How to Choose a Sun Hat
A good sun hat is one of the simplest ways to make spending time outdoors more comfortable while reducing exposure to direct sunlight. Whether you're walking in the countryside, hiking in the hills, camping or enjoying a beach holiday, the right hat can provide useful shade for your face, ears and neck.
However, not all sun hats offer the same level of coverage or protection. Brim width, fabric construction, ventilation and fit can all make a difference, particularly when you're outdoors for several hours.
In this guide, we'll explain the different types of sun hats, what UPF ratings mean, how to choose a comfortable fit and which features are worth considering for different outdoor activities.
Why Wear a Sun Hat?
A sun hat provides a physical barrier against direct sunlight and can help shade areas that are otherwise easily exposed.
Depending on its design, a suitable hat can help protect:
- Your scalp and the top of your head.
- Your forehead and face.
- Your ears.
- The back of your neck.
- Parts of your shoulders.
A hat can also make bright conditions more comfortable by shading your eyes.
However, a sun hat doesn't provide complete UV protection. Reflected and scattered ultraviolet radiation can still reach exposed skin, so sunscreen, sunglasses and shade remain important.
Different Types of Sun Hats
Sun hats are available in several styles, each offering a different balance of coverage, comfort and practicality.
Wide-Brimmed Sun Hats
Wide-brimmed hats have a brim extending around the entire head.
They are often a practical choice for prolonged outdoor activities because they can provide shade for the face, ears and neck.
Advantages:
- Good all-round coverage.
- Useful for walking, gardening and beach holidays.
- Can shade areas that a baseball cap leaves exposed.
- Available in lightweight and packable designs.
Considerations:
- Large brims may catch the wind.
- Some designs can obstruct peripheral vision.
- Stiff brims may be awkward to pack.
For general sun protection, a wide-brimmed design is often a good starting point.
Bucket Hats
Bucket hats typically have a downward-sloping brim around the head.
They are popular for travel and casual outdoor activities because many designs are soft, lightweight and easy to pack.
Advantages:
- Often compact and packable.
- Comfortable for everyday use.
- Provide some coverage around the head.
Considerations:
- Brims are often narrower than those on dedicated wide-brimmed hats.
- Coverage of the ears and neck varies.
- Soft brims may lose shape in windy conditions.
Choose a bucket hat with sufficient brim coverage for your intended activities rather than relying on the style name alone.
Legionnaire Hats
Legionnaire-style hats generally combine a front peak with a fabric flap covering the back of the neck.
They can be particularly useful where prolonged exposure to strong sunshine is expected.
Advantages:
- Additional coverage for the back of the neck.
- Often lightweight.
- Useful for walking, travel and outdoor work.
Considerations:
- The front peak may provide less side coverage than a wide brim.
- Neck flaps can feel warm in still conditions.
- Coverage of the ears depends on the design.
Baseball Caps
Baseball caps provide shade for the forehead and part of the face.
They can be comfortable and secure during active pursuits, but they generally leave the ears and back of the neck exposed.
If wearing a cap in strong sunshine, pay particular attention to protecting these uncovered areas with suitable sunscreen or additional clothing.
Packable Travel Sun Hats
Some sun hats are designed specifically to fold, roll or compress into a small space.
These can be convenient for holidays, backpacking and day trips.
Check whether the brim retains its shape after packing and whether the manufacturer's instructions permit repeated folding.
Sun Hat Styles Compared
| Hat Style | Main Advantage | Potential Drawback | Often Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide-brimmed | Coverage around the head | Can catch the wind | Hiking, beaches, general outdoor use |
| Bucket | Comfortable and often packable | Brim coverage varies | Travel and everyday use |
| Legionnaire | Additional neck coverage | Less shade at the sides in some designs | Walking and prolonged sun exposure |
| Baseball cap | Secure fit and front shade | Ears and neck remain exposed | Casual wear and active pursuits |
Individual hats vary considerably, so assess their actual construction rather than assuming every hat of a particular style provides the same protection.
What Is UPF Protection in a Sun Hat?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much ultraviolet radiation passes through a fabric under specified test conditions.
For example:
- UPF 15: Allows approximately 1/15 of UV radiation to pass through.
- UPF 30: Allows approximately 1/30 to pass through.
- UPF 50: Allows approximately 1/50 to pass through.
- UPF 50+: Indicates a high level of tested UV protection.
A UPF 50 fabric blocks approximately 98% of ultraviolet radiation under the relevant test conditions.
However, the rating applies to the tested fabric, not automatically to every area of skin beneath or around the hat.
Brim size, fit and the amount of skin covered remain important.
Does Every Sun Hat Have a UPF Rating?
No. Some hats have a tested UPF rating, while others do not display one.
A hat without a stated UPF rating may still provide useful shade, but its precise UV-blocking performance cannot be assumed.
If UV protection is a priority, look for clearly stated and appropriately tested protection claims.
How Wide Should a Sun Hat Brim Be?
Brim width affects how much shade a hat provides.
A wider brim generally offers greater potential coverage for the face, ears and neck than a narrow peak.
However, the actual shade depends on the brim's shape, the position of the sun and how the hat sits on your head.
When choosing a brim, consider:
- Whether it shades your ears.
- How much coverage it provides at the back of your neck.
- Whether it interferes with your vision.
- How stable it remains in windy conditions.
- Whether it fits comfortably with other equipment.
For extended periods in strong sunshine, a broad, continuous brim is generally preferable to a short front peak.
Which Sun Hat Material Is Best?
Sun hats are made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials.
Each has different characteristics relating to comfort, durability, weight and ventilation.
Cotton
Cotton can feel soft and comfortable against the skin.
However, it can absorb moisture and may take longer to dry than some synthetic fabrics.
UV protection depends on the fabric's construction and any tested rating.
Polyester
Polyester is commonly used in lightweight outdoor hats.
Depending on its construction, it can offer good durability, relatively quick drying and low packed weight.
Some polyester hats also incorporate mesh ventilation panels or tested UPF protection.
Nylon
Nylon is often used in lightweight, packable outdoor headwear.
It can be durable and quick drying, although comfort and breathability depend on the fabric construction.
Straw and Woven Materials
Straw hats can provide a traditional appearance and may offer useful ventilation.
However, loosely woven designs may allow sunlight through gaps in the material.
Do not assume that a thick-looking straw hat automatically provides high UV protection.
Does Hat Colour Affect Sun Protection?
Colour can influence how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric absorbs or transmits.
Darker colours may provide greater UV protection than lighter colours in otherwise comparable fabrics.
However, fabric weave, thickness, stretch, moisture and any tested UPF rating are also important.
A light-coloured hat with a verified high UPF rating may offer more reliable protection than a dark hat with an open weave.
Choose based on the overall design and protection specification rather than colour alone.
How Important Is Ventilation?
Ventilation can make a significant difference to comfort when wearing a hat for several hours in warm weather.
Useful features may include:
- Ventilation openings.
- Breathable fabric panels.
- Moisture-managing inner bands.
- Lightweight construction.
- Adjustable fit.
However, mesh panels and open ventilation areas may allow additional UV radiation through.
When choosing a hat for strong sunshine, consider the balance between ventilation and sun protection.
How Should a Sun Hat Fit?
A sun hat should fit securely without feeling uncomfortably tight.
To check the fit:
- Measure your head circumference according to the manufacturer's sizing instructions.
- Ensure the hat sits comfortably without excessive pressure.
- Check that it doesn't slide over your eyes.
- Move your head to see whether it stays in place.
- Consider whether it remains comfortable when worn for long periods.
Some hats include adjustable internal bands, drawcords or other sizing features.
A secure fit is particularly important for exposed walking routes and windy conditions.
Do You Need a Chin Strap?
A chin strap can help prevent a hat from blowing away in windy weather.
This can be useful when walking along the coast, hiking on exposed hills or travelling by boat.
Choose a strap that can be adjusted comfortably and follow any manufacturer safety guidance, particularly when using headwear around moving equipment or during activities where straps could become caught.
For children, avoid potentially hazardous cords or straps and choose age-appropriate headwear.
What Is the Best Sun Hat for Hiking?
For hiking, a suitable sun hat should balance coverage, comfort, ventilation and stability.
Look for:
- A brim that provides useful shade.
- Lightweight construction.
- Breathable materials.
- A secure, comfortable fit.
- Suitable UV protection.
- Easy packing when not in use.
For exposed routes, consider how the hat performs in windy conditions.
If carrying a large rucksack, check that the brim doesn't interfere with the pack or your ability to look around safely.
What Is the Best Sun Hat for Walking Holidays?
For sightseeing and walking holidays, comfort and portability may be particularly important.
A packable wide-brimmed hat or bucket hat can be convenient when moving between outdoor attractions, transport and accommodation.
Choose a style that provides sufficient coverage for the expected conditions and is comfortable enough to wear regularly.
What Is the Best Sun Hat for Beach Holidays?
