Best Trucker Hats (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

There’s more to buying a trucker hat than just whether or not you like it. You have gone to the store and tried on hat after hat until you found one that felt just right. But did you ever stop and think why that hat was the one? By applying our well-tested methodology for identifying the best car and motorcycle parts, we were also able to find the best trucker hats. 

When comparing trucker hats, we looked at more than just design. We considered size adjustability, the shape of the visor, mesh backing, and front profile. Some hats were well-built and sported that old-school trucker vibe. Other hats have a modern take with a lower profile and innovative comfort features. By the time you’re done with our guide, you’ll be a trucker hat expert and know exactly what kind of hat you should be looking for. 

Our top pick for the best trucker hat is the Goorin Bros. Men’s Animal Farm Trucker Hat with its traditional styling, cotton twill headband, and adjustable closure.

A more affordable option is the Dalix Two-Tone Adjustable Trucker Hat, with its customization ability.

You’ll see three types of trucker hats defined by their height and shape. The hat style you choose will depend on your head size and style preferences. Your new hat should fit like a glove. Slip it on and forget you’re wearing it as it shades your face and completes your look.

You want to wear a trucker hat, but you aren’t ready to commit to the sky-high style of the traditional models, so a medium type is for you. They have a mid-crown rise, which is just a step up from a low-profile design. Can you really even call these trucker hats? Technically yes, because they have a medium depth and structure to the front. For those of you with smaller-sized heads, we aren’t judging you, but you should probably stick with this style. If you have a larger-sized head and try to wear this type, prepare for a tight fit and pinching around the band.

If you feel like Goldilocks looking for a trucker hat that’s sized just right, then consider the full type. It has a high crown, giving it more of a trucker hat feel than the medium-style hats. However, it isn’t so large that you look like a cone head as with the high style of hats. These have a full depth, making them perfect for those of you with average-sized heads. If you’re going to risk buying a one size fits all hat, then this is the type it should be for the greatest odds of your new hat actually fitting your head.

If you’re looking for the classic trucker hat look, then you want a high-profile type of hat. No one will miss you or your hat with the massive front and sky-high crown. If you have a big noggin, then you’ll appreciate the extra space in these hats. If you have a small head, best to skip these or you’ll look like a small child who was playing dress up. To get that straight-up billboard effect, most of these hats have poly-foam in the front, which can be hot when worn in warm weather. If you’re determined to wear one of these hats, look for one with an open mesh on the back to combat the insulating effect of the front.

Make sure that it’s long lasting and can keep your head somewhat cool and dry. Cotton, polyester, and nylon are some of the best materials for making a hat. Cotton helps absorb moisture on your forehead, and the polyester or nylon mesh back keeps your head cool so that your hair doesn’t get damp and sticky from sweat. Wool is also a great fabric for making longer-lasting hats.

Trucker hats are also classified as fitted, flex fit, and adjustable fits. They may come in small, medium, or large sizes. A fitted hat is not adjustable, so you have to get the correct size for your head. Those are mostly worn for fashion. A flex-fit hat has an elastic band at the back that stretches to accommodate the shape of your head. Lastly, an adjustable-fit hat has an Velcro closure, a metal buckle strap, or a plastic snap closure at the back with a small opening where a ponytail can be pulled through.

Above all else, it’s essential to ensure that the hat is comfortable, especially if you will be wearing it frequently. The last thing you want is a hat that grazes your forehead, a Velcro strap that scratches the back of your head, or an uncomfortable tag that you have to cut off.

A moisture-absorbing headband wicks away your sweat and keeps you cool and dry. Be sure to air out your hat, or this band can smell and get funky fast. Your forehead and eyes will thank you for the comfortable feel and functional absorbency. A FlexFit band is another option; it’s like a wide elastic band. If it fits, it’s great. If it doesn’t, it feels like a vice trying to crack your skull like a walnut. This is a quick way to give yourself a headache.

Creating shade should be obvious if you have ever worn a hat in your life. The brim of your trucker hat blocks the sun from shining in your eyes, but this is dependent on the ability to wear it the right way. Stop squinting like a grandpa who lost his glasses and appreciate the large brim on your trucker hat. There is the added benefit of blocking UV rays, which prematurely age you — and not in a good way. You should look ruggedly handsome, not ragged and tired.

If you like your trucker hat, then rock it with confidence and attitude. As long as you think you look cool in your hat, that is all that matters. Choose one with a simple design or traditional logo and channel your inner 1960s long-haul trucker. Complete the look with a classic white tee and a pair of beat-up old jeans that you have broken in to be the most comfortable pants you own. Get ready to be mistaken for Ashton Kutcher.

There is a literal billboard on your forehead when you don a trucker hat. What message do you want to give people? If you have a business or side hustle, this is your chance to promote it. Slap a patch on the front and become your best marketing tool. Have a message, slogan, or life motto? Put it on your hat. When people comment or ask about it, pounce on your opportunity to impart unsolicited wisdom to others.

The most affordable trucker hat you can get is a free promotional one. These hats aren’t always the best quality, and you’re stuck with a company logo on the front. But even if you don’t like the logo, you still have a free hat. If you want more say over your headgear, don’t be cheap. Man up and buy a hat. For under 20 bucks, you can easily find yourself a simple and reliable hat. If you want something with a bit more style or a specific logo, you can easily spend $30 to $50. Then there are the luxury and trendy designers that will demand $100 or more for one of their creations.

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and trucker hats. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Mostly because it was popular in the 70s amongst blue-collar workers, including truckers. The hats helped to keep their heads cool by shielding them from the sun.

Yes, they do. They are designed with a curved or straight bill that protects your face from the sun, making it one of the best hats for blue-collar workers. They can also help to shield your face and head from the elements such as a heavy downpour.

Trucker hats have been in and out of fashion throughout the years. But, since fashion is subjective, you can always wear a trucker hat as long as it compliments your overall appearance.