Best Women’s Hats For Sun Protection

Best Women's Hats For Sun Protection

The family trip is here, and you need to know the best women’s hats for sun protection. Walking around theme parks, relaxing on the beaches, and checking all the tourist attractions will have you in the sun all day. You need to protect yourself so you can have the most fun.

The best women’s hats for sun protection is the Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney. It is both practical and stylish while it protects your face and shoulders from the harmful sun’s rays. Protection, color, comfort, and style are all important when finding the best women’s hats for sun protection.

Sunburns are not fun. Don’t worry if the locals are all walking around hat-free. They are not sight-seeing and waiting all day in the sun for that ride at Disney World. You make your kids wear hats for sun protection, so you need to wear them too. The best part about hats for women, is that sun hats are practical and stylish.

Getting away to a place of sunshine is all you have been thinking about. The kids dream about characters and rides and you just want to relax, have fun, and be warm. Enjoying the sun can be dangerous, if you are not protected.

The sun’s rays may feel good at first, but after a while that burn is dangerous. Sunscreen will protect your arms and we have the guide for the best women’s hats for sun protection. You can look cool while you stay cool.

What Are The Best Hats For Sun Protection

There are different types of sun hats on the market. The reason being that everyone has their own style and needs. The type of hat you choose will determine how much protection you get.

Below are the different styles you can consider when buying a sun hat for your vacation.

Brimmed Hats

These will have an extension or brim all around the hat. The brim can be turned up or down in both the front and back to create a style of your own. Brimmed hats used to be popular and are slowly coming back into fashion, as skin cancer scares increase.

Bucket Hats

Similar to a brimmed hat, but with a narrower brim. The brim can be turned up and down as well to get a different look. These are the most versatile hats to fit all occasions.

Visor Hats

Similar to a brimmed hat, but with an opening at the top. This allows for maximum breathability in hot situations. However, this can expose the top of your scalp to sun damage. Women like to wear this combined with a scarf to get full protection and a unique look.

Fedora Hats

This hat has a wide brim, but it is not as wide as those you see on brimmed hats. You get a more rigid fit with a fedora, but you also get a very distinct style. You get full coverage and it is unisex as well as crushable for easy packing.

Baseball Hats

An American classic is the baseball hat your face is protected. The neck is left exposed though. These are typical soft and comfortable and most come with adjustable straps so the hat can fit different sizes.

Are Hats Good For Sun Protection

A sun hat is a great way to protect your face from the harmful sun. Depending on the style of the sun hat, your shoulders and neck will also get some protection too. Sun hats do not replace the need for sunscreen however, So, you should still cover up with a good SPF sunscreen in addition to your hat.

The best sun hat will protect you, but each has its own variables which influence the level of protection you will get. Factors that are important when picking a sun hat include:

  • Brim: You will get more protection the wider the brim is. This does not mean you need a giant floppy brim like your grandmother used to wear. A brim of 3 inches is enough to get good coverage. You also want to look for a non-uniform shaped brim. Since the sun rays approach you from every angle, this uneven shape will provide better protection.
  • Materials: You will find sun hats made of a wide variety of materials. These will influence the level of protection you get. Thicker materials will allow less sunlight to get through but can be heavier on your head. Natural materials such as hemp and cotton offer some protection. The synthetic materials are the ones that are designed with UV protective features. This feature will be included in the product description for easy identification.

Regardless of the material and shape, a sun hat should only be part of your protection regimen when out in the sun. If you are at the beach or strolling through theme parks, you will be exposed to the sun at the heat of the day.

The sun is hottest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is a long amount of time to be exposed to those harmful UV rays. Always wear sunscreen in addition to a sun hat. It is the only way to stay safe and cool.

What Color Hat Is Best For Sun Protection

Color matters for hats that are worn outdoors. Color also signifies personal style. More traditional colors like white and beige suggest class and elegance whites brighter vibrant colors suggest fun. Darker options are worn by those that wish to remain inconspicuous. Color also matters in terms of sun protection too.

UV rays on a dark color are absorbed along with the heat. The heat is transferred to your head, which can cause headaches and discomfort. UV rays are reflected away when they meet a lighter surface.

Cream, white, and beige are the best for hats when you want sun protection. If these are boring, then get the best of both worlds by choosing a color hat with a light color brim.

Helpful Tips On Choosing Which Is The Best Women’s Hat For Sun Protection For You

You now have the best sun hats to choose from for your next vacation. There are a few additional things to consider when it comes to picking a sun hat other than style, protection, and color.

  • Cleaning: You want your hat to look good but if you are wearing it all the time, it can get dirty. Inner wicking keeps sweat off your face, but it can stain light colored hats. Consider getting a hat that is easy to machine wash, without losing its shape.
  • Packability: Some wide-brimmed hats are spectacular and elegant, but not practical when it comes to packing. Since you will be traveling you need a hat that fits into your luggage without losing shape. It also helps to have a hat you can crush down and put in your day bag, if it no longer is needed during the day.
  • Practicality: If your travels have you moving a great deal, such as being on rides, then it is worth getting a hat with a strap to help keep it in place, or safely tucked behind you. Adjustable headbands that are built into hats are also great for keeping them snug on your head.

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8 Best Women’s Hats For Sun Protection

You should never overlook the importance of a sun hat. When planning your next vacation, a sun hat is just as necessary as the swimsuit, flip-flops, and Mickey Mouse ears. A sun hat protects your face and shoulders from the sun’s harmful rays and keeps you cool. Too much sun damage reduces the elasticity of your skin, causing wrinkles and increases the risk of skin cancer.

