Whether you’re headed to the beach or going on a hike, proper sun protection is an absolute must. Wearing sun hats when you’re out in the sun is one way to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh UV rays and helps you keep cool on extremely hot days. In case you haven’t got one for yourself, we’ve got you covered because we’ve listed down the best sun hats for women that are both stylish and functional at the same time.
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What To Consider When Choosing Sun Hats For Women?
Picking out the perfect sun hat isn’t that hard, just make sure that you consider these things before making your purchase.
Material
The performance of your sun hats greatly depends on the materials used in making them. Materials for your sun hats should provide enough comfort, breathability, and functionality for optimal use outdoors.
The most common materials for sun hats are as follow:
Cotton- Hats made out of cotton are soft and comfortable to 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 capacity. It’s not as breathable as cotton so in case you choose a hat made of this fabric, see to it that it has added features like mesh vents.
Straw- Sun hats made of straw are very stylish and lightweight to wear. Great for more laid-back outdoor activities since it’s less durable compared to other materials.
Sun Protection and Coverage
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.
Intent
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 and Fit
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, 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 to keep an eye on the manufacturer’s size guide.
Style
There are so many styles and designs to choose from when it comes to women’s sun hats. Make sure that you choose a hat that you’ll be comfortable and confident in wearing.
Durability
Durability is always an important factor especially when choosing outdoor gear. The best sun hats for women 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 keep the head cooler and fadeless.
Features
Ensure 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.
Drawcord 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.
How To Wear Sun Hats For Women
Sun hats, aside from providing sun protection are also great additions to your wardrobe and can elevate your style in an instant. Here are some tips for choosing sun hats that are not only functional but also flattering.
- Choose a color scheme that you’re comfortable and confident in wearing. Choosing the right color of hat for your skin tone can also level up your overall style.
Light/Pale skin- hat with contrasting color to your skin like grey, brown, green and dark blue is better.
Olive skin tones- most colors are complimenting to people with olive skin tones. Shades that are slightly lighter or darker than the middle ground.
Darker skin tones – Almost any color. Make sure you add some contrast between your skin color and the hat.
- For tall people, wide-brimmed hats are more flattering. While for those with shorter heights, choose brims that stay within the width of your shoulders.
- Sun hats with flat/short crowns with medium-sized brims are better for people with longer faces. While for a shorter face, it is better to choose hats with small brims.
What Are The Best Sun Hats For Women?
The best sun hats for women not only protect your skin and eyes from the damaging rays of the sun but also elevates your wardrobe in an instant. Whether you’re in the market for a fashionable and functional sun hat, or you just want something simple and straightforward there is always something for everyone.
We’ve rounded up the best sun hats for women that are versatile and packable so you can bring them anywhere with you.
Best Sun Hats For Women
Founded in 1992, Sunday afternoons was started by two people who simply want to "live out their dreams” off the grid. Their first products were picnic blankets that were warmly received by people, eventually they expanded and added hats. 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 wirePros
- Excellent coverage and sun protection
Breathable
Moisture wicking material
Adjustable for custom fit
Water repellent
Stain resistant
Reasonable price
Lightweight
Foam core is buoyant
Cons
- Not the most stylish
Staying cool and protected has never been easier or more stylish thanks to the Outdoor Research Women’s Oasis Sun Sombrero. It has a UPF 50+ rating that is effective in shielding you against UV and UVB radiation from the sun. Aside from this, it also features an excellent coverage through its wide brim that is 3.25” on front and sides, tapering to 4.5” back.
The moisture wicking headband around the hat functions to keep you dry and cool while on the move. And thanks to the adjustable draw cord and removable chin cord you’ll never have to worry about losing your hat when the wind blows.
Brim: 3.25” on front and sides, tapering to 4.5” back
Weight: 3.4 oz.
Features
- UPF 50+ sun protection rating
- Dark fabric under brim
- Floating foam-stiffened brim
- One-handed draw cord adjustment
- Removable chin cord
- Moisture wicking headband
Pros
- Effective sun protection
- Wide coverage
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Moisture wicking and quick drying material
- Packable
- Travel friendly
- Nice color selection
- Great for camping
- Water resistant
- Washable
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Not very breathable
- The wide brim on the back can get in the way when carrying large backpacks
The Sunset hat for women is a western style sun hat that has a very unique appeal to it. Aside from its unique style and design it also has excellent sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, it effectively blocks 98% of the UV radiation from the sun that is harmful to the skin.
