MLB bucket hat: the complete guide

The bucket hat is one of the most enduring streetwear and outdoor accessories of the past decade, and the official MLB New Era versions combine authentic team style with serious sun protection. Unlike a baseball cap that only shields the front of the face, a bucket hat covers the full circumference of the head — ears, temples and the back of the neck included. This 360° protection is particularly appreciated on hot sunny days outdoors, whether you are travelling, at a festival, on the beach or in the stands watching your team play.

At Sportland American, we stock 100% officially MLB licensed bucket hats, manufactured by New Era — the reference brand in baseball headwear since 1920.

What is an MLB bucket hat?

The MLB New Era bucket hat — known in French-speaking countries as a "bob" — is a soft-brimmed hat with a circular downward-sloping brim that runs uniformly around the entire head. It differs from a baseball cap in that its wide brim protects the face, ears and neck from the sun on all sides. MLB New Era bucket hats feature the official colours and logos of MLB franchises — high-quality embroidery, authentic team colourways, and an official MLB hologram label sewn inside.

The drawstring chin cord — also called a jugular strap or chin tie — is one of the defining features of the New Era MLB adventure bucket hat. It passes under the chin and keeps the hat securely in place even in strong wind or during physical activity. A plastic sliding adjuster allows the cord to be tightened or loosened to fit the wearer. Ideal for children, outdoor activities and festivals.

MLB teams available in New Era bucket hat

New York Yankees — the interlocking NY logo in white on navy, the most iconic and most sought-after colourway in bucket hat form just as in cap form. A timeless classic that works equally well in casual and streetwear outfits.

Los Angeles Dodgers — the LA logo in white on Dodger Blue, one of the most recognisable colour combinations in world sport. Popularised by hip-hop culture and the California streetwear scene, the Dodgers bucket hat is a statement piece.

Chicago White Sox — the Sox logo in black and white, one of the most minimal and versatile palettes in the MLB. The White Sox bucket hat is perfect for those who want a clean, monochrome, urban look.

Toronto Blue Jays — the Blue Jays logo in royal blue, white and red. A hugely popular Canadian team in Europe, whose bucket hat brings a colourful and dynamic touch to any summer outfit.

Our selection is regularly updated with new teams — check the page for the latest franchises available.

Why choose a bucket hat over a baseball cap?

The bucket hat and the baseball cap are complementary accessories, but each serves a different purpose:

Superior sun protection. The circular brim of a bucket hat provides 360° coverage — face, ears, temples and neck are all shielded. A baseball cap, even with a large brim, only protects the front of the face and leaves the sides and back of the neck exposed. On a sunny day outdoors, the bucket hat is clearly more effective against sunburn.

Retro and on-trend style. The bucket hat has seen a massive resurgence in popularity since the early 2020s, driven by its presence in streetwear culture, rap music and urban fashion. Paired with MLB logos, it creates a distinctive look that blends authentic sports heritage with contemporary style.

Versatile wearing options. A bucket hat can be worn flat on the head or with the brim slightly turned up at the sides for a more casual look. With the drawstring lowered, it can also be worn hanging behind the neck — a practical option during outdoor activities when you want it accessible but not on your head.

Universal sizing. Most MLB New Era bucket hats come in one size fits most, with a flexible construction that suits the majority of head sizes — unlike fitted caps which require precise sizing.

How to choose your MLB New Era bucket hat

Size. Most New Era MLB bucket hats are one-size-fits-most, with the flexible brim adapting to the majority of head shapes. If you have a particularly large head circumference (above 60 cm / 23.5 inches), check the specifications of the model you choose.

Colourway. Each team's bucket hat is typically offered in its primary official colours (the home colourway and sometimes an alternative black or white version). Choose the colourway that best fits your wardrobe and personal style.

The chin cord. All our MLB New Era bucket hats come with an adjustable drawstring chin cord. It can easily be removed if you prefer wearing the hat without the cord for a cleaner, more urban look.

Intended use. For intensive outdoor use (hiking, beach, festival), keep the chin cord in place to prevent the hat from blowing off. For urban streetwear use, the cord can be left hanging decoratively or removed entirely.

MLB New Era bucket hat: materials and construction

New Era MLB bucket hats are made primarily in cotton or technical polyester depending on the collection, for good breathability and quick drying. The brim is soft but shape-retaining — it can be slightly turned up or down according to the wearer's preference. The interior features an absorbent sweatband that wicks moisture away during warm-weather wear.

The team logo embroidery meets New Era's standards — pronounced relief, tight stitching, colours faithful to each franchise's official palette. The MLB hologram label is present inside every hat, guaranteeing product authenticity.

MLB bucket hat for men, women and kids

Men and women — MLB New Era bucket hats are unisex. The one-size construction suits the vast majority of adults. Their classic colourways (navy, black, Dodger Blue) integrate seamlessly into both masculine and feminine styles.

Kids — while our current models are primarily offered in adult sizing, the chin cord drawstring makes them more practical for children than fitted caps. For younger wearers, check the head circumference before ordering.

Caring for your New Era MLB bucket hat

Hand wash only — as with all New Era caps and hats, hand washing in cool water with mild soap is the recommended method. Gently scrub soiled areas with a soft brush, rinse and air dry flat to preserve the shape of the brim.

Never machine wash — machine washing can permanently deform the soft brim of the bucket hat and damage the embroidery quality.

Storage — store your bucket hat flat or gently rolled in a drawer. Avoid compressing it under heavy objects.

How to spot an authentic New Era MLB bucket hat

New Era MLB products are frequently counterfeited. Genuine bucket hats feature: the MLB hologram label sewn inside the hat (not a removable sticker), the New Era flag logo on the side panel, precise and raised embroidery with clean stitching, and an integrated sizing label in the sweatband. At Sportland American, every hat in our range is sourced directly from New Era's official distribution network — authenticity guaranteed on every order.

Why buy your MLB bucket hat from Sportland American?

Since 2011, Sportland American has been Europe's trusted specialist in American sports equipment and licensed merchandise. Every MLB bucket hat we sell is 100% officially licensed, manufactured by New Era and sourced directly from official distributors — no copies, no fakes. Fast delivery across France (24–48h) and worldwide shipping to over 50 countries including the UK, Germany, Spain and beyond. Easy 30-day returns.

→ Other MLB headwear: Official MLB caps — MLB beanies