Whether you’re out fishing, hiking, biking or just lounging on the beach, we have put together this outdoor gear guide with a list of the best sun hats for men so you don’t have to worry about your head overheating in the sun.
Summer is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes the need for adequate sun protection. While sunscreen is an essential part of any sun protection routine, it’s important to remember that sun hats can also provide much-needed protection for your head and neck.
While there are so many things to enjoy under the sun in the great outdoors, don’t forget that you need sun protection too!
Sun hats do a great job shielding your head and neck from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Add another layer of sun protection with these best sun hats for men this 2023.
How Do I Choose A Sun Hat?
Proper sun protection is essential in the outdoors because prolonged exposure to the sun can be damaging to the skin. Protective gear is a great addition to your outdoor ensemble.
Here are a few things to consider when looking to purchase a new sun hat for men.
Protection
Sun hats protect the face and neck from the harsh rays of the sun. You should choose a sun hat that has a 50+ UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. UPF of 50+ can block 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Material
The type of material that makes up your sun hats is one important thing to consider. It affects the breathability, moisture-wicking capacity, and overall form of your sun hat. Make sure that you choose materials that provide equal comfort and functionality.
Here are the common materials used in making sun hats:
- Cotton- Hats made out of cotton are soft and comfortable on the head thanks to their excellent breathability. But one downside is that cotton fabric is known to be slow drying, and that is not good news for people who sweat a lot outdoors.
- Polyester and Nylon- These are synthetic materials that are very durable and have moisture-wicking and water-resistant capacities. It’s not as breathable as cotton so if you choose a hat made of cotton, you will want to ensure it has features like mesh vents for breathability.
- Straw- Sun hats made of straw are very stylish and lightweight to wear. They are great for laid-back outdoor activities like a day at the beach but are less durable than other materials and may not be well suited for boating or hiking.
Purpose
Before choosing a sun hat make sure that you are buying for a specific purpose. Will it be used for hiking? Running ? or sightseeing?
Sun hats for extreme outdoor activities should be durable and work efficiently even in demanding environments.
Size
Choosing the right fit or size of sun hats is also an important factor to consider. For adequate protection and coverage, choose hats that come with brims that are at least 3 inches in width. Wider brims, of course, offer greater coverage but are more ideal for activities with less movement like sightseeing or just hanging by the beach.
To measure your size, just simply use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around on the largest part of your head in the back and just above your eyebrows. Take note that sizes may depend on the manufacturer so make sure you keep an eye on the manufacturer’s size guide.
Durability
Durability is always an important factor especially when choosing outdoor gear. The best sun hats on the market are made of high-quality materials that are durable and should withstand very demanding activities. The top-quality ones can even last for so many years, so make sure you choose wisely.
Color
Other than being a factor in styling, color also contributes to the effectiveness of sun hats. Darker colors tend to attract heat and make the head warm faster while the lighter ones keeps the head cooler and fades less.
Features
Make sure that you also look for additional features that contribute to the overall performance and functionality of the hats. Here are some you should keep an eye on:
- Mesh vents- This feature allows the air to pass through your hats making the head feeling cool and less sweaty.
- Draw cord or strings- You may find this feature in most sun hats, as this serves to hold your hats safely on your head in case the strong wind blows.
- Internal sweatband- A strip of fabric that is found on the inside of your hats that prevent sweat from dripping down your face.
Best Sun Hats For Men
While everything seems fun and exciting under the sun, you should always remember to protect yourself from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
For men for especially love the outdoors, here are the best sun hats for men that you should use for ultimate sun protection while keeping your head dry and feeling cool all throughout.
Tilley hats are acknowledge as the best-made and most practical hats of their type in the world, although they have bee making success for so many years now, Tilley continued making innovations to master their technology.
