I Dare You To Try This Hat Trend

There are over 85,000 photos on Instagram tagged with #BucketHat. Originally a loose-fitting utilitarian hat for fisherman and farmers (great sun protection!), the bucket hat picked up popularity during the rap scene of the late '80s and '90s, and eventually became en vogue with the masses. Early purveyors of the accessory included Lauryn Hill, pre- The Voice Xtina, Jay Z, and even Jennifer Aniston.

Like every good '80s or '90s trend, the floppy-brimmed bucket hat is back with a vengeance. It's gaining popularity with this generation's rappers, seen on the likes of School Boy Q and Wiz Khalifa. It is also making a wave within the street style culture — brands have forgone the bucket hat's original basic tan and navy fabrics in favor of frenzied patterns of cartoons, camo, and questionable forms of floriculture. Recently, Rihanna was spotted at a NBA playoff game, sporting a flower-fied version of the pre-millenium head piece du jour, putting bucket hats offically back on the map.

From the beach to brunch, the bucket hat's all-around brim and relaxed structure I'm officially declaring the bucket hat this summer's must-have accessory. If you're up for another trend revival (like tattoo chokers), here are six reasons why wearing these throwback caps should be on the top of your bucket list.

1. Your Favorite Celebs are Wearing Them

Love her or hate her, no one can deny that Miley can rock the heck out of a Chanel bucket hat. Plus, we have supermodel Anja Rubik sporting one on the cover of Vogue Spain, and Rihanna again, and again.

2. Bucket Hats are Haute

They're invading our runways and the world of high fashion. Anyone fancy an Hermès gold and brown silk print wide-brimmer?

3. You Can Kill Two Trends With One Stone

Is it just me, or are bucket hats kind of #normcore? Maybe LL Cool J was also a bit #normcore back in the day?

Canvas Lahinch Bucket Hat, $50; villagehatshop.com.

4. Hat Master Pharrell Wears Them

It's hat-connoisseur Pharrell in a graphic print adorable floppy bucket hat! Is his gleaming, forever-young face in a slouchy Gilligan hat not a reason enough to throw one on your head, too?

5. The Variations of Bucket Hats Are Endless

So you're not into the full-on, Run DMC droop-brim? Not to fear, there are several different versions of the bucket hat. There are futuristic, structured translations (see the A.P.C Vader-chic cap above), feminine takes on it (who doesn't like florals?), as well as preppy interpretations (voila, it's a Kate Spade bucket hat!). There's a bucket hat for literally everyone these days.

A.P.C Bucket Hat, $131.89; farfetch.com.

6. They Protect You From the Sun

Also great for when you are stranded on islands, like this dude, Gilligan. But in all seriousness, the wide brim is great for shielding your eyes and cheeks from harmful U.V. rays. Stylish and sun safe? Score!