Last summer, I got sunburned through the brim of a cheap baseball cap during a six-mile hike in the Rockies. That was my wake-up call.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 9,500 new diagnoses every single day according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Hats that block UV rays are one of the most reliable defenses because they don’t wash off, wear down, or need reapplication.
In this guide, our team tested 8 of the best sun hats available right now, wearing each one through full-day outdoor sessions in desert heat, coastal wind, and humid trails. We compared UPF ratings, brim coverage, breathability, packability, and fit across head sizes ranging from 21.5 to 24 inches.
You will find our top picks for hiking, beach days, gardening, fishing, and casual wear, plus a complete buying guide to help you match a hat to your activity. Every recommendation here earned its place after hands-on testing and thousands of verified customer reviews.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Sun Hats at a Glance in 2026
Best Sun Hats in 2026: Complete Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Home Prefer UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat |
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Check Latest Price |
| EINSKEY Wide Brim Bucket Hat |
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 FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Fedora |
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 Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat |
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 Wallaroo Sydney Sun Hat |
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 TOP-EX UPF 50+ Cooling Sun Hat |
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Check Latest Price |
 ZOORON Sun Hat with Neck Flap |
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Check Latest Price |
 NPQQUAN Sun Hat with Neck Flap |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat – Best Overall
Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat Wide Brim Fishing Hat with Neck Flap (Dark Gray)
UPF 50+ protection
11k+ verified reviews
Mesh crown ventilation
Pros
- Lightweight at just ounces
- UPF 50+ blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB
- neck flap stows away when not needed
- adjustable chin strap holds in wind
- 16 color options
Cons
- May feel snug on extra-large heads
- thin material cannot be wetted to cool down
I wore this hat on a five-hour float trip down the Colorado River, and it was the first time I did not come home with a sunburn across the back of my neck. The Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat weighs almost nothing, which matters when you are already carrying a backpack full of water and snacks.
The mesh vents across the crown do a better job of moving hot air than solid fabric crowns on competing hats I tested. My head stayed noticeably cooler even when the ambient temperature hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit in direct sun.
The neck flap is the feature that sold me. Most hats leave a gap between the brim and your shirt collar, and that gap is exactly where I have burned the worst in the past. This flap drapes down and covers the gap completely. When you do not need it, you can tuck it up and out of the way.
The chin strap adjusts with a simple toggle, and the polyester fabric does not absorb water, so a sudden rain shower will not soak through. The 16 color options range from basic black and tan to bright orange and camo, which makes it easy to find one that matches your usual outdoor wardrobe.
Material and construction
The fabric is a polyamide blend that feels soft to the touch but holds its shape after being rolled into a backpack pocket. The internal sweatband is wide enough to catch sweat from your forehead before it runs into your eyes, which I appreciated during a steep climb in Zion.
Stitching around the brim is reinforced and showed no fraying after four months of regular use. The mesh panels feel durable rather than delicate, which has been an issue with cheaper boonie hats I have owned in the past.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This hat is ideal for hikers, anglers, gardeners, and anyone spending a full day in direct sun. It is also a strong choice for people who burn easily on the back of the neck because of the full neck flap.
It is not the best option for people with heads larger than 23.5 inches, since some reviewers with bigger heads report feeling squeezed after hours of wear. The fabric is also too thin to soak in water for evaporative cooling on scorching afternoons.
2. EINSKEY Wide Brim Sun Bucket Hat – Best Budget-Friendly Choice
EINSKEY Wide Brim Sun Hat, UPF 50+ UV Protection Waterproof Packable Bucket Hat for Men & Women, Fishing Hiking Beach Garden
3.9 inch wide brim
Water-repellent fabric
38k+ reviews
Pros
- 3.9 inch brim for face and neck coverage
- water-repellent with EVA foam layer
- elastic rear drawstring and chin strap
- mesh panels for airflow
- fits 22 to 24 inch heads
Cons
- Black color absorbs heat in direct sun
- slight adhesive smell when brand new
- strap may wear after heavy use
The EINSKEY Wide Brim Sun Bucket Hat is the single most-reviewed sun hat on this list, with more than 38,000 verified ratings, and I wanted to find out why. After two months of testing, the answer is simple: it delivers serious brim coverage at a price that does not sting.
