12 Best Sun Protection Hats – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

No one enjoys staying indoors in the summer. This is because the summer season encourages plenty of beach activities. However, during this time, the temperatures in the outdoors are usually quite high because of the hot sun. That is why everyone dresses lightly, to accommodate the weather. This means that they expose much of their bodies to the sun, as well. Have you ever thought about the potential damage that the sun’s rays can cause to your skin? Well, the sun can burn your skin and eventually diminish its elasticity. This causes you to age prematurely. To curb this effect, people use sunscreen on their skins and even wear a hat for sun protection.

A sun hat is something that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning for your next trip to the beach. It protects you from the sun’s negative effects and acts as an umbrella to cool the air above you. Always look for the best sun protection hat that’s comfortable and performs the intended task. Since the market is filled with options, it becomes difficult to choose a hat for your specific needs. While browsing our sun protection hat reviews, you will find one that matches your exact needs.

• 4.6 Customer Rating
• Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney Sun Protection Hat

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• 4.8 Customer Rating
• Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat

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• 4.6 Customer Rating
• The Hat Depot Unisex Cotton Bucket Beach Sun Hat

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Best Sun Protection Hat Reviews for Men, Women and Kids

1. Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney, Sun Protection Hat

Color Options: 8
Material: 100% Textured Nylon Poplin
Gender: Uni-sex

If you’re headed to the beach during summer for a wonderful time, the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney hat is a perfect addition. It features 100% textured nylon construction, which delivers a lightweight design suitable for sunny conditions. The edges are a bit floppy, so they cover your head completely. Also, an adjustable chinstrap ensures that the hat stays on your head or at the back of your neck. In addition, an Omni-wick band provides a comfortable fit that you can customize with an adjustable toggle to suit your head.

The Bora Bora II features a UPF 50 fabric in its construction to provide utmost sun protection. It also presents a wide brim that provides reliable sun protection for your head and neck. This is evident as it blocks UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburns and long-term harm to your skin. Its weave construction features UV absorbent filaments that lock out comprehensive, harmful UV rays. The interior fabric uses Omni-wick technology so that the headband quickly absorbs sweat and distributes it across the mesh vents on the surface for evaporation. This functionality provides a cool and comfortable experience under the sun. You can hand wash the hat when it’s dirty.

2. Dorfman Pacific Men’s Outback Beach Hat

Color Options: 2
Material: 52% Cotton , 48% polyester
Gender: Men

Your beach activities are not going to be the same again once you have this Dorfman Pacific Outback Hat. It features a weathered poly-cotton (48% polyester, 52% cotton) fabric that provides a jagged, old western look. The cotton construction provides breathability in the searing sun and the polyester delivers strength, as well as wrinkle- and tear-resistance. This hat is perfect for sun protection as it features a UPF 50+ rating and provides reliable protection from damaging UV rays. What’s more, this versatile hat is also ideal for wind, rain and other inclement outdoor conditions.

In the hot sun, perspiration is inevitable. There is no faster way of getting uncomfortable than having sweat on your head. That’s where the Outback comes into play. An interior browband and an inside layer absorbs sweat for a comfortable experience. In addition, both the band and lining provide a smooth design that prevents skin irritation. A 2.7 inch-wide rim adjusts easily for the right amount of shade and gives you the freedom to change the shape of the hat into whatever form you prefer for maximum comfort. It comes with an adjustable chin strap to keep the hat in place.

3. Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat

Color Options: 10
Material: 100% Nylon
Gender: Uni-sex

Nothing will keep you from enjoying the outdoors when the sun shines brightly thanks to the Tilley Endurables Airflo hat. The Tilley company is popular for making outstanding hats for all occasions, and this one is their best creation yet. Its 100% Supplex Nylamtium nylon construction ensures superb performance as it is water- and mildew-resistant with maximum durability. It is also light in nature, weighing only about 3 oz. The front part of the brim measures 2 and 5/8 in. and the backside measures 2 and 3/4 in, which is wide enough to provide the desired sun protection.

Featuring the maximum UPF 50+ sun protection rating, this Tilley hat will prevent the sun’s rays from reaching your face. It’s worth noting that this hat provides protection from sun, wind and rain. A wind cord keeps the hat in place, and the rim removes water that falls on the hat, while a non-absorbent foam liner prevents it from soaking. A hydrofoil anti-sweat band in the interior wicks perspiration away from your skin. The hat features a soft design that prevents irritation. Mesh vents in the crown enhance ventilation for improved comfort. Lastly, a secret pocket in the crown holds your cash, key and other smaller items.

