When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen should not be your only line of defense. Whether you are out hiking, fishing, or sitting on the beach in Bora Bora, you need more protection. If you take a swim or begin sweating on your walk, chances are your sunscreen will eventually come off, and, let’s be honest, when you’re in chill mode, applying more sunscreen isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. So how do you protect yourself further from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays?

With the best sun hats, you can find. These hats shelter your face and neck from the sun’s rays while keeping your head cool and protected. 

The unfortunate thing about sun hats is that they’re not all made to the same standard, which makes finding one that is good quality a little tricky. To take the challenge out of finding the right one for you, we have collected together the best sun hats available on Amazon and reviewed each of them for you. These reviews will allow you to look over each hat with a keen eye to find the one that best suits your needs. 

In order to make a selection of the best hats available on Amazon, we first had to do our research. We found that the sun hats that most appealed to people offer functionality, quality, style, and exceptional sun protection. The sun hats in our reviews tick each of these boxes and more. So, let’s look more closely at the ones that made the list.

1. Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat

 Home Prefer is a unique brand that designs and manufactures hats and caps for men and women. Their vision is to provide their customers with practical, fashionable, and high-quality headwear that keeps you looking stylish and protected from the sun. 

The Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat is the perfect example of this brand’s impressive offerings. The hat offers sun protection for your head, face, and neck while you enjoy spending time outdoors.

Specs 

• Made from premium polyester and nylon
• Offers UPF50+ protection
• Features a wide brim
• Includes mesh panels for breathability

Who is it Best for?

Whether you are a hiker, a fisherman, or someone who enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, this hat is for you. The hat comes in a bucket hat style with a detachable neck flap. This flap is highly useful as it shields the back of your neck from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

We often overlook the back of our necks, coming home from a day in the sun with a neck that is a shade of lobster red and feels as though it’s on fire. This hat solves that problem. The flap is also detachable, so if it isn’t your style, you can remove it. 

Home Prefer offers these hats in eight different colors: rose pink, purple, khaki, navy, light grey, and black, making it simple for you to find the one that most appeals to you. 

Key features 

This bucket hat comes fashioned from durable polyester and nylon. It is quick-drying, so if you get caught in the rain, it won’t stay damp for long. 

Mesh panels on the hat make it breathable, allowing for airflow between the hat and your head, keeping you cool and comfortable. 

When it comes to sun protection, you can’t go wrong with this wide brim sun hat. It offers a UPF rating of 50+ that shields you from98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is far more effective than a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and won’t come off should you begin to sweat. 

The wide brim helps to keep your eyes protected from these harsh rays too, so you don’t find yourself squinting as much. 

A drawstring chin strap helps to keep the hat in place should the wind pick up.

2. CAMOLAND Breathable Wide Brim Boonie Hat

Camoland is a company that designs and produces a variety of hats and beanies for men and women. The brand is dedicated to providing its customers with hats that offer style, functionality, and above all, quality. 

The CAMOLAND Breathable Wide Brim Boonie Hat ticks all these boxes and more and makes the ideal hat for men who love spending time outdoors. These hats offer exceptional UV protection and are designed to keep you safe from the sun’s harsh rays. 

Specs 

• Boonie style
• Features a wide brim
• Comes with an anti-sweat 360-degree sweatband
• Offers UPF50+ protection

Who is it Best for?

If you love camouflage print, these hats are for you. Camoland offers them in five different camo shades: red, blue, khaki, grey, and black. For those who like the style of the hat but aren’t really into camo print, the hat also comes in these colors but as a solid shade. 

These large brim hats are perfect for men who do outdoor research, go on nature hikes, or spend time fishing. The fabric hat is easily packable, as it allows you to fold it up and place it in your bag, so you can take it with you on all your adventures and not have to worry about it becoming misshapen. 

You can even roll up the brim to have a greater view or keep it down to protect your eyes when needed, making it highly versatile and handy for outdoor explorers. 

Key features

This wide brim hat by Camoland is designed as an adventure hat. It offers all the features you need when spending extended periods outdoors. 