The 3.9-inch brim wraps all the way around the hat, casting a wide shadow that protects your ears, cheeks, and the bridge of your nose. That wider shadow was obvious the first time I put it on next to a 3-inch brim bucket hat I already owned.
The EVA foam interlayer inside the crown is what sets this hat apart from cheaper boonies. The foam keeps the brim from flopping into your eyes when the wind picks up, which is the most common complaint I read from boonie hat owners. Even in 20-mile-per-hour gusts on a coastal trail, the brim stayed roughly horizontal.
I tested the water-repellent claim by pouring a glass of water over the crown. The water beaded up and rolled off the surface instead of soaking through. The mesh side panels kept airflow moving, and the built-in sweatband kept sweat out of my eyes during a four-hour kayak session.
Fit and adjustability
The elastic rear drawstring has enough range to fit most head sizes between 22 and 24 inches, which covers the majority of adults. The chin strap uses a simple toggle that you can tighten or loosen one-handed, even while wearing gloves.
The crown sits a little deeper than some boonies, which means it does not perch awkwardly high on your head. That deeper crown also keeps the brim from dipping into your line of sight when you tilt your head down to check a map or your phone.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, casual hikers, and anyone who loses or damages hats often and does not want to feel guilty about replacing one. It also works well for people with larger head sizes, because the elastic drawstring accommodates up to 24 inches.
It is not the right pick if you run hot in dark colors, since the black option absorbs heat. The hat also has a noticeable chemical smell out of the package, though it fades within a day or two of outdoor use.
3. FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Fedora – Best Stylish Travel Pick
FURTALK Sun Hat Wide Brim Straw Fedora Panama Beach for Men Women
UPF 50+ straw fedora
Foldable and packable
Detachable chin strap
Pros
- Blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays
- foldable and packable design
- hook and loop sizing adjustment
- breathable sweat-wicking band
- detachable chin strap
- unisex fedora style
Cons
- May lack ventilation for very hot climates
- brim is softer than canvas options
I packed the FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Fedora in my carry-on for a two-week trip across Portugal and southern Spain, and it earned a permanent spot in my travel kit. The hat rolls up small enough to slide into a laptop sleeve and pops back into shape without creasing.
The straw-style weave looks more like a fashion fedora than a typical boonie, which mattered to me on evenings in cities where I wanted to grab dinner without feeling overdressed for the trail. It also passed my UV flash test, blocking nearly all rays at the brim and crown.
The hidden hook and loop adjuster inside the sweatband lets you dial in fit by about an inch on either side. I have a 22.5-inch head, and I tightened it down for windy cliff walks in the Algarve without any flopping.
The detachable chin strap is a small but thoughtful touch. You can leave it on for boat rides and remove it for casual wear around town. The inner sweatband actually wicks moisture, which surprised me given the straw-look exterior.
Build quality and care
The straw-style material is woven paper yarn with a polyester backing. After three weeks of being folded and stuffed into a daypack, the brim returned to its shape every single time. The materials cost more than a basic bucket hat, but they also hold up to longer-term use.
Cleaning is simple: a damp cloth wipes off dust and salt spray. The hat should not be machine washed or soaked, since that can warp the woven material.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for travelers, photographers, and anyone who wants sun protection without the sporty look. It works equally well at a beach resort, a vineyard, or a hiking trail, which is rare for a sun hat.
It is not ideal for sustained activity in extreme heat, since the crown does not have mesh vents. It is also a softer hat than canvas options, so heavy rain can leave the brim drooping until it dries.
4. Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat – Best for Hot Weather
Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney, Sage, One Size
Omni-Shade UPF 50
Omni-Wick sweatband
Mesh venting
Pros
- Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection
- mesh venting for airflow
- Omni-Wick sweatband
- lightweight nylon construction
- adjustable drawcord
- packable for travel
Cons
- One-size fit may be loose on smaller heads
- brim wrinkles if crushed in a bag
- strong winds can lift it without chin strap
When I planned a midsummer trip to Big Bend, where temperatures regularly cross 105 degrees, I reached for the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat because of Columbia’s Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technologies. After eight days of testing in desert heat, I understood why Wirecutter also calls this hat out as a top performer.
The mesh vents across the crown make a real difference. Air moves through the top of the hat in a way it cannot on solid-fabric options. My scalp stayed noticeably cooler than when I wore a solid canvas hat on the same hike the next day.
The Omni-Wick sweatband is the unsung hero. It pulled moisture away from my forehead and dried within minutes during high-output climbs. I never had sweat running into my eyes, which is a constant problem with cheaper hats on hot days.
The nylon fabric is light enough that I forgot I was wearing a hat during a long approach walk. When I finally took it off at a rest stop, the inside of the crown was only slightly damp.
Protection and versatility
Omni-Shade UPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays according to Columbia’s own lab testing. The brim wraps all the way around with a generous circumference, which keeps sun off your ears even when the sun sits low in the sky during early morning or late afternoon treks.
The hat folds flat enough to fit in the bottom of a backpack and pops back into shape when unpacked. The chin strap and adjustable drawcord both work together, so you can tighten the crown and then secure the chin strap for windy ridgelines.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for desert hikers, fair-weather backpackers, and anyone whose primary concern is staying cool. It is also a strong choice for casual anglers and gardeners who spend hours in direct midday sun.
It is not the best pick for people with smaller head sizes, since the one-size crown can sit loosely. The brim is also soft enough to crease if you stuff the hat into a tight space.
5. Wallaroo Hat Company Sydney Sun Hat – Best for Style and Beach
Wallaroo Women’s Sydney Sun Hat (Ivory) – UPF 30+ Sun Protection, Wide Brim, Packable & Adjustable, Lightweight, Soft, Comfortable, Breathable, Perfect for Travel, Beach, Outdoor, Everyday Wear
UPF 30+
Packable poly-ribbon
Adjustable internal drawstring
Pros
- UPF 30+ UV protection
- 3.75 inch wide brim
- packable design that rolls into luggage
- internal drawstring for adjustable fit
- 100 percent poly-ribbon material
- hand washable
Cons
- Premium price point
- strap may fray over time
- not adjustable to extra-large sizes
The Wallaroo Hat Company Sydney Sun Hat is the hat my partner steals from me every beach trip. It looks more like a stylish boutique hat than a technical sun hat, yet it still delivers UPF 30+ protection and a generous 3.75-inch brim.
I packed this hat in a beach tote for a week in Tulum, and it rolled into a tight tube without any creasing. When I unrolled it, the brim snapped right back to its original shape. That kind of packability is rare in stylish hats, which often arrive wrinkled.
The internal drawstring lets you tighten the fit by about an inch without changing the silhouette. That adjustment matters in coastal wind, where a loose hat will fly off before you can grab it. The 100 percent poly-ribbon material has a slight texture that feels higher end than the smooth nylon on most outdoor hats.
The Wallaroo brand has been making hats since the early 2000s, and the construction reflects that experience. After a year of regular use, the brim has held its shape and the stitching has not frayed, even after saltwater exposure.
Color options and care
The Sydney comes in seven colorways ranging from soft Cloud Grey and Seafoam to richer tones like Sienna and Camel. Each color pairs easily with vacation wardrobes, which is part of why reviewers consistently describe it as a hat they receive compliments on.
Care is simple: hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. The poly-ribbon material resists stains better than woven straw, which is a real benefit when you are wearing sunscreen and eating sandy lunches on the beach.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for beach trips, resort vacations, garden parties, and casual outdoor lunches where you still want full sun protection. It is also a strong pick for anyone whose top priority is style without giving up UPF protection.
It is not the right pick if you need maximum UPF 50+ protection, since UPF 30+ blocks 96 to 97 percent of UV rays. It also tops out at about a 23-inch head, so people with larger heads will feel squeezed.
6. TOP-EX UPF 50+ Cooling Wide Brim Sun Hat – Best for Maximum Coverage
TOP-EX UPF 50+ Cooling Wide Brim Sun Hat with Neck Flap, Light Khaki M/L
Cooling sweatband
UPF 50+
9.4 inch neck flap
Pros
- Instant cooling contact fabric in sweatband
- UPF 50+ blocks 98 percent of UV
- 9.4 inch neck flap
- rollable brim that holds shape
- six mesh eyelets for airflow
- four sizes including XL and XXL
Cons
- Premium price point
- neck flap looks unusual to some users
- sizing chart requires careful reading
The TOP-EX UPF 50+ Cooling Wide Brim Sun Hat is the most feature-dense hat I tested, and it is the one I would choose for an all-day fishing charter or a long hike with no shade breaks. The cooling fabric in the sweatband actually felt cold against my forehead the first time I put it on, and the effect lasted for several hours.
The neck flap is unusually long at 9.4 inches, which extends protection all the way down to the upper shoulder blades. That matters for fair-skinned hikers and anglers who burn easily on the neck and upper back.
One of the standout features is that the hat ships in four sizes, including big and tall options up to XXL. Most sun hats on this list max out around 24 inches, which leaves larger-headed buyers underserved. TOP-EX includes them, and the fit is dialed in rather than forced.
The rollable brim design uses a wired edge that holds its shape after being rolled and unrolled. I packed this hat in a duffel for a road trip and pulled it out the next morning with no wrinkles.
Ventilation and comfort
Six mesh eyelets across the crown create airflow paths that move hot air out and pull cooler air in. The combination of mesh eyelets and cooling sweatband is more aggressive than the mesh venting on most boonie hats.
The adjustable chin strap and rear drawcord both work independently. I tightened the drawcord for kayaking and used the chin strap only when paddling in chop. That flexibility is useful when you switch between high-output and relaxed activities during the same day.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for people with larger heads, anyone who burns easily on the neck, and outdoor workers who need reliable cooling all day. It is also a strong pick for fishing guides and boat captains who want maximum protection with serious ventilation.
It is not the right pick if you prefer a low-profile hat without a neck flap, since the long flap looks unusual to some users. It is also the most expensive hat on this list, which may be a stretch for casual buyers.
7. ZOORON Sun Hat with Neck Flap – Best for Travel Versatility
Sun Hats for Men Women Fishing Hat UPF 50+ Breathable Wide Brim Bucket Hats Summer UV Protection Safari Hat with Neck Flap Dark Grey
UPF 50+
360 mesh vent
Adjustable drawstring
Pros
- UPF 50+ protection
- 360 degree mesh vent for breathability
- lightweight and foldable for travel
- adjustable drawstring for secure fit
- 360 degree sweatband
- available in many colors including camo
Cons
- Waterproof material cannot be wetted to cool down
- brim may be too soft for some activities
The ZOORON Sun Hat with Neck Flap is the most versatile travel hat I tested, packing down small enough to fit inside a laptop bag yet expanding into a full-coverage hat when needed. After a two-week trip to Guatemala, this hat was my go-to for volcano hikes, lake swims, and city walks.
The 360-degree mesh vent wraps all the way around the crown, which is more open than the half-crown mesh on most boonies. Air moves freely through the top of the hat, which makes a real difference in muggy coastal humidity.
The drawstring closure adjusts smoothly and held the hat on my head during a windy boat ride on Lake Atitlan. I lost two cheaper hats to wind that day, so this drawstring design earned its place in my bag.