For beach holidays, a wide-brimmed hat can provide useful shade for the face, ears and neck.
Look for a design that remains comfortable in warm conditions and can be secured when it's windy.
Remember that sand and water can reflect UV radiation, so a hat should be used alongside sunscreen, sunglasses and suitable shade.
What Is the Best Sun Hat for Camping?
Camping often involves spending extended periods outdoors, sometimes with limited access to natural shade.
A comfortable, breathable hat with useful coverage can be valuable when pitching tents, cooking outdoors or exploring the surrounding area.
Packability may be less important when travelling by car, but can matter considerably when backpacking.
Are Sun Hats Suitable for Children?
Yes. A suitable sun hat is an important part of protecting children from strong sunshine.
Look for:
- Coverage for the face, ears and neck.
- Comfortable, age-appropriate sizing.
- Breathable materials.
- A secure fit without hazardous cords.
- Clearly stated UV protection where available.
Children should also use appropriate sunscreen, protective clothing and shade.
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.
Can You Wear a Sun Hat with Sunglasses?
Yes. A sun hat and sunglasses complement each other.
A hat can reduce direct sunlight reaching parts of the face, while sunglasses with suitable UV protection help protect the eyes.
Check that the hat brim doesn't push the sunglasses out of position or interfere with their fit.
For more advice, read our guide to choosing outdoor sunglasses.
How to Pack a Sun Hat
How you pack a hat depends on its construction.
Soft fabric hats may be designed to fold or roll into a compact shape.
Stiffer hats may require more careful packing to avoid permanently bending the brim.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, particularly for structured or woven designs.
If a hat becomes wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before long-term storage.
How to Clean a Sun Hat
Sun hats can accumulate sweat, sunscreen and dirt during regular use.
Cleaning requirements vary by material and construction.
Some fabric hats may be machine washable, while others require hand washing or surface cleaning.
Follow the care label and avoid using excessive heat unless specifically permitted.
Check that the hat retains its shape and remains comfortable after cleaning.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Sun Hat
Choosing a Brim That's Too Narrow
A narrow brim may leave the ears, neck and parts of the face exposed.
Assuming Every Fabric Blocks UV Equally
Fabric construction and tested UPF ratings matter more than appearance alone.
Ignoring Ventilation
A poorly ventilated hat may become uncomfortable during prolonged activity in warm weather.
Choosing the Wrong Size
A loose hat can blow away, while an overly tight hat may cause discomfort.
Forgetting About Wind
Large brims can catch the wind, particularly on exposed hills and beaches.
Relying on a Hat Alone
A sun hat doesn't eliminate UV exposure. Sunscreen, sunglasses, clothing and shade remain important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Hat Gives the Best Sun Protection?
A wide-brimmed hat with suitable UV-protective fabric generally provides more extensive coverage than a baseball cap, although the actual protection depends on its construction and fit.
What Does UPF 50 Mean on a Sun Hat?
UPF 50 means the tested fabric allows approximately 1/50 of ultraviolet radiation to pass through, blocking around 98% under the relevant test conditions.
Are Bucket Hats Good for Sun Protection?
They can be, particularly when they have a sufficiently wide brim and suitable fabric. However, coverage varies between designs.
Is a Baseball Cap Enough for Sun Protection?
A baseball cap shades part of the face but generally leaves the ears and neck exposed. Additional protection is often needed.
Are Dark Sun Hats Better Than Light Ones?
Not necessarily. Colour affects UV transmission, but fabric construction, thickness and UPF rating also matter.
What Is the Best Sun Hat for Hiking?
Choose a lightweight, comfortable hat with good coverage, suitable ventilation and a secure fit for the expected conditions.
Do Sun Hats Need a Chin Strap?
Not always, but an appropriate chin strap or other retention feature can be useful in windy conditions.
Can You Wash a Sun Hat?
Many fabric hats can be cleaned, but the correct method depends on the materials and construction. Always follow the care label.
Final Advice: Choosing the Right Sun Hat
The best sun hat is one that provides useful coverage, fits comfortably and suits the conditions in which you'll wear it.
For prolonged exposure to strong sunshine, consider a wide-brimmed design or a hat with additional neck protection. For travel and everyday use, a lightweight, packable design may be more convenient.
Look beyond appearance and consider brim width, fabric construction, any UPF rating, ventilation and stability in windy weather.
Most importantly, remember that a sun hat is one part of a broader approach to sun safety.
Explore our Sun Protection department for sun hats, sunglasses, sun cream and beach shelters.