Best Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin

When summer brings the heat, you need more than just a little shade for your face. This Mission Bucket Hat goes the extra mile with cooling technology. It’s water-activated, so you soak it, wring it out, wave it, then pop it on. This cools the hat by up to 30 degrees below average body temperature. It cools as it dries, keeping you cooler for up to two hours longer. And yes, sweating or rewetting reactivates the hat for further cooling.

It’s a unisex option that’s adjustable from 20.5 inches to 24.5 inches around, with a 3-inch brim you can snap up at the sides. It’s available in a wide array of colors and features a chin strap to help keep it in place. The lightweight fabric makes it easy to roll up and stow in a handbag or tote. It’s just the thing if you’re going to be out in the summer sun for a while.

This is my go-to hat. I bought it for a trip to Italy, but I now wear it daily. In fact, I just bought two more because they went on sale.

The outer fabric is luxe and sleek, while the inner lining is a soft, absorbent cotton. What I love most is the wire rim, so I get the portability of a light fabric hat with the stay-put shape of a straw hat. I can roll it up and tuck it in my purse, then pull it out and shape the brim however I want. The brim is 5 inches at the front and 6 inches at the back. It’s also available in a wide-brim version if you’re looking for something a bit more compact; the brim is 3.75 inches, so smaller but still substantial.

I use this hat when running errands because it’s easy to clip to my purse or hang from my shoulders with the removable chin strap when I’m not using it. I also appreciate the crown cinch and ponytail hole.

For a sporty day of hiking, kayaking, fishing, or lakeside fun, this Outdoor Research Oasis Sun Hat is just the thing. The brim is longer in the back than in the front (4.7 inches versus 3.5 inches), providing better protection for your neck and upper back without obscuring your vision too much.

It has all the features you’re looking for in an outdoor activity hat: It’s lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and water-resistant. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and has a crown cinch to further customize the fit. A detachable chin strap keeps it in place, and it floats if you happen to drop it in the water.

Elevate your beach style with this fashion-forward, UPF 50+ resort-wear sun hat. I had no idea a straw hat could be so soft! Eric Javits uses a proprietary “squishee” straw, a patented lab-made material made from recycled fibers, to create a soft, tightly woven hat that keeps the sun out. It has just a hint of stretch, so it fits like a glove and stays put in a breeze without feeling too tight.

I love how lightweight and flexible it is. The brim is 4.5 inches and keeps its shape well, but it’s flexible enough that you can flip the brim up at the front for better visibility. It can be packed by tucking clothing in and around it, or rolled up in your beach bag. It’s also available in a wide range of stylish muted tones.

For classic upscale style with a stiff brim that stays in shape no matter how you pack it, check out the Coolibar Stella Hat. The hat itself is deep, so it sits lower on my head, making it feel more secure. It fits heads between 21 ⅝ and 22.5 inches. The 4.5-inch brim is angled down, providing extended coverage. It comes with two pretty, interchangeable scarves to use as chin straps or hat decorations. In total, there are six ways to tie the scarves.

This hat is perfect for fancier outdoor occasions like weddings, garden parties, graduations, or brunch. It features breathable paperbraid material and an adjustable inner ribbon for a secure fit.