Honestly, the Tory Burch bucket hat is one of those rare fashion items that manages to be both "Grandma on a gardening trip" and "It-girl at the beach" at the same time. It’s weird. It’s iconic. And somehow, it works.
If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably seen that double-T logo everywhere. But here's the thing: buying one isn't as simple as just clicking "add to cart." There are actually a bunch of different versions—from the classic jacquard to the fuzzy shearling ones that look like a literal teddy bear for your head.
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers. Let’s get into what makes these hats a staple and which ones are actually worth your money.
The T Monogram: Why Is It So Popular?
Most people start their journey with the Tory Burch bucket hat by looking at the T Monogram collection. It’s the one with that intricate, repeating pattern.
Fun fact: Tory actually based this design on traditional Pennsylvania Dutch quilting. She spent a lot of time looking at 200 different logo options before settling on the classic serif "T" and its mirror image. It’s meant to look like Moroccan architecture or something David Hicks would have designed in the 70s.
It feels vintage but somehow fits perfectly with a modern linen set.
The most common version you’ll find is the woven jacquard. It’s usually a blend of roughly 56% cotton and 44% polyester. It’s sturdy. It holds its shape. If you’re the type of person who throws your hat in your tote bag and expects it to look fine when you pull it out two hours later, this is the one for you.
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Which Material Should You Actually Buy?
Not all bucket hats are created equal. Depending on where you’re going (and how much you sweat), the material matters more than the logo.
The Reversible Jacquard
This is the MVP. It’s usually patterned on one side and solid on the other. You basically get two hats for the price of one. The brim is top-stitched, which means it’s structured enough to flip up if you want to look a bit more "90s streetwear" or keep down for full sun protection.
The Straw Bucket Hat
If you’re heading to a tropical resort, skip the fabric and go for the 100% straw version. These usually have a wider brim (around 4 inches) compared to the standard 2-inch brims on the fabric versions. They often come with ribbon ties, so the wind won’t steal your $300 investment while you’re on a boat.
The Terry Cloth and Shearling
These are the "fun" choices. The terry cloth version is basically a towel for your head—perfect for the pool. Then there’s the shearling. It’s made from dyed lamb shearling (usually from Spain) and is surprisingly warm. It’s a winter bucket hat, which sounds like an oxymoron, but it actually looks killer with a long wool coat.
Tory Burch Bucket Hat Sizing: Don’t Get It Wrong
The biggest complaint people have? The fit.
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I’ve seen so many reviews from people saying the hat was way too small or kept falling over their eyes. Most Tory Burch bucket hats come in two sizes: XS/S and M/L.
- XS/S: Usually fits a head circumference of about 20.5 to 21 inches.
- M/L: Fits closer to 22.7 to 23 inches.
Pro tip: Measure your head with a piece of string if you don’t have a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around the widest part of your forehead, then hold that string up to a ruler. If you’re between sizes, always size up. You can always add a little hat filler or foam tape inside the sweatband to make it tighter, but you can’t make a small hat bigger without ruining the structure.
How to Spot a Fake (Because the Internet is Full of Them)
If you’re buying from a resale site, be careful. Fakes are getting scarily good, but they usually mess up the details.
First, check the logo. On a real Tory Burch bucket hat, the "T"s should be perfectly aligned and the lines should be crisp. If the edges look fuzzy or the "T" looks a bit "fat," it’s a red flag.
Next, look at the hardware. If there’s a metal logo stud or a zipper on a reversible version, it should be heavy. Cheap fakes use plastic that’s painted to look like metal. Also, check the stitching. Tory Burch is known for "on point" craftsmanship. If you see loose threads or uneven spacing on the brim stitching, walk away.
Styling: How to Not Look Like a Toddler
Bucket hats can be tricky. If you wear them with the wrong thing, you look like you’re five years old at the zoo.
- The Monochromatic Look: Wear a navy jacquard hat with a navy linen shirt and trousers. It makes the hat look like a deliberate fashion choice rather than an afterthought.
- The Swimsuit Pairing: Use the straw or terry cloth versions with a high-waisted bikini and an oversized white button-down.
- Streetwear Vibes: Flip the brim of a T-monogram hat up and pair it with an oversized graphic tee and baggy jeans.
Honestly, the best way to wear it is with confidence. It’s a loud accessory, especially with the monogram. If you’re wearing the hat, let it be the star of the outfit.
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Maintenance and Care
Most of these hats are "dry clean only" or "spot clean."
Do not throw your jacquard bucket hat in the washing machine. It will lose its structure, and the brim will become floppy and sad. If you get a stain on the straw version, use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild soap. For the shearling ones? Take them to a professional. You don't want to ruin $400 worth of lambskin because you tried to scrub a coffee stain out in your sink.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe
If you're ready to pull the trigger, start by measuring your head circumference in centimeters and inches to ensure you fit within the XS/S (approx. 53cm) or M/L (approx. 57-58cm) range. Once you have your size, decide between the Reversible Jacquard for maximum versatility or the Straw Bucket Hat if your primary goal is summer sun protection. Always check the style number (like 137848 for the classic monogram) against the official Tory Burch website to ensure you're getting the authentic current-season build.