The Tilley Airflo hats collection is very versatile to fit to wear in different kinds of outdoor activities. Made lightweight, breathable Supplex nylon with a cooling 3/4" AIRFLO mesh band in the crown, this excellent hat provides sun protection which is certified to block 98 percent of harmful UVA/UVB and deliver an ultraviolet factor (UPF) of 50+
It has also excellent ventilation and moisture management letting warm air escape and cool breezes to flow back through the mesh so your head won't feel all sweaty outdoors.
Topping both style and function is definitely a win win situation!
Features
- Rated UPF 50+
- Moisture-wicking Hydrofil®
- bluesign® approved
- Guaranteed for life
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Finish
- Hidden Pocket
- Adjustable Tuck away Wind Cord
- Mesh
- Dark under brim
Pros
- Stylish
- Excellent sun protection
- Breathable
- Great in moisture management
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
- The dark under brim provides glare protection and floatability
- Hand-sewn and all seams are lock-stitched so they won't unravel
- Secret pocket can store small items like cash, license or keys
- Great for sunny and windy days
Cons
- Its quite pricey
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney is your perfect companion wherever adventure takes you. With a UPF 50 rating you're getting ultimate protection from the sun's harmful UV/UVB rays. Made from polyester and nylon fabric with an Omni-Wick® feature that wicks moisture to keep you cool and dry during outdoor activities.
A mesh mesh breeze-inducing vent is wraps around 75% pf the hat making it breathable to keep you cool and protected during long hours under the heat of the sun.
Features
- Omni-Shade® UPF 50 rating
- Omni-Wick® feature
- Adjustable draw cord and toggle at the back
- Unisex
- Mesh vent panel
Pros
- Excellent sun protection
- Comes in different colors
- Adjustable cords for fit and comfort
- Moisture wicking and quick drying feature
- Durable
- Works great for both men and women
- Mesh panel for ventilation
Cons
- Not very stylish
- The brim is a bit floppy
Sunday afternoons was founded in 1992 by two people who simply want to "live out their dreams” off the grid. They first started producing picnic blankets and eventually made hats out of the excess materials. And after years of development and listening to customer feedback, they finally made a hat known today as the “Adventure hat” that features UPF 50 fabrics, a wide brim, and a long protective neck covering.
The Adventure hats have been a popular choice for people who love outdoor activities like water sports, hiking, camping etc.
Weight: 3.0 ounces/85.0 grams
Brim: 4"
Neck Cape: 7½"
Features
- UPF 50+ certified breathable sun rating
- Mesh vents
- Wicking brow sweatband
- Chinstrap with cord lock
- External sizing band
- 7.5” back veil neck flap with lift-up tab
- 4” downsloping front brim
- 3¾" sides with floatable foam core and poly brim wire
Pros
- Excellent coverage and sun protection
- Breathable
- Moisture wicking material
- Adjustable for custom fit
- Water repellent
- Stain resistantReasonable price
- Lightweight
- Foam core is buoyant
Cons
- Not the most stylish
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat offers maximum sun protection, breathability, comfort and style. You can use this versatile hat on whatever outdoor adventure you may be doing. With 50+ UPF rating, it excellently protects the head and face from the harmful UV/UVB rays even in long hours under the sun.
Strategically placed vents and wicking fabric allows you to feel cool and dry outdoors. Full brim serves as a great coverage with anti glare ability and offers wind resistance when the breeze picks up.
Weight 3.1 oz/88 g
Brim: 3”
Head Circumference: 21.5”- 24”
Features
- 50+ UPF protection
- Dark Fabric Under Brim
- Floating Foam-Stiffened Brim
- Side vents
- External Breathable Mesh Panels
- Simple draw cord
Pros
- Excellent sun protection
- Great coverage
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Anti glare feature
- Adjustable cord for custom fit
- Comfortable to wear
- Great wind resistance
- Easy to wash
- Made from moisture wicking materials
Cons
- It's a bit expensive
- Less durable than Tilley
When it comes to versatility and functionality, the Filson Summer Packer Hat is definitely on top. Picked by many as the best all around hat, it offers excellent durability and comfort to whoever wears it. Plus, with its sleek design and fedora style fitting it can be worn on a day hike or even on a casual coffee meet up outdoors.