An umbrella would achieve the same effect, but you can be hands-free with a sun hat.

The market is full of sun hats for women, different brands, different styles, and different colors. You plan to be out in the sun, so you need to dress to accommodate the weather. The guide below features the top 8 women’s sun hats that you can find on Amazon. Whatever your style is, there is a sun hat for you to take on all your adventures in the sun.

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney

The 100% textured nylon keeps your head cool and keeps the sun off your face. The material on the Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Booney (link to check out all the positive reviews on Amazon) is durable without weighing your head down. You get slightly floppy edges to help when the sun’s angles change. The adjustable chin strap makes sure the hat stays on your head as you walk around. It also means you can hang the hat behind your neck, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.

The customizable Omni-wick bans also lets you adjust the hat to fit your head and absorb any sweat. The top feature of this hat is the UPF 50 fabric which provides top sun protection blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

There are a number of color options too, so pick what suits your individual style.

Henschel Aussie Breezer Cotton Mesh Sun Hat

As one of the longest-running hat companies, Henschel has great sun hats that you can count on. The Aussie Breezer (link to Amazon) is one of their best for beach vacations and theme parks.

This hat is great anytime you are in the sun, keeping you cool with its lightweight mesh design. The poly-cotton fabric boasts a UPF 50 sun protection rating and the wide 3-inch brim have you covered. The chin cord keeps the hat in place or safely stored behind your neck.

In case any winds pop up, you can be assured your hat will not leave you. It is also crushable and packable so it can go anywhere with you.

Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat

With this Panama hat found on Amazon, you don’t have to worry about giving up style for function. This hat from Lanzom remains fashionable and elegant while remaining very practical. It will coordinate with any beach gear or outfits to stroll around tourist attractions.

The 100% natural woven paper fabric is light and has a UPF 30 protection rating. You can adjust the hat to fit your head and the brim is just under 3 inches, which is perfect for keeping you covered.

You can also fold the brim up or down to create a new look and it easily crushes into a compact size for easy packing without ruining the shape.

Outdoor Research Sombriolet Hat

When you want that safari look, the Outdoor Research Sombriolet is the hat for you. Outdoor Research on Amazon has the best in sun hats for every occasion. Hiking, strolling along the boardwalk, hanging out at the beach, and playing at theme parks.

The lightweight nylon and polyester blend keep you cool and protected from intense sun. The UPF 50 rating makes sure no rays get to your face. There are vents placed strategically to keep your head cool and the wicking absorbs all sweat.

There is piping in the brim to resist the winds and a chin strap to keep the hat in place. You can also adjust this hat to fit your head comfortably.

Cotton Bucket Sun Hat from The Hat Depot

When you are looking for a trendier style at a good price, the Cotton Bucket Sun Hat on Amazon is the best. This unisex hat is a good idea for the whole family and is perfect for summer vacations.

Made from 100% cotton, it is durable and breathable. It comes in two sizes that fit most people and a wide brim to protect your face, neck, and head. There are eyelets to increase ventilation and it folds up easily when you need to pack it away.

The Bucket hat comes in a variety of colors, so it is a great choice for men, women, and teenagers.

Sloggers Wide Brim Braided Beach Hat

A reliable and affordable sun hat (link to Amazon) perfect for the beach and other tourist attractions. The stylish design can blend with any outfit and there are a few variations in color to suit your specific style.

Made from 65% natural paper and 35% polyester, you get a tight blend to keep the rays away and a lightweight breathability to keep your head cool. Along with this comfort you get the best in UV protection as this hat has a UPF 50 rating.

Keep the hat in place with the chin strap and stay clear of sweat thanks to the inner wicking material.

Funky Junque Beach Hat

When you want to make a statement at the beach, the Funky Junque Beach Hat (link to Amazon) is for you. The style is customizable to best suit you. Embroidered to make your statement, this hat will be one of a kind. Wear it to the beach or any other outdoor event.

The thick material provides protection without reducing comfort. Made from 100% natural paper, the design is lightweight, yet durable. One size fits most heads and the wide 4-inch brim provides all the coverage you need.

There is an adjustable drawstring, should you need to create a more secure fit for your head.

Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Fedora

The Victoria Fedora on Amazon is one of Wallaroo’s most stylish sun hats to date. You get the popular vote and UPF 50 sun protection. The poly-straw blend with cotton is lightweight so you are comfortable, and your head can breathe.

The 3-inch brim has got you covered, and you can choose from an assortment of colors to compliment your mood or outfit. This hat is perfect for vacations where you will be in the sun for a long time.

You get the best UVA and UVB protection so you can focus on enjoying all those outdoor activities you planned.

Final Thoughts

Hats with sun protection are becoming more popular as concern for skin and beauty grows these days. These sun hats are stylish and protective, creating the ideal solution for your travels and outdoor fun. You get the shade you need while your hands stay free to take part in all activities.

Protection, color, comfort, and style are all important when finding the best women’s hats for sun protection. You now have the guide to the best sun hats for women so, get yourself protected and get out there for some fun.

Drew Thomas

Drew Thomas is the founder of Visit Orlando With Kids and loves going to theme parks with his family. Every year he has annual passes to all Florida's theme parks and loves to share tips and tricks that he has learned over the 35 years living in Orlando.

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