The Best Sun Hats to Protect Yourself From the Scorching Sun

Finding the Right Sun Hat: A Buyer's Guide

Baseball caps and trucker hats are sometimes mistaken for sun hats, but there is much more to consider when it comes to sun protection than just wearing a hat in the summertime.

Sun Hat Styles

Bucket

Trendy bucket hats have a wide brim that sits deep, so your entire head and neck are covered, typically.

Cap

These types of sun-protecting hats have an interior flap that you can pull down to shield your neck from sun damage. It works the same way as a regular baseball hat.

Flap

“Flap” sun hats are designed to protect your neck and face from the sun with long flaps that extended outward. Choose this type of hat if you expect to stay in the sun throughout the day.

What Type of Sun Hat Should You Buy?

Full brim

This is the type of hat you would often associate with a sun hat. From straw to cotton and varying brim widths, these hats are available in a wide variety of styles.

As a general rule, a wider brim has more surface area to block UV rays, so it offers more protection. Conversely, a broader brim will obstruct your visibility. You may want to pick a shorter brim for adventurous activities because a large back brim may irritate your neck when you’re undertaking activities like hiking or camping.

Ballcap

These models have become a popular fad because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, and fashionable. The bargain here is that these types of hats don’t offer a lot of protection. However, if you are a ball cap lover, the combination of ball caps and sun hoods can work well.

Sun hoodies

For those who don’t want a wide brim hat, a sun shirt may be a better alternative because of its versatility and ease of care. You may save money and sunscreen by keeping your head covered when climbing by just pulling up the hood of your jacket. Make sure to get one that is lightweight and made of breathable material so that you may wear it even on bright days.

Which Material Options Are Available for Sun Hats?

Cotton

Cotton hats are soft and comfy because of their high breathability. However, cotton is notorious for taking a long time to dry, which isn’t ideal for individuals who sweat a lot under the sun.

Polyester and nylon

In terms of durability and water resistance, polyester and nylon are two synthetic fabrics to look out for. Check for mesh vents and other ventilation elements before you buy one made of this fabric. Bear in mind that it’s not as absorbent and breathable as cotton.

Straw

Wearing straw sun hats is a great way to stay cool and stylish. Due to its lack of durability, it is ideal for more casual outdoor adventures.

How to Buy Sun Hats

Consider sun protection

It is essential to wear a sun hat to protect your entire face from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Because the sun can cause skin cancer, it is vital to wear a 50+ UPF  sun hat. 99% of the sun’s damaging rays may be blocked with a UPF of 50+.

Your intent

Make a decision on the type of sun hat that you need before you shop. Do you intend to take it hiking? Jogging? Or going on a trip? Sun hats for intense outdoor pursuits should be able to withstand the demands of even the most severe conditions.

Choose accurate size

It’s a good idea to make sure that the sun hats you buy fit you properly. Choose hats with brims at least three inches wide if you want enough protection and coverage from the sun. Wider brims provide more coverage for activities like touring or lounging by the beach with less action.

Measure your head circumference by wrapping a tape measure all-around the widest area of your head and slightly above your eyebrows. Keep an eye out for the manufacturer’s sizing guide, as sizes might vary greatly from one brand to the other.

Style

Among sun hats, there are a wide variety of styles and patterns that may be opted for. It’s important to pick something you’ll be happy to wear.

Durability

When purchasing outdoor clothing and gear, durability is always a consideration. All the greatest sun hats are composed of high-quality materials and can resist even the most strenuous sports. Make sure you pick one properly, since the best ones may last for decades.

Color

Additionally, color has an impact on the performance of sun hats, which is why it is important to choose the right shade. More heat is attracted to the darker colors, which warms the head faster, whilst lighter colors keep it cool and don’t fade as quickly.

Which Feature Make the Greatest Sun Hats?

Mesh vents

You can keep your head cooler and by controlling the sweat due to mesh vents in your headwear.

Drawstring

There are several sun hats that come with drawstrings or strings so that they may be securely attached to withstand windy conditions.

Inner sweatband

An inbuilt sweatband is a piece of cloth on the inner side of your hat that helps keep sweat off your face.

Ventilation

Ventilation improves the hat’s ability to cool the wearer, resulting in reduced perspiration and more comfort.

Waterproof or water-resistance

A water-resistant sun hat can allow raindrops to roll over the brim if you find yourself caught in an unexpected rainfall while hiking, trekking, or jogging. Using sun hats made of waterproof material guarantees that the hat’s structure remains intact and does not droop when wet.

Earflaps

Sun hat ear flaps, which can be folded up or down, provide some additional protection for your ears from the sun.