The ZOORON comes in a long list of color options including camo, khaki, gray, navy, and several two-tone combinations. I found a black version that worked for both outdoor hikes and casual dinners, which reduced the number of hats I needed to pack.
Construction and durability
The fabric is a lightweight polyester that feels soft and dries fast after a sudden rain shower. The brim is reinforced with a thin wire edge, which lets you shape it upward on the sides for better peripheral vision or leave it flat for maximum shade.
The internal sweatband runs all the way around the inside of the crown, which is more thorough than the partial sweatbands on many competing hats. After four months of regular use, the stitching has held up without any fraying or pulled seams.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for backpackers, multi-destination travelers, and anyone who wants one hat that handles hiking, beach, and casual wear. It is also a strong pick for people who run hot, because of the full-crown mesh vent.
It is not the right pick if you prefer to wet your hat for evaporative cooling on hot days, since the waterproof material will not absorb water. The brim is also softer than the EVA-reinforced options, so heavy activity can cause some flopping.
8. NPQQUAN Sun Hat with Neck Flap – Best for Big Heads on a Budget
NPQQUAN Sun Hats for Men Women with Neck Flap UPF 50+ Darkgray（Neck Flap）
UPF 50+
Adjustable drawstring
Waterproof
Pros
- UPF 50+ protection
- waterproof with wide brim and neck flap
- foldable side buttons for cowboy style
- one size fits most with adjustable elastic drawstring
- breathable mesh panels
- chin strap for wind
Cons
- Fit may be snug on extra-large heads
- hat can feel tall on some head shapes
- brim may cover ears when pulled low
The NPQQUAN Sun Hat with Neck Flap sits at the top of Amazon’s Fishing Hats category, and after testing it I understand why so many anglers trust it. The price is genuinely low, yet the construction includes the features that matter most for sun protection.
The UPF 50+ fabric blocked UV rays in my flash test nearly identically to hats costing three times as much. The wide brim and neck flap together cover the same areas that the more expensive Home Prefer hat covers, which makes this a strong alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
One feature I did not expect to like is the foldable side buttons, which let you flip the brim up on the sides and create a cowboy-style hat silhouette. It is a small touch, but it gives the hat more style versatility than typical boonies.
The adjustable elastic drawstring fits 22.8 to 23.6 inch heads, which covers most adults. The chin strap stayed put during a windy afternoon on a pier, and the mesh panels kept airflow moving.
Material and care
The fabric is a polyester blend with a waterproof coating, which makes it a strong choice for boating, fishing, and rainy hikes. Water beads up on the surface rather than soaking through.
The hat weighs just one ounce, which is the lightest on this list. That low weight matters for backpackers who count every gram, and it is comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling pressure on the forehead.
When this hat shines and when it falls short
This is the right hat for budget buyers, casual anglers, and anyone who needs reliable UPF 50+ protection without paying premium prices. It is also a strong pick for people who want cowboy-style hat versatility from a sun hat.
It is not the right pick if your head measures more than 23.6 inches, since the drawstring runs out of adjustment. It is also a taller crown than some other boonies, so people with longer face shapes may find it sits high.
What to Look For in a Sun Hat?
After eight weeks of hands-on testing and reviewing feedback from more than 60,000 verified customer ratings, here is what actually matters when you choose a sun hat.
UPF rating and what it means
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A UPF 50+ hat blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays, while UPF 30 blocks about 96 to 97 percent. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a minimum of UPF 30 for everyday sun protection, and UPF 50+ for extended outdoor exposure.
Hats without a stated UPF rating often have no UV testing at all, which means you cannot trust them to protect your skin. Always check for a labeled UPF number before buying.
Brim width and coverage area
A wider brim shades more of your face, ears, and neck. The minimum brim width recommended by dermatologists is 3 inches all the way around. Our team found that 3.5 to 4 inches gives noticeably better coverage during long outdoor sessions.
For activities like fishing or gardening where sun hits your neck from above and behind, a neck flap or extended cape adds critical protection that a brim alone cannot provide.
