Sun protection hats come in all shapes and sizes and offer varying degrees of sun protection. The best sun protection hats should provide good shade from the sun for your scalp, face, neck, head and ears and preferably have a high UV barrier factor.
Sun Protection Hats Reviews
I’ve bought loads of sun hats in my time and I’m especially careful to be sun smart as I have had a melanoma and don’t want a repeat experience. I’ve found great hats and not so great hats. Some have been chucked out because they just don’t work, and others are old worn and tattered because they do.
These days there’s no end of choice, and summer hats for women come in many different styles and prices.
Best Hat to Protect Face From Sun
The best hat to protect your face from the sun is going to be the one you feel comfortable wearing and which you wear every time you go out in the sun. It needs to be a sun hat you just reach for automatically.
When it comes to style there are endless choices.
There’s the floppy sun hat, or the wide brim sun hat both of which will look good and give you good protection. If you’re going for a bit of style then you might rock a Panama hat, and don’t forget to tilt it an angle. You might need a hat more suited to sporting action which offers high UV protection or something suitable for your hiking, travel or watersports.
So I hope I can help you not make the same mistakes I have, so that you can buy right the first time. I hope you can find at least three great hats: One hat to wear when you want to look a million dollars, another to wear for outdoor pursuits and another to wear with your favourite swimsuit.
Read on for sun protection hats reviews to help you decide which hats are best for you. I’ve picked out what I consider the best in each case. The product descriptions are by the suppliers themselves.
Have fun choosing your own best hat to wear for sun protection!
Best Ladies Sun Hats
We are so lucky that style doesn’t have to pay the price for skin safety when it comes to buying sun protection hats, because wide brimmed hats and floppy hats nearly always add va-va-voom to an outfit.
On the other hand baseball caps, as sporty as they are, do not offer a great option for everyday sun protection because they only protect your scalp and forehead but not your neck and ears. Secondly you can hardly wear them with a pretty summer frock IMO 😉 Sorry, I’m not a fan of baseball caps.
Best Hats to keep sun off face
Wide brim hats on the other hand, like the sun protection hat below, not only look great on women, but they offer good sun protection for your ears and neck too.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Packable Wide Brim Hat – Sun Protective (One Size- Natural)
Click here for the Best Price
Product Description
- Polyester Knit
- UPF 50+
- Wide 4” brim; Approx. circumference: 22 1/2”
- Internal sweatband for comfort and a snug fit and crown lining for maximum sun protection
- Packable, crushable construction
Best Floppy Hat
A floppy hat is a must have in your wardrobe. I like ones which I can fold up and put in my handbag, which I can then shake out when I need them and they don’t look worse for wear.
Siggi Summer Flap Cover Cap Cotton UPF 50+ Sun Shade Hat
For Best Price Click HERE
Product Description
- Cotton/ramie/polyester
- Free size with an adjustable string at back. Best fit for 55-58cm 21.6″-22.8″ 6 7/8 – 7 1/4.
- SPF 50+: this sun hat has passed a UPF 50+ test, it could block 97.5% or more of sun UV rays.
- 4.7″ brim that’s wide and long enough to shade forehead, eyes and cheeks from sun’s UV rays.
- Light and ventilated. Cool and comfortable for summer. The chin cord will help keep the hat on in wind.
Best Straw Hat for Sun Protection
Are straw hats good for sun protection?
Well, straw is a fabulous material for summer hats because it’s breathable and lightweight. Many straw hats are quite malleable and can be scrunched up in your bag and then shaken out to wear. If you choose a natural straw colour it’s likely to look good with many outfits.
Joseni Women Floppy Straw Hat
Buy Now – Click Here
Product Description
- High Quality & Bowknot Design: 100% paper straw [cellulosic fibre + polyester]. Lightweight, ventilated and soft for a luxurious customized feel. Nice way to cut down some of the heat. The bowknot design adds more fashion and femininity.
- Foldable: Soft straw fabric. Convenient as it’s foldable and packs into your bag for travel.
- Detachable Chin Strap: Adjustable for a snug fit so that it won’t blow off when it gets windy.
- Great Fit: One size fits most. Height (above top of brim) is 3.5 inches. Brim width is 3.5 inches. Large brim performs well shielding sunlight. An adjustable tape built inside the sweatband. Best fit for 56-58cm 22″-22.8″ 7- 7 1/4.
Best Beach Hat
Looking for the best beach hat? Then buy one with an ultra wide brim in a material which will keep you cool. Felt is definitely out! The wider the brim the more of your neck, back and shoulders will be protected.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Beach Hat – Sun Protective
Love This Hat – Buy Here
Product Description
- Cotton/Linen Blend
- Elastic closure
- UPF 50+
- Approx. circumference: 22 1/2”; Ultra wide 6” wired brim
- Fully lined crown with grosgrain sweatband and elastic string for adjustable sizing
- Travel friendly packable construction
Best Panama Hat
At around the turn of the 20th century, Panama hats became popular as tropical and seaside accessories because they were easy to wear, stylish and they let the head breathe. They are traditional straw hats which originate from Equador. Panama hats are light-colored and lightweight. Their beauty is that they are breathable. For the best quality Panama hat look for a tight, fine weave.
