!

There typically aren't advertising restrictions or rules for recreational players, but we recommend checking if you're on a new course. 

Whilst there may not be any overt regulations, good taste and golf etiquette dictate that some baseball cap designs are frowned on. Best to keep your styling subtle and classic.

Shop Stitch Golf’s Hats!

Whatever your preference on design, shop Stitch Golf’s extensive and high-quality range of golf hats. 

Stitch Golf has provided stylish golf headwear since 2012. We know a thing or two about hats, starting as a headwear company! We offer the best traditional and trending hat designs for amateur and pro players. 

Whatever your look, game, or preference, let Stitch Golf help you to get ahead on the green, with a hat from our stylish collection.