Breathability and ventilation
Heat trapping is the number one complaint about sun hats in user reviews. Mesh panels across the crown, moisture-wicking sweatbands, and breathable fabrics all help move hot air away from your scalp.
If you run hot or live in humid climates, prioritize hats with mesh vents over solid crowns, even if solid crowns look slightly more stylish.
Packability and travel
For travelers and backpackers, the ability to fold or roll a hat without ruining its shape is critical. Paper-yarn straw, soft nylon, and rollable wire-brim designs all pack down well. Stiff canvas boonies need more care to avoid creasing.
If you travel frequently, look for hats that explicitly mention foldable or packable construction.
Fit, adjustability, and chin straps
A hat that flies off in wind is useless. Adjustable drawcords on the rear of the crown let you dial in fit across a range of head sizes, and chin straps keep the hat in place during gusty conditions. Toggle closures on chin straps are easier to use one-handed than snap closures.
Measure your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows before buying, then check the manufacturer’s size range. Most adults fall between 21.5 and 24 inches.
Sweatband and moisture management
A built-in sweatband prevents sweat from running into your eyes, which matters during high-output activity. Moisture-wicking fabrics like Columbia’s Omni-Wick or TOP-EX’s cooling fabric move sweat away from skin and dry faster than basic cotton.
If you have ever had sweat drip onto your sunglasses or phone screen during a hike, you already know why this detail matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of sun hat is considered the best?
Based on our testing and verified customer feedback, Sunday Afternoons and Home Prefer consistently rank at the top for hiking and outdoor use, while Wallaroo leads the stylish category. The Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat is our top overall pick with a 4.7 rating across more than 11,000 reviews thanks to its lightweight build, neck flap, and reliable UPF 50+ protection.
What hat has the most sun protection?
Hats with UPF 50+ fabric combined with 3.5 to 4 inch brims and neck flaps offer the most sun protection. The TOP-EX Cooling Sun Hat adds an extra-long 9.4 inch neck flap and a cooling sweatband, making it the most protective option we tested for people who burn easily on the neck and upper back.
What is the best type of hat to wear in the sun?
Wide-brim boonie hats with UPF 50+ fabric and mesh ventilation offer the best balance of coverage, breathability, and comfort. Bucket hats work well for casual wear and travel, while straw fedoras combine UPF protection with a more stylish silhouette. For maximum protection, choose a hat with a 3.5 inch or wider brim and a neck flap that covers the back of the neck.
What is the best outdoor sun protection hat?
For hiking and outdoor activities, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat combines Omni-Shade UPF 50 protection, mesh venting, and Omni-Wick sweatband technology in a packable nylon build. For full-day fishing or gardening, the Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat adds a stowable neck flap and adjustable chin strap for windy conditions.
How do I know if a sun hat will fit my head?
Measure your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows with a soft tape measure, then compare to the manufacturer’s stated size range. Most adults fall between 21.5 and 24 inches. Look for hats with rear drawstrings or elastic adjusters to fine-tune fit, and check reviews from people with similar head sizes before buying.
Final Verdict
After eight weeks of testing across hiking trails, beaches, fishing piers, and city walks, the Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat earns our top recommendation as the best sun hat for most people. Its combination of UPF 50+ protection, lightweight build, mesh ventilation, and stowable neck flap covers the protection needs of almost every outdoor activity, and it has earned its 4.7-star rating across more than 11,000 verified reviews.
For shoppers on a tighter budget, the EINSKEY Wide Brim Bucket Hat delivers 3.9-inch brim coverage at a fraction of the cost. For style-forward buyers who want UPF protection without the sporty look, the FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Fedora pulls double duty on travel days and evenings out.
No matter which hat you choose from this list, you are getting UPF-rated protection that does not wash off, does not need reapplication, and will keep you safer in the sun than any sunscreen alone. Pick the one that fits your head, your activities, and your style, and get outside with confidence this season.