4. DealStock Boonie Cotton Bucket Men Sun Hat

Color Options: 14
Material: 100% Cotton
Gender: Men

If you’re looking for a simple hat for the seasonal sun, the Boonie fishing bucket summer string cap is ideal. Take it to all your beach adventures as it delivers reliable sun protection thanks to a cotton/polyester blend for soft, durable use. The cotton delivers maximum breathability and the polyester dries quickly. However, since polyester takes in too much sun, making the surface hot, cotton balances the heat. The hat features an moderately lightweight design that fits onto your head.

This summer string cap provides the desired ventilation with two mesh holes on the sides. These ensure maximum breathability for comfort. The sides are wide enough (2 and 13/16 in.) to prevent the sun from reaching your neck and face. You can also snap the edges to add more style, but at the expense of sun protection. This hat comes in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, to suit different heads, and a chin cord ensures that the hat stays in place.

5. Henschel Aussie Breezer Cotton Mesh Sun Hat

Color Options: 1
Material: 100% Other Fibers
Gender: Men

The Henschel Hat company has been on the market since the ‘40s and is popular for its quality headwear. In particular, their Aussie Breezer exhibits amazing qualities. It is an essential gear for the beach, especially in sunny conditions, featuring a polycotton fabric construction. The hat doesn’t put too much weight on your head as the materials are light and accommodating. What’s more, the crown has a mesh design that enhances breathability in the hot sun for a cool experience.

The Henschel Aussie Breezer boasts a UPF 50+ sun protection rating and a large brim measuring 3 in. wide. This gives you total sun protection for your head, neck and face without compromising comfort. A chin cord on the hat ensures a secure fit and keeps it from flying off on windy days. You can easily take this hat to all your outdoor activities as it is crushable and packable for great convenience. It also comes with a 1-in. band to hold it together for easy packing and portability.

6. Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Protection Hat

Color Options: 5
Material: 86% nylon, 14% polyester
Gender: Uni-sex

Are you an outdoor enthusiast in need of a sun protection hat when the temperatures get hot? A Sombriolet Sun Hat from Outdoor Research is your perfect solution. Whether you’re hiking, boating, visiting the beach, or on a jungle safari, this hat will protect you from the intense sun. Its lightweight nylon/polyester blend SolarShield construction delivers UPF 50+ sun protection, so the fabric is UV-resistant to curb the effects of harmful UV rays.

The Sombriolet Sun features fashionably-placed vents that enhance breathability. What’s more, wicking fabric in the crown absorbs sweat from your head to ensure a cool and comfortable surface. A piping design along the rim of the hat provides wind resistance in heavy storms, and the hat features a removable chin cord for a secure fit in stormy conditions. You can also adjust the hat to different head sizes thanks to an external drawcord.

7. Lanzom Women Wide Brim Straw Panama Beach Hat

Color Options: 35
Material: 90% High Quality Natural Paper Straw and 10 % Polyester
Gender: Women

Most sun protection hats function well at the expense of style, but the Lanzom hat for women is a fashionable hat that also delivers an elegance appearance. It is ideal for your traveling escapes, relaxing at the beach, visiting the park, or sailing at sea. What’s more, it coordinates well with any summer wear. It features 100% natural, high-quality, woven paper fabric with UPF 30+ sun protection that prevents harmful UV rays from reaching your face.

This Lanzom hat enjoys a wide 22.5-in circumference and 2.9-in. brim. A rope runs through the hat to adjust its size. (Usually, one size fits most heads.) A tightly woven design provides sufficient shade for your neck and face. Also, a breathable interior keeps you cool in the sun. The brim offers different styles, as it can fold up or down depending on your preference. After use, the hat crushes easily into a compact size that fits into your backpack but does not affect its shape at all.

8. The Hat Depot Cotton Bucket Sun Hat

Color Options: 31
Material: 65%Cotton,35%Polyester
Gender: Uni-sex

For a trendy look at an affordable price, the Hat Depot 300N headwear takes the crown. A unisex hat with lots of features that suit the great outdoors in the summer. For starters, it features 100% cotton fabric that is durable and extremely breathable for beach use. A camo option offers 65% cotton and 35% polyester, which makes the hat usable in the harsh weather conditions. It is easy to clean and – most of all – it comes in plenty of colors to suit differing tastes.