It is made from durable fabric that is soft and foldable. A mesh panel makes the hat breathable by allowing airflow between the hat and your head, keeping you comfortable and cool, no matter how hot it gets outside. 

A drawstring chin cord keeps it in place on your head, even on windy days, so you don’t need to worry about having it blow off your head. 

The UFP rating of 50+ ensures you stay well protected and shielded from the sun’s UV rays. The hat keeps your skin from burning and becoming damaged after exposure to UVA and UVB rays by offering this sun protection. 

3. Men’s Sun Hat by QingFang

QingFang is a brand dedicated to providing its customers with stylish hats for all seasons. From thick winter hats for use in the snow to sun hats that offer UV protection, they have it all. The bran focuses on providing caps that provide style, but that also offer functionality and quality. 

The Men’s Sun Hat by QingFang is designed for outdoor use, whether you are on a beach or conducting outdoor research.

Specs 

• Unisex design
• Offers UPF50+  UV protection
• Made from polyester and nylon
• Comes with a built-in sweatband

Who is it Best for?

If you’re not into Panama hats or bucket hats, then this one is for you. QingFang’s unique hat takes on the form of a baseball cap with an extended brim, so you get the protection that a bucket hat offers with the style of a cap. 

Men who prefer having a little variety will find themselves impressed with the color options these hats come in. QingFang offers them in six different shades: pink, army green, dark blue, light grey, dark grey, and khaki. 

If you find yourself neglecting the back of your neck when you go outdoors and are tired of coming home feeling like a flame thrower has hit you, then this hat is one to try. A neck flap comes built into the back of the hat, offering you impressive coverage and protection of the neck area. 

Key features

While this hat may not be the most fashion-forward for cap designs, it is certainly rated as one of the top caps for UV protection. The cap is made from polyester and sees a nylon lining. These fabrics are quick-drying, so if you find yourself getting caught in the rain, your hat will be dry in no time. 

A mesh panel makes the hat breathable, allowing air to circulate between the cap and your head and neck so you stay cool and don’t overheat. 

Built into the hat is a cotton sweatband that absorbs any sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable. 

An elasticated drawstring sits around the circumference of the hat so you can adjust it to fit your head perfectly. An adjustable chin strap keeps the cap in place and prevents it from blowing off should the wind pick up. 

4. Quiksilver Bushmaster Bucket Hat

Quicksilver is a surf brand that was established in 1969 in Australia. Today it is based in California and is one of the world’s largest and most-loved brands of surfwear and boardsports equipment. The brand combines function, art, fit, and fashion to craft its action sports apparel. The focus is on offering high-quality lifestyle clothing to the ocean and mountain lovers across the globe.  

The Quiksilver Bushmaster Packable Sun Protection Floppy Visor Bucket Hat is just one of the brand’s impressive pieces of apparel that we knew we had to review for you. 

Specs 

• Bucket hat design
• Made from 100% cotton
• Adjustable chin strap
• Wide brim

Who is it Best for?

Whether you are a surfer, a beach-goer, a mountain hiker, or an ecologist performing outdoor research, this floppy hat is for you. Quicksilver designs this hat to sit comfortably on your head while providing you with protection from UV rays and heat. 

If you’re the sort of guy who collects hats and will buy multiple of the same hat in various colors, then look closely at this one. Quicksilver offers this floppy brim hat in ten unique colors that include camo, oyster grey, nautical blue, Parisian night (navy), and black. 

Because this hat is made from fabric, it is easily foldable, making it simple to carry in your beach bag or backpack if you are with a team of hikers. 

Key features

Quicksilver fashions this hat from 100% cotton. Cotton is an excellent fabric for sun hats as it is breathable and offers moisture-wicking properties. These features mean that your head stays cool, dry, and comfortable, no matter how hot the day gets. 

A Quicksilver embroidered badge on the front of the hat adds a little touch of detail to the otherwise minimalist look, making it stylish without being overdone. 

A drawstring chin cord allows you to secure the hat in place, preventing it from falling off should you bend forward. It will also prevent the hat from blowing off your head on days when it becomes windy. 

