Spring has arrived, and we’ve happily swapped our heavy winter coats and thick knits for lighter layers—linens, sporty stripes, and dresses fit for garden parties. But no accessory says “spring” quite like the Easter bonnet.

As legendary London milliner Noel Stewart once told Vogue, “Hat-wearing is one of the most uniquely British traditions, balancing our love of tradition with a rebellious streak. From punks to princesses, everyone loves the drama and elegance of a hat.” Stewart has designed everything from disco-ready headpieces for Kylie Minogue to feathered wreaths for Pamela Anderson, along with countless race-day-ready creations.

The Easter bonnet tradition traces back to medieval Europe, when women wore new clothes to mark Lenten devotion. These hats, often decorated with bright ribbons and spring flowers like daisies and daffodils, symbolized rebirth and renewal. By the 1930s, New York’s Easter parade became a spectacle of extravagant headwear, with women competing for the most eye-catching designs as they strolled from Fifth Avenue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Irving Berlin captured the spirit in his 1933 song Easter Parade: “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.”

Fashion has always had a love affair with statement hats. Think of Stephen Jones’s mushroom-shaped designs for Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2012 show, John Galliano’s Pilgrim-inspired hats for Dior Fall 1999, or Vivienne Westwood and Anna Sui’s pirate-style creations. More recently, Simone Rocha x Jean Paul Gaultier paired couture with sailor hats, while Nina Ricci revived the pillbox with femme fatale veils for Spring 2025. Valentino explored turban-inspired shapes, and Loro Piana reimagined denim headwear.

This season, independent designers are crafting some of the most joyful hat-as-art pieces. Warsaw-based Celestina, founded by Marta Weronika Orlikowska, hand-knits traditional Albanian qeleshe hats using raw Polish wool and wet felting techniques—resulting in bold, sculptural shapes. Kyiv designer Ruslan Baginskiy draws from Ukrainian folk costumes and vintage fashion, creating fedoras, baker boy caps, and berets in straw, leather, and linen. His work has won over Madonna and the Hadid sisters, and this summer, he’s reintroduced the HatBag—a convertible hat-and-bag hybrid inspired by Ukrainian wickerwork.

Emma Brewin, the Kent-based faux-fur hat designer beloved by Rihanna and Dua Lipa, recommends her Classic Bucket for spring. “It’s small enough to toss in your bag and pull out when the sun disappears,” she says. “I’m at the beach today with my Limited Edition Lilac one ready to go.” As for what’s trending? This writer wears her Pistachio Bucket year-round—it’s been everywhere.On the chilly Marseille coastline this winter, Brewin’s latest creation—the Nancy Bonnet, a faux fur halo tied with a satin ribbon—has become a runaway hit. “It took years to perfect, and I can confidently say it’s flawless,” she shares.

This Easter, Brewin launched a charming competition for children, inviting them to sketch their dream hats. “Since becoming a mother, I’ve considered venturing into kids’ wear,” she explains. “My childhood love of dressing up inspired my hat designs—they’re playful, uplifting pieces. Kids deserve that same joy. This feels like a natural next step for the brand, and who better to tell us what they want than the children themselves?” The entries so far have been delightfully imaginative.

Photo: Cawley Studio

Hannah Cawley, creative director of Cawley Studio, crafts timeless British textiles in south London—think cowhide flight jackets, wool suits, and tailored Japanese linens. But her hats steal the spotlight: from ombré sheepskin beanies to buttery silk sailor styles. “Our Sun Hat is ideal for this season,” says Cawley. “Made in London from wax-treated British Dry Oilskin, it’s waterproof yet structured for bold shapes. This spring, we’ve introduced 12 colors—with matching bags! Perfect for sudden showers or sunny strolls.”

So, what makes the perfect seasonal hat? As Cawley notes, it should be durable yet light, ready for April’s mix of rain and sun. Think vibrant hues and airy textures. “This time of year, we crave freshness and surprise,” designer Noel Stewart once told Vogue. This season, lean into playful styles: a cloche in an unexpected shade, a cozy textured ushanka, or a structured sailor hat to contrast feminine looks. With weddings and garden parties ahead, spring offers endless chances to showcase a standout topper.

“A great hat is the ultimate expression of individuality,” Stewart said. “Once you find the one, it gives both confidence and shelter. What else could you need?”