This hat comes in two sizes: S/M (22 to 22 and 3/4 in. and L/XL (23 1/8 to 23 7/8 in). With a 2 to 2.25-in. wide brim, you’ll get maximum sun protection for your head, neck and face. This hat further increases comfort with strategic, brass tone eyelets that optimize ventilation in the searing sun. The hat is suitable for all outdoor activities, like camping, hiking or taking a trip to the beach. It folds away easily and fits conveniently into a tote or purse for portability. You can clean away dirt with a smooth, wet cloth.

9. Sloggers Women’s Wide Brim Braided Beach Hat

Color Options: 4
Material: 65% natural paper, 35% polyester
Gender: Women

This Sloggers Women’s Sun Hat is an affordable piece of headwear suitable for the hot weather conditions at the beach. A stylish design accommodates all sorts of outdoor occasions. It combines 65% natural paper with a 35% polyester blend fabric, tightly woven to block UV rays. In addition, the fabric is lightweight and breathable for utmost comfort, and a UPF 50+ rating delivers maximum protection. A wide brim delivers excellent sun protection for your neck and face.

The interior of this hat features a high-quality headband that provides utmost comfort and a secure fit, wicking away perspiration. A chin strap allows you to toss the hat to the back of your neck if you don’t want to carry. Do note that you’ll have to hold it in place since high winds make it floppy.

10. Funky Junque Beach Hat for Women

Color Options: 1
Material: 100% High Quality Natural Paper
Gender: Women

You definitely stand out at the beach with this Funky Junque Women’s Floppy Sun Hat. Its unique design lets you customize it to suit your style. You’ll use this chic hat on the beach and for many other outdoor occasions. You can rock it to the park or poolside or take it on a camping adventure in the woods. It is soft and durable, made with 100% high-quality natural paper. Though it presents a lightweight design, the hat is reasonably thick to provide utmost comfort for every occasion.

This Bold Cursive hat comes in one size that fits most heads. It measures 4.5 in. high, with a 4-in. brim and an inner circumference of about 23 in. An adjustable drawstring inside ensures a secure fit for any head size.

11. Flap Baby Sun Protection Hat

Color Options: 22
Material: 100% Polyester
Gender: Kid

Baby skin is most delicate and needs extra care when visiting the sunny outdoors. For this reason, you shouldn’t overlook the Flap Baby Sun Hat when going to the beach or park. It provides protection for your baby’s head, neck and, most importantly, eyes as your baby plays in the sun. The hat features 100% polyester fabric with a UPF 50+ rating for maximum protection. What’s more, the fabric extends into an exceptional neck flap that falls at the back. The front features a baseball cap rim design that covers the eyes and face completely. However, another solution is a uv baby tent.

The fabric of this i.play Flap Sun Hat is lightweight, breathable and comfortable. A microfiber interior wicks away moisture and, in turn, provides comfortable coolness for your little one. In addition, a drawstring keeps the hat in place. It comes in different sizes and leaves room for growth. What’s more, it’s available in plenty of colors to suit different styles.

12. Sunday Afternoons Toddler Kids Sun Hat

Color Options: 9
Material: 100% Polyester
Gender: Kid

Keep the sun away from your kids and babys with this Sunday Afternoon Hat. It gives your childs and babys freedom to play in the sun without the threat of harmful UV rays. A UPF 50+ sun rating on the fabric prevents UV rays from penetrating, and the fabric has quick-dry properties suitable for swimming or boating with your little ones. The hat includes mesh panels that enhance breathability to ensures your kid stays cool, but the panels are only available for the medium and large sizes.

The Sunday Afternoon hat features a 2 and ¾ – 3 and ¾ in. brim that hangs down and has a floatable foam crown. In addition, a 5.5 to 6 in. covering at the back protects the neck on the beach. The hat’s size determines the length of the veil, and it’s easy to adjust the cap’s size for a perfect fit thanks to a handy sizing strap. Additionally, a breakaway chin strap clasps open in case of tension.

What is a UPF Sun Protection Hat?

When you visit the beach in the summer, you notice that the majority of people are covering themselves from the heat. Some prefer walking around or sitting under a shade. However, this can be a tedious experience, and we usually want our hands free for other beach activities. That’s where a sun protection hat comes into play. It’s a piece of UPF fabric hat that covers your entire head, protecting your neck and face from the intense sun. Sun hats are usually lightweight to minimize the weight on your head and in your beach tote bag. They are available in various shapes and designs to suit varying styles, genders and ages. Read more to learn about best types of sun hats.

Types of Sun Hats

Like most products on the market, beach hats come in different types. This ensures that everyone gets a hat that suits their individual needs. It’s worth noting that the type of hat you choose determines the level of sun protection you’ll get for your head, neck, face, ears and more. Learn about the major types of sun protection hats below.

1. Brimmed hat

   A brimmed hat is one that has a wide horizontal extension all around it called a brim. You can turn the brim up or down at the front and back of the hat for a different fashionable flair. Since time immemorial, brimmed hats were used to provide sun protection. Today, more people prefer using brimmed hats since they provide utmost sun protection in the outdoors.

2. Bucket hat

   A bucket hat features a close resemblance to the brimmed but with a narrower brim. Just like the brimmed, you can turn the brim up or down on one side or in the front to achieve different looks. This type presents versatile use for various occasions.

3. Baseball cap

   This type beach hat has an American origin and was first introduced in 1860. Its name was born as it was used for protecting the eyes of baseball players from the sun in the past. The hat presents a cap design with an extension at the front part called a brim. This protects the forehead and eyes  from the intense sun if you don’t have a great sunglasses for beach. In addition, they feature a soft construction material for utmost comfort. There is a closure at the back of the cap that allows you to adjust the right size. The closures can either be Velcro fabric, tuck strap with sliding closure, plastic snap, metal buckle or none.

4. Visor hat

   This is like a brimmed sun hat but with an open top for maximum breathability in hot conditions. It presents a feminine design where you can wear it with a scarf to get sun protection.

5. Fedora hat

   This type gets its name from the 1889 play ‘’Fedora’’. The hat features a crown and a wide brim but not as wide as brimmed hats. It presents a more rigid fit compared to other types. It delivers full head coverage and has a unisex design. Also, it presents a crushable design for easy packing.

6. Legionnaire’s hat

   This type is like any other cap but has additional extensions on the sides and back. These provide more protection for the face, ears, and neck. You can roll up the extensions or get rid of them when the sun goes out.

Sun Protection Hat Buying Guide

Sun protection hats come in different shapes and designs to suit various needs. And since there are plenty of them on the market, choosing one that matches your needs can be challenging. That is why we have gathered the main things to take into account when looking for best hat for your needs. This will enable you to make a quick buying decision.

The Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Sun Hat

1. Hat material

   The main factor to consider when getting a hat for use on the sunny beach should be the material of construction. This is because the material determines the amount of protection you get in the outdoors especially against the sun. First, the fabric used should contain solar blocking properties to provide UV rays protection. The material should have the ability to either naturally block the harmful rays or absorb them to prevent penetration. Cotton is a natural fiber that is mostly used in the construction of hats for durability, breathability, and softness. The material provides superb protection against the sun and other environmental elements.

   Polyester is a high-quality material that wicks away moisture from any surface and in this case, the skin. Mostly, it is used as an inner fabric of hats like sun protection clothing to absorb perspiration for a comfortable experience in the sun. It is usually lightweight and durable. Straw and Raffia are a lightweight option of materials that provide maximum breathability. They are common with most summer head wear found on the market. Therefore, you should pay attention to the material and determine which one will bring you the most comfort without sacrificing protection.

2. UV protection

   The ultraviolet rays of the sun have damaging effects on human skin and eyes. That is why you ought to cover up every time you leave the house for the sunny outdoors. UV rays on the skin can cause melanoma, (skin cancer) and make the skin wrinkly and old. The rays also cause eye cataracts which eventually impairs vision. To avoid this, you should get a hat that features UV protection properties. You will find hats with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. This factor measures the degree of ultraviolet radiation that gets to your skin after piercing through the hat.

   There are also some factors that affect the UPF rating like the material, weave tightness, and color. If you see a UPF rating ranging from 15-24, know that the hat blocks 93.3 to 95.9% of the harmful radiation. Hats with 25-39 UPF rating block about 96 to 97.4% of UV rays. Those with a UPF rating of 40-50+ offer excellent UV radiation protection of 97.4 to 98%.

3. Color

   The hat color also matters when buying one for the outdoors. First, color communicates your style for different occasions. Also, gender and age will determine the color you get. For kids, bright color on a hat is most ideal and women prefer lighter and warm colors. Men don’t like to be conspicuous, so they choose the darker options. In as much as color brings style, the degree of sun protection matters a great deal.

   When UV rays fall on the surface of a light-colored hat, they bounce back to ensure maximum protection. To be on the safe side, pick either a cream, white or beige hat if the sun is intense. If you find that boring, choose one with a different color on the brim or band to add some style. Darker colors absorb heat and transfer it to your head. This may lead to serious discomfort and headaches.

   

4. Weave tightness

   This is greatly dependent on the type of material used in the construction of the hat. Straw hats with mesh panels feature large holes on the surface and this makes them have an appealing look and design. However, the sun penetrates directly to your skin which reduces protection. For sun protection, the tighter the weave, the better the chances of sun protection. Manufacturers of sun hats may include the UPF rating on each hat to let you know how much protection it offers.

5. Coverage

   For any sun hat, coverage is quite important. Hats provide cover for your head; therefore, you should go for that offers coverage for your neck, face, and ears. If you re looking for the best hat to protect face from sun, you should buy one with a wide brim. A wide brim will extend to cover your ears, down to the neck and face in general. Go for a beach hat offering 2.5 inches and above for utmost sun protection.

6. Intended Purpose

   What you will use your beach hat for is also a factor to consider. This will determine the hat features you get. If you intend on using the hat for relaxing at the beach, then a simple hat with high UPF sun protection is a good choice. The hat should also have a wide brim for utmost sun protection. However, for an outdoor enthusiast who engages in hiking, boating, fishing or camping activities, a tight-fitting hat is ideal. Since the activities involve moving around, you’d want the hat to stay on your head until you take it off. Therefore, you should welcome hats with straps and or built-in headbands for a tight fit.

7. Cleaning

   If you want your hat to deliver improved and durable performance, you have to clean it on a regular basis. Since you are using the hat in the sun, it will absorb a lot of sweat. When sweat accumulates, it causes stains which become difficult to get rid of. Also, sweat may clog the sweatbands making them less effective. Therefore, you should choose a hat that is easily washable by hand or in the machine.

8. Packability

   Look for a hat that easily packs away into your purse or backpack. There are those that are crushable meaning that they fold into compact sizes for packing and never loses shape when unfolding. Some hats allow you to fold or compress them when they are not in use. You will also find a few models on the market that don’t fold or when they do, they lose their shapes completely. Be on the lookout for such.

9. Price

   The cost of the sun protection hat will determine whether you buy it or not. Prices vary depending on the brand and model. The premium hats feature a better construction with plenty of adjustable sizes. However, you can get affordable hats with outstanding features to use in the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the shape of the brim really matter in sun protection?
  Yes. It matters. This is due to the fact that different surfaces are designed to reflect the harmful UV rays. When the sand reflects the UV rays, they bounce and affect the chin, nose or cheek. Hat brims that curve downwards towards the face are ideal to use for maximum protection. What’s more, if the brim is too floppy, it can block your vision and lead to accidents. The activities you engage in will determine the shape of brim you would want to work with.
• What are the ideal hat materials suitable for sun protection?
  Hats feature different materials in their construction which are used for various occasions. Each material provides different performance upon exposure to the sun. However, those using natural materials like cotton, straw, raffia, hemp, are great at providing great protection. There are also synthetic options like nylon or polyester fabrics with better moisture wicking properties and durability you shouldn’t overlook. Oftentimes, they will blend with the natural materials to provide an excellent hat with more useful, sun protection properties.
• Can I wear my sun hat while I swim?
  Yes. As long as the hat features a chin strap or has a secure fit, you are free to take a dip while wearing it. This will ensure the hat stays in place as you move in the water. Also, make sure that the hat material has quick drying properties. If it dries quickly, then you will wear it almost immediately after swimming.

Best Sun Protection Hats Comparison Chart

Wrap up

Sun protection hats are popular among most outdoor enthusiasts and beach goers. This not only presents an elegant style; it also has its health advantages. Although staying under shade may seem like an ideal solution, you will also move around. That is where a sun hat comes into play. You can protect yourself against the harmful sun’s rays while engaging in other activities that require the use of both hands. These are comfortable headgear that prevent skin and eye damage. Most health programs recommend beach hats when the sun is intense.

The headgear industry is blooming with hats production since they want everyone to get something when the temperatures shoot. While this is beneficial, choosing the best sun protection hat becomes difficult. However, after reading the sun protection hat reviews on this article, it becomes easy to make the right buying decision. This article features various hats with prices that suit different budgets.