Best Sun Hats for Ladies (and Men!)
While sunscreen is a must-have in my daily routine, there’s another layer of protection that I often overlook: a sun hat. I typically only wear one when I’m at the pool or beach, but I know I need to start wearing one when I’m outside for extended periods of time! But, I’m not the only one! Joe, my husband, should be wearing one, too!! So, with that in mind, I decided to round up the best sun hats for ladies and men for all occasions. After all, while you’re shopping for yourself, may as well add one in for him!
Why Wear a Sun Hat?
UV rays cause a variety of skin problems, from sunburn to enhanced risks of developing premature skin aging and even cancer. Sun hats further add a plus of UV protection to the three most susceptible zones of the human body to sun damage: the face, neck, and ears—the sun-exposed face of the most. Of course, the best sun hat is one that you will actually wear, so make sure that it really speaks to your style and needs.
If you’re looking for even more protection, you can read my post on Fashionable Clothing with UPF to Wear Now.
Tips for Picking the Best Sun Hat
- Material Matters: Lightweight, breathable fabrics with a UPF 50+ rating are key. You want something that feels good and does good by your skin.
- Brim Business: The wider the brim, the better the protection. Look for hats that offer at least 3 inches of coverage.
- Fit and Comfort: Adjustable straps, internal sweatbands, and a snug fit are non-negotiable for comfort and practicality.
- Cool and Collected: Ventilation is crucial. Look for hats with mesh panels or perforations to keep the breeze flowing.
Best Sun Hats for Ladies
Shop any of the images below by clicking on them!
Wide-Brimmed Straw Hats: Elegant and timeless, wide-brimmed straw hats offer excellent sun protection and can go with any warm-weather outfit. Look for hats with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+ for maximum protection.
Bucket Hats: A trendy option, bucket hats are not only stylish but also practical. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and come in various materials and colors. While it’s probably something I’m more likely to see on my granddaughter, I thought it was worth including!
Visors: If you prefer not to have your head completely covered, visors are an excellent choice. They provide ample shade for your face while allowing your scalp to breathe. I like to pack a visor for when I’m going to be under an umbrella or lounging in a chair.
Best Sun Hats for Men
Fedoras: A good fedora can elevate any outfit while keeping the sun off his face. I know some men wouldn’t be caught dead in one, while others rock it without a problem. If this is his style, choose one made from breathable materials like straw for that classic look without the sweat.
Baseball Caps and Lifeguard Hats: Ideal for the guys who are always on the move, these hats help to protect your face and/or your neck without compromising on coolness.
Boonie Hats: Made for adventure, boonie hats offer wide-brimmed protection and usually come with vents or mesh to keep your head cool.
Best Way to Travel with Your Sun Hat
One of the worst parts about wearing a hat is trying to figure out how to carry it or where to keep it! Luckily, they now make two very cool items for that!
The Hat Clip: Designed with an extra-strong magnet to hold the hat, I’ve seen people attach their hat to their backpack or purse with no problem. The original clip by Lindsay Albanese is definitely an investment and works well. I haven’t tried the Amazon version yet, but at half the price, I definitely think it would be worth ordering!
The Hat Tote: I saw this last summer and thought it was genius!! They are now designing tote bags where you can slip your hat in so that you don’t have to carry it. This one is a bit of a splurge, but you may be able to find a cheaper one online.
Shop More Sun Hats for Ladies and Men
Whenever you SHARE my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it helps other ladies who might be style challenged find my blog. I appreciate every one of you, and I consider you a friend.
Are You One Of The GURLS?
You will get a daily email reminder from me alerting you when a new blog post has gone live. And, occasionally, a “special” email will hit your inbox, so watch for those!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
Ephesians 6:19 NIV
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
50 Is Not Old partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above. Affiliate Links help bloggers like me fund the free content we provide on our blogs. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some products might be gifted from brands.
I’m trying to get better about wearing hats for more sun protection, but I hate “hat hair”! Thanks for sharing such cute ones!
Joan, just remember, hat hair is better than age spots.
I bought a great one when were on vacation in Mexico!
I tend to wear a hat if I am going to be out very long. I have enough age spots without asking for more!
Hi Tania, thank you for your piece on sun protection. My dear husband Jorge and I have been teaching HS marching band in the hot Texas sun the past 33 years. He had melanoma on his head a few years back from excessive sun exposure. Thank God he has been cancer free since then, but he has to be covered up from head to toe during marching band season. ( I’m trying to get him to retire like me, but he loves it! )
Wearing a great sun hat is a must for us all. Thank you for bringing it to everyone’s attention.
Blessings to you,
Julie.
I do think it is important to wear a hat, but I have a hard time convincing Joe of that. They only time he’ll wear one is when he is playing golf.
Tanya – I like my man in a Panama.
I’m a hat girl so this post is right up my alley!!!
I rarely wear a hat but these styles are so cute I think I’ll have to change my mind!
I have the Verabella hat. I like that you can lean back in a lounge chair by the pool and the hat doesn’t get wopperjaw. no broom to worry about in the back. I love the purple swimsuit you had in in the first picture. can you share where you got it?
Here is the link to that suit: https://amzlink.to/az0EuA848Ow7E
I have a couple of hats…a wide brimmed one for gardening and a cuter one for wearing out. I’m not good about wearing them though. I’m trying to remember at least when I’m working the garden or flowerbeds. They really do help! Great hats and how cool is that clip?
I have a new found love for hats! I just put the one with the lanyard in my Amazon cart! Thank you!!! Happy Tuesday❤❤❤
love the Walaroo hat and scarf on Amazon! I was surprised at the cost. I shared on Pinterest and asked for sale alert!
You look great in hats! Some of us have “enhanced” hair color if I don’t wear a hat my color fades so fast! Thank you for the post!
I wish I brought a good hat yesterday for the eclipse in Ohio. I was getting too much sun!
So many cute options! I wear a wide brim visor when I play tennis and sometimes a soft hat, like the Columbia version. At the beach I always wear a big, straw hat.
The straw hat that I have had for 40 years is boring compared to the ones you showed. I need to get one with straps to wear in a convertible. Thanks for this timely post.
Karen, here is your sign that it is time to update that hat. lol!
Love the hats! I used to wear a hat only when on the beach, but now wear it to street festivals, walks/hiking. They are a fashion item that is also practical. Have a blessed week! Sorry you had clouds- our sky was pretty clear and we had the full experience of eclipse totality.
Getting one with that 50 plus UPF protection is so great.
Loving hats after experiencing skin cancer!
Me and hats have a love hate relationship. I love how they look on other people, I buy them, then hate them on me. I have a collection, but they never make it outside….lol!
Lol! I get it…I don’t look great in hats either. I’ve found that I look better in wide brim hats, so you need to figure out which silhouette suits you best.
The hat tote is genius!