Tumia – Fedora Panama Hat – White or Natural – Lightweight rollable version
Fancy a trendy Panama hat? Buy Here.
Product Description
- Genuine Panama Hat. Fedora Style. Hand woven in Ecuador. Light and breathable. Ethically Traded.
- Hand woven in Ecuador and hand finished in Bristol, England. By Tumia Panama Hats, the UK’s leading Panama specialist.
- Comfortable sweat wicking inner headband.
For more about how Panama Hats are made you might like to read my post How Panama Hats are made and More in Manta, Equador
Best Sun Protection Hat
UV protection hats or spf hats offer the best shielding from the sun, as they are likely to be made from material that doesn’t let UV rays through. Best sun protection hats for walking and being out on the water might be a legionnaire-style hat. If you’re into hiking or love water sports then choose a hat which offers the highest UV protection, and forget about drop-dead-gorgeous style by buying a less flattering hat possibly with neck flaps and chin strap too. You’ll be glad you did when you’re the one who doesn’t get a sunburnt neck. Mens and Womens sun protection hats will look the same so just be careful to choose the right size for your head.
This is the type of hat I walk in every day when I’m exercising in Western Australia. I think it’s the one of the best sunscreen hats.
Regatta Great Outdoors Unisex Protector Summer Legionnaire Cap
Walkers and Hikers this is a great cap for you – Buy Here
Product Description
- Polyester, Elastane,
- 95% polyester, 5% elastane.
- Mesh ventilation.
- Sunshade neck protector.
- Reflective detail for enhanced visibility.
Best Sun Hat for hiking
Hiking hats and hats for fishing should be made of water and rip-resistant nylon and fold up for easy storage in your rucksack or suitcase. An adjustable chin strap to stop the hat from slipping off and built-in mesh sweat band to help with ventilation on hot days.
Waterproof Outdoor Wide Brim Sun Hat by Feeker, Fishing, Hiking Sun Boonie Hat
Click to Here to Buy Now
Product Description
- 3.5″ WIDE BRIM BOONIE HATS | Provide a full range of sunshade. Will not block line of your sight.
- SUN PROTECTION | Omni-Shade UPF 50+
- REMOVABLE WATERPROOF CROWN | The Crown of nylon fabrics protect your head from sun exposure and keep out the rain | Mesh crown inside keeps your head cool and ventilated.
- ADJUSTMENT CHIN STRAP | Hold the hat in place even in windy or rainy conditions.
- FOLDABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT | Great for fishing hiking, camping, travelling, gardening or any outdoor activity.
Best Hats for Watersports
If you’re into boating, kayaking, fishing or gadding about on the river in a ‘tinny’ then choose a hat suitable for watery pursuits. You need either a legionnaire hat or a wide brimmed hat which will stay on (like the one listed above). It must protect your neck, face, ears and head from the sun. Beware reflection from the water, so make sure to wear sunscreen and sunglasses too. The hat should preferably have a neck flap (some are removable) and a chin strap to protect you from the sun and wind. It should also be a hat that dries quickly and folds up nice and small too.
The hat below takes the legionnaire hat one step further. It’s made of breathable material, has a face protector and is ideal for all outdoor summer activities when you spend a lot of time out in the sun.
YCHY Flap Hats Folding Hat
For the Best Price Click Here
Product Description
- Lightweight Sun Cap Flap Hat, quick to dry, breathable material for all-day wear, especially during warm months. The quick drying fabric 100% Polyester is great for all types of outdoor activities. Free size fits most with adjustable buckle.
- YCHY Flap Hat, Sun Cap UPF 50+ sun protection. Offers a removable neck flap and a breathable face protector which helps protect skin from the elements. The mask can protect face from dust.
- Mesh absorbs sweat, breathable. The back of the hat has elastic fast buckle. Windproof design with adjustable chin strap ensures the hat stays on.
- Comes in different colours: Black/ Light Blue/Light Grey/Deep Grey/Khaki/Rose Red.
- Many ways to wear this cap depending on your protection needs and activity.
- YCHY Flap Hats Sun Cap is portable, packs well, fits in small bags and can easily be folded into itself.
Best Wide Brim Sun Hats
A wide brimmed hat is a classic design, always looks stylish and offers a good barrier against the sun. Did you know that from the late 1920s it was fashionable for women to wear enormous straw hats while parading their latest fashions on the French Riviera?
Broad-brimmed and bucket hats provide good UV radiation protection for the face and head.
