The Best Sun Hats
A great sun hat is a must-have in every closet, especially during warm weather. Besides being flattering and stylish, the brim shades your face and protects you from sun damage. Keeping your skin shaded and out of the sun is one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles and age spots, so wearing a sun hat is an excellent way to maintain a youthful complexion. The tightly woven material blocks out UV rays and shades your eyes, so even if you forgot your sunglasses or sunscreen, you’ll still be fairly protected in the great outdoors. When deciding which sun hats would make the cut, we looked for products that were comfortable, stylish, and solid-brimmed for optimal sun protection. Our overall favorite was the wide-brim straw fedora from Lanzom because it has an adjustable band for the perfect fit and comes with an optional chin strap that ensures that it won’t blow off on breezy days. The fedora shape is pretty casual, so if you’d like something dressier, we’d recommend the women’s straw beach hat from Furtalk. The gently rounded brim is flattering, and it’s finished with a wide-ribbon band that makes it perfect for lunch dates and walks in the park. To learn more about the best sun hats on the market, take a look at our complete reviews.
Lanzom Women Straw Fedora Sun Hat
This straw fedora will add a fun, beachy touch to any outfit, and it offers great sun protection as well. The brim is wide enough to shade your eyes and face, but not so big that it will obscure your vision. As a bonus, the flexible material means that you can fold the hat up without crushing it, so it’s easy to toss in a bag or suitcase while you’re on the go.
Pros:
- The paper straw material is woven with polyester for durability, and it’s lightweight and breathable.
- This style is available in nearly thirty colors, so you can choose one that perfectly matches your wardrobe.
Cons:
- Although the band is adjustable, the hat is one-size-fits-all, so it may be a bit snug if you have a large head.
Furtalk Women’s Beach Straw Sun Hat
Fashion maven
For a feminine and functional sun hat, look no further than this lovely foldable straw option. It’s adorned with a black ribbon that’s tied in a bow for a cute touch, and it’s perfect for a casual date, a day at the beach, or an afternoon in a museum. The adjustable, built-in Velcro band and optional chin strap mean that it’ll stay securely on your head, even if it’s a bit windy out.
Pros:
- This hat is available in two sizes and has an adjustable headband for the perfect fit.
- The brim is slightly floppy, so it tends to frame the face in a flattering way.
Cons:
- We appreciate that the hatband is attached to prevent it from coming loose, but this also means you won’t be able to adjust it if you don’t like it.
Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Lifeguard Sun Hat
Surfer dude
Since men usually have bigger heads than women, it’s a good idea to buy a men’s hat instead of a unisex hat for the best fit. This straw option is a beach classic that will make you feel ready to hit the surf in Malibu even if you’re just out mowing the lawn. The crown is lined with a fabric band for ultimate comfort, and it pulls double-duty by keeping sweat from dripping into your eyes if it’s a warm day.
Pros:
- The extra-wide brim will shade not only your face but your ears and neck as well.
- Because the crown is oval-shaped instead of round, the hat tends to sit well without sliding around while it’s being worn.
Cons:
- The natural raffia is breathable and keeps its shape well, but because it is stiff, the hat can get bent out of shape if you’re not careful.
GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat
Take a hike
Whether your hobbies lean towards bird-watching or white water rafting, you need a hat that can keep up with your outdoor activities. This option is made from UPF 50 fabric, which means that it blocks about 98% of the sun’s rays. Not only does it offer excellent sun protection, but it’s breathable and comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time.
Pros:
- The mesh side panels create ventilation and keep your head from overheating.
- Each side of the hat is equipped with a snap, so you can fold up the brim to keep it out of your way.
Cons:
- Only available in a few neutral colors.
San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid X-Large Brim Hat
Flair for the dramatic
Make a splash at the poolside with this stylish floppy sun hat. The large brim will shade your shoulders as well as your face, so you don’t need to worry about finding an umbrella since you’ll bring your shade with you wherever you go. The braided material is solid and sturdy, and it blocks out sun rays very well.
Pros:
- Because the brim is so big, it frames your face well and is flattering on many different face shapes.
- This hat is easy to style and works equally well with a bikini or a nice sundress paired with heels.
Cons:
- The large brim means this hat really catches the breeze, so it’s not the best choice for windy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my head for a hat?
Hat size is usually measured in inches, so you’ll want an accurate measurement of your head’s circumference to ensure the best fit. Measure the crown of your head with a fabric measuring tape, wrapping it above your eyebrows and around your ears while ensuring it isn’t too tight. If you don’t have a fabric measuring tape, you can use a piece of string or yarn, mark the length with a pen, and measure the string with a regular measuring tape or ruler.
What’s the best way to clean a straw hat?
Submerging a straw hat in water can cause it to swell and lose its shape, so we suggest using a damp cloth to gently rub off dirt or dust before patting the area dry with another cloth. If there are stains or stubborn patches of dirt, you can use a little dish soap on the damp rag to get it off. To get sweat stains out of the headband, mix 1/4th a cup water and 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and use a soft toothbrush to scrub it onto the band before dabbing with a damp cloth.
About the Author
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.