The 3-and-3/4-inch brim provides enough coverage and is shapeable, so if you're not feeling quite so much like horsin' around, change it up a bit for your trail adventure.
It is made from polyester making it lightweight and won’t slow you down. The Grosgrain sweatband is effective in wicking away moisture and effectively holds the hat in place.
Brim: 3.75 in
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Features
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Shapeable 3.75” brim
- Grosgrain sweatband
- Corded headband and chinstrap
- Slip knot adjustable sizing
Pros
- Great sun protection and coverage
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Breathable
- Shapeable
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Stylish
- Great wind resistance
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Large sizing
Tilley hats are acknowledged as the best-made and most practical hats of their type in the world, although they have been 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 of 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 flow back through the mesh so your head won't feel all sweaty outdoors.
Topping both style and function, The Tilley LTM5 Airflo sun is the perfect sun hat for both men and women.
Weight: 3 oz. / 85 g
Brim width Front: 2 5/8"; Back: 2 3/4"; Sides: 2 1/8"
Features
- Rated UPF 50+
- Moisture-wicking Hydrofil®
- 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
- Hand-sewn and all seams are lock-stitched so they won't unravel
- Great for sunny and windy days
- Machine washable, will not shrink; repels rain and mildew
- Hidden Velcro pocket in the crown for storage of I.D., hotel key or money
Cons
- Its quite pricey
Fashionable and functional are the perfect words to describe the Furtalk sun straw hat for women, I mean what more can you ask for. Any woman can rock this very chic sun straw hat while being protected against the harsh rays from the sun, thanks to its UPF 50+ sun protection rating.
It is perfect for the beach, picnics, or casual daily headwear. And for women out there who love to go out in style, this sun hat is very easy to pair with your wardrobes like your bikinis, shorts, and dresses. Stay fresh and cool with its wicking sweatband that prevents the sweat from dripping in your eyes.
Brim: 3.15''
Sizes: Medium (for head circumference 21.8-22.4 inch);
Large(for head circumference around 22.4-23 inch)
Features
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Wicking sweatband
- Foldable Brim
- Removable chin strap
- Velcro strap inside the wicking sweatband
- Elegant chic knot
Pros
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight
- Chic and Stylish
- Comfortable
- Very wearable and easy to pair with different clothing
- Reasonable price
- Packable
- Adjustable sizing
- Foldable
- Great quality
- Great fit
Cons
- Few color selection
This panama roll up sun hat by Lanzom is a head turner. Its super chic and protective at the same time with its wide brim feature. It has a UPF 50+ rating which makes it one of the best choice for sun protection. Made of 90% paper straw and 10 % polyester, it is breathable and very comfortable to wear.
Foldable and packable, whether you're using it for the beach, pool, park, camping or hiking it can easily carried inside your handbag and absolutely save lots of space.
Brim: 2.9"
Hat circumference: 22.5"
Features
- UPF50+ sun protection
- Foldable design
- Adjustable sweatband
- Unique crown
- Panama style Fedora
Pros
- Great sun protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Comfortable on the head
- Classy and elegant
- Foldable and Packable
- Affordable
- There are many colors to choose from
Cons
- Not ideal for people larger head size
What Are The Best Hats For Sun Protection?
Sun hats that offer UPF(Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50 and above are the best hats for sun protection. Hats with UPF 50+ rating block 98 % of the sun’s rays and allow two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, thus greatly reducing your exposure risk significantly. Aside from this, the brims on the hat should measure 3 inches or more to provide proper coverage for your face and neck.
Are Hats Better Than Sunscreen?
Although good quality sun hats provide sun protection, it doesn’t guarantee you 100% protection against the sun’s harmful rays. When UV rays bounce off your hats, they can hit other objects near you and tend to bounce back to other parts of your body. Applying sunscreen, aside from using hats and other sun-protective gear, is best to reduce your exposure to UV/UVB rays.
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