The floppy brim is excellent for shielding your eyes, face, and neck from the sun, preventing you from becoming sunburnt. 

5. O’NEILL Men’s Sonoma Print Straw Hat

O’Neill is an American surfwear and surfboard brand and was founded by Jack O’Neill in 1952. Jack is also credited with inventing the wetsuit, so you know anything that comes from this brand is innovative and of the highest quality. 

Today the brand also produces a range of lifestyle apparel, one item being the O’Neill Men’s Sonoma Print Straw Hat, its own take on the fashionable Panama hat. Not only is this piece of headwear fashionable, but it is functional too. 

Specs 

• Made from 100% sea straw
• Stylish 
• Sonoma style
• Drawstring closure

Who is it Best for? 

If you love the look of a Panama hat, you will love O’Neill’s Sonoma hat. It features the same look as a Panama hat bit with a wider brim for added sun protection. 

If you love spending time at the beach or hiking through tropical forests, this hat is exactly what you need. It offers a stylish design that evokes the essence of an authentic beach hat while providing you with protection from the sun. 

O’Neill stains their hats with tea, so they are naturally toned. These hats come in an assortment of natural shades that range from dark to light, so you can find the one that appeals to you best. The weave of the straw also comes in various patterns, so you’re not left with only one option.

Key features

O’Neill’s wide brim straw hat comes made from 100% sea straw. While stylish and very beachy, this unique material is also easily crushable, so packing it in a bag may not be the best option. It is remarkably fashionable, though, so wearing it instead of packing it is the best option anyway. 

The hat features a drawstring chin strap that comes with a toggle closure. This strap keeps the hat in place on your head should it become windy or if you hop on a speedboat. It also allows you to remove the hat and hang it on your back if you have nowhere safe to keep it should you want to take it off. 

The weave of the straw makes the hat breathable, so your head remains cool and comfortable. 

6. KastKing Sol Armis UPF 50 Boonie Hat

KastKing is a brand that specializes in fishing equipment and apparel. The bran was founded in 2011 by a group of MBA students with a passion for fishing. Today the brand is thriving, and it is all thanks to the mission they strive to meet, to provide consumers with affordable and innovative products that feature ingenious designs. 

If the KastKing Sol Armis UPF 50 Boonie Hat isn’t a testament to these standards, we don’t know what is! This hat is stylish and functional, and best of all, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. 

Specs 

• Boonie design
• UPF50+ protection
• Mesh venting for breathability
• Drawstring chin strap

Who is it Best for?

If you have been searching for the perfect fishing hat or protective hat to wear on your hikes or while kayaking but can’t find a decent quality one that fits within your budget, this hat by KastKing may be the solution you’re after. It offers all the protection and functionality you need without being overpriced. 

Kastking understands that we all have unique preferences when it comes to color, which is why they offer this hat in six different shades. Whether you want a vibrant green or blue hat or a more subtle khaki or black hat, you will find it here. The hats come with a unique pattern, too, giving them texture and style. 

These hats are foldable, too, making them simple to pack along on any adventure. 

Key features 

KastKing fashions this hat from durable PE fabric that makes it lightweight and comfortable to wear. A mesh panel allows for breathability, keeping air circulating your head, preventing you from overheating or sweating excessively. 

An adjustable elasticated drawstring located in the hat’s headband allows you to tighten or loosen the hat on your head to achieve the perfect fit. 

A second drawstring works as a chin strap, ensuring the hat remains where it should be, on your head, when the wind starts to blow. 

The moisture-wicking headband keeps your head dry and comfortable. 

Best of all, the hat comes with a UPF rating of 50+. This rating means that the hat protects your head, neck, and face from up to 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. 

7. Honnesserry Fishing Cap 

Honnesserry is a men’s fashion brand known for its impressive style and quality. The company produces a range of apparel that includes sports shoes, gloves, beanies, and sun hats. 

While the brand focuses mainly on menswear, the Fishing Cap Sun Hat Face Cover for Summer by Honnesserry is a unisex design. This unique cap provides unrivaled sun protection, shielding you from the heat and UV rays that can cause burns and skin cancer. 

Specