Best Places To Buy Beach Hats In Chicago

You might have a beach towel, a great swimsuit and a new pair of sandals so you can make a splash at the beach this summer. But what about a beach hat? If you need to keep the sun's rays out of your eyes the next time you're at the beach or attending a backyard soiree this summer, consider picking up a fashion-forward beach hat. The Chicago area boasts a number of independent retailers offering a wide selection of beach hats for everyone in your family.

Erehwon Mountain Outfitter
20505 North Rand Road, Suite 110
Kildeer, IL 60047
(847) 726-1301
www.erehwon.com

For a more versatile take on the traditional beach hat, consider checking out the selection at Erehwon Mountain Outfitter. The Chicago area-based retailer offers a selection of beach hats that will appeal to your adventurous side, with options available for everyone in your family. Hat styles include bucket hats, straw hats and even hats with shields. In addition to the Kildeer store, Erehwon has locations in the Chicago suburbs of Bannockburn and Naperville, as well as a location in Glendale, Wisconsin; individual store location information can be found on the company's website.

Gold Coast Couture
980 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1473
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 965-9182
goldcoastcouture.com

Turn heads in a big way when you purchase a beach hat from Gold Coast Couture. The Near North Side hat store has a selection of hats that will have you making a grand entrance at your friend's barbecue, and will give a touch of glam to just about any outfit. The retailer also offers fascinators, as well as hats, that are perfect for a wedding or for attending a religious service. Do you need a purse to match your hat? Gold Coast Couture can help you out with its selection of accessories too.

Londo Mondo
1100 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 751-2794
www.londomondo.com

While you could show up for an outdoor rooftop party without a hat on your head, what's the fun in that? With the selection of sun hats at Londo Mondo, you can find a beach hat that will complement your summertime wardrobe, with styles that include a four-inch brim. In addition to traditional beach hats, you can keep the sun out of your eyes with sun visors that can be rolled up and tucked in your purse or beach bag. Londo Mondo also has a selection of swimwear, sarongs, dresses and more available for purchase. In addition to the flagship store in Chicago, Londo Mondo has a location in the suburb of Winnetka.

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Optimo Hats
320 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 922-2999
www.optimohats.com

While you could wear a baseball cap with just about any outfit, why not kick up your style a notch this summer? Optimo Hats offers a wide selection of straw hats available in a multitude of styles that will help you stand out in the crowd. You can also get something truly unique with a custom creation. And if you're wondering how to keep your hat in tip-top shape, then take a look at Optimo Hats' website for details. The shop has a second location in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood.

Windward Boardshop
3317 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-6868
www.windwardboardshop.com

Keep your cool this summer when you take a look at the hats available for purchase from Windward Boardshop. Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, the sporting goods store has floppy hats that can cover your head while the sun is out. Other hat styles include fedoras, straw hats and bucket hats, so you can find something that fits your personal style. Windward Boardshop's products also include gear for longboarding, swimming, skateboarding and other outdoor sports, with items available for the entire family.

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Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.