A wide brim sun hat offers a good buffer if you’re gardening, or at the beach or if you are at an outdoor food and wine festival or music festival. However with a slightly stiffer rim than a floppy hat this sun hat isn’t the greatest on windy days, so choose one with a neck tie. Some may not be quite so easy to pack in your suitcase and travel with on holiday so check they are squashable.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Packable Wide Brim Hat – Sun Protective
Buy Here
Product Description
- Polyester Knit
- UPF 50+
- Wide 4” brim; Approx. circumference: 22 1/2”
- Internal sweatband for comfort and a snug fit and crown lining for maximum sun protection
- Packable, crushable construction
- Spot clean; Imported
Best Sun Hats for Travel
For me the legionnaire hat is the best hat for active travel. It should have a wide brim, chin strap and neck straps like the one mentioned previously in this article.
However, I will also probably pack a day hat like the one below – one that will scrunch up in my handbag but also look stylish – it must have a wide brim be made of a tight knit fabric in a fun colour, or be a neutral colour which I can wear with anything. This one is foldable and practical.
QBSM Womens Large Brimmed Foldable Outdoor Summer Beach Sun Protection Hat
Buy this stylish hat at the best price Here
Product Description
- Cotton
- Best fit for 56-58cm 22″-22.8″，Elastic band design behind the hat, can adjust the perimeter of the hat, and make it more comfortable to wear.
- Cotton material, soft, breathable. Ventilated to keep you cool in summer.
- Detachable chin strap is adjustable for a better fit.
- Brim width : 4″-4.7″ in length, is large enough to shade forehead, neck and cheeks from sun light. Sunscreen shawl, can help protect your neck from ultraviolet radiation.
- Ponytail design. There is a small hole behind the hat for braid.
Vintage Sun Hats
In the 1940s and 1950s it was customary for women to wear hats as a fashion accessory and as a mark of status, though they were not worn necessarily because of climate or weather. Many styles of hats were popular including round pillbox hats. Brims were usually narrow. These styles of hats will offer the least sun protection, but they look good! So you have to decide when the cap fits or doesn’t!
I think this is a lovely hat for a wedding.
Women’s Lace Band and Flower Vented Bucket Straw Vintage Style Hat
Click Here to Buy
Product Description
- 100% paper straw with polyester flower and lace
- One size fits most
- 22-inch opening circumference, 12 (W) x 10 (L) x 5.5 (H) inches
- Durable construction
How to choose a Sun Hat
When choosing the best sun hat Sunsmart offers many sensible tips to follow.
- Firstly look for the quality of sun protection it offers.
- Look for a wide brim with at least a 7.5 cm brim for adults.
- A bucket brim hat suitable for outdoor pursuits should have a deep crown with an angled brim of at least 6 cm and sit low on the head)
- Wearing a hat with a brim that shades the eyes can also reduce UV radiation to the eyes.
- If you’re active or sporty then look for a legionnaire hat which will have a flap that covers the neck and overlaps at the sides of the front peak. These hats can also be worn under helmets and hardhats. They are good for UV radiation protection.
- Check the material. What is the hat made from? A tighter fabric structure is better.
- Does the material let a lot of light through? Does it provide dark shade? A fabric with UPF 15 offers good protection while one that is UPF 50 offers much better protection.
- Is the hat cool and comfortable? If it’s not, you’re not so likely to want to wear it.
- Is the hat going to stay on? Do you need one with a chin strap?
- For sun safety always wear a hat that provides good shade to the scalp, face, eyes, ears and back of neck.
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Hi Jo,
I can recommend the Tilley range of hats, especially the T3 which is ideal for almost any occasion, including watersports and golf, (for 2 ends of the spectrum). (See http://www.tilley.com).
That model is made from heavy sailcloth type material. (I am not getting anything from this except expressing my appreciation for a great hat, by passing on my opinion as to what I consider the ultimate ‘non-dressy’ hat, which has a sensible width brim which is coloured green underneath to help shade the eyes).
They are guaranteed for life, (my husband had his first one in 1993 and has had it replaced several times, as they wear out if washed without care, plus they do not like getting sweat soaked etc. and with his being worn several times a week in the tropics, it gets that way pretty regularly.
Not cheap, but then what is that is quality these days?
Grace
Hello Grace, Thank you so much for offering this tip and information. I am always always on the look out for the best sun protection hats, and I’ll definitely take a look at the link you provided. I agree, quality doesn’t come cheap.
I am not really a hat person (I hate hat hair) but I go for the wider brim hat these days, but I oh so love the vintage sun hat Jo. I actually have one that looks a bit like that and I always get compliments about it. Time to drag it out again me thinks.
I know Jill, me too. I can just see you in a vintage sun hat though 🙂
I know what you mean about hat hair Jill. Me too, I really hate it.
My poor straw panama retired on the weekend. How timely your post is.
Hello Kooky chic, hope you find a nice new shady panama soon 🙂