Aside from being stylish, its functionality is one thing to commend. Although it has a narrower brim than most hats on the list, it serves its purpose which is sun protection with a full UPF 50+ rating.
Made from 8-ounce dry finish Shelter Cloth which makes this awesome summer hat lightweight, water repellent and super easy to clean.
Brim: 2-3/4"
Features
- UPF 50+ protection
- Packable
- Ventilating grommets for breathability
- Wide brim
- Made of lightweight, wind-resistant, water-repellent fabric
- Side ventilating grommets add comfort
Pros
- Stylish
- Great sun protection
- Breathable
- All around hat/Versatile
- Water repellent
- Wind resistant
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Slightly narrow brim
- Not adjustable
- Pricey
This dual use sun hat for men works as a training cap and sun cape that is perfect for outdoor activities like running and hiking. With excellent sun protection features, you don't have to worry about the sun’s harmful UV rays.
The brim is made up of moisture wicking materials that work excellent in keeping your head feeling cool and dry while shielding your face from the sun. It is also lightweight and breathable thanks to its 100% Supplex nylon material.
Brim: 2 3⁄4 “
Features
- UPF 50+ protection
- TransAction™ Headband
- Dark Fabric Under Brim
- External Breathable Mesh Panels
- Removable Cape
- Convertible
- Embroidered OR Logo
- Removable and adjustable chin cord
Pros
- Excellent coverage and sun protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Water-Resistant
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Moisture wicking
- Quick-Drying
- Affordable
- Adjustable chin cord
- Removable cape
- Versatile
- Packs down small
Cons
- The cord can be annoying for some people
- Not the best at wind resistance
- Neck cape isn’t the most flattering
The Columbia PFG Bonehead Straw Hat is made of 55% paper and 45% polyester, these materials make this fashionable hat super lightweight and breathable to use under the basking sun. Featuring Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection that effectively blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn and long term skin damage. And the tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarns block the full spectrum of harmful UV rays.
It keeps the head dry and feeling cool thanks to the moisture wicking headband. Plus, it can be folded and packed small making it a perfect choice whether you're fishing or simply hanging by the pool.
Brim: 3 inches
Crown: almost 5 inches
Features
- Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection
- Tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarn
- Moisture wicking headband
- Columbia's signature PFG logo
Pros
- Great coverage and sun protection
- Comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel itchy on the head
- Packable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Moisture wicking headband
- Stylish
- Nice colors
Cons
- Fit for larger sizes
What Is The Best Color For A Sun Hat?
Hats with lighter colors such as white or beige tend to reflect heat from the sun better than their darker counterparts. On the other hand, darker colors underneath absorb the UV rays rather than bouncing them back to the face or neck.
And dark-colored under brim tends to be better at keeping the head cooler. Take note that lighter colors easily get dirty and are much more noticeable than the darker ones.
Do Sun Hats Keep You Cool?
The purpose of a sun hat is to protect you(head, face, neck) from the harmful rays of the sun. Having features such as mesh vents and moisture-wicking headbands around the hat helps in keeping the head dry and feeling cool outdoors.
How Tight Should A Sun Hat Fit?
Your sun hats should feel comfortable when you wear them. It should be fit enough not to be blown by the wind easily and not too tight that it causes great discomfort for you.
Make sure you measure your head correctly, to do this, use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the back of your head about one-eighth of an inch above the top of your ears and allow the two ends to meet on the forehead just above the brows.
Can UV Rays Go Through Hats?
The hats’ ability to protect or shield you from the damaging rays of the sun can be measured from their UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. This rating tells you how much Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is absorbed by the hat.
Sun hats with UPF 50+ rating only allow 1/50th of harmful UV rays to pass through the hat and will reduce your skin’s exposure to Ultraviolet radiation by 20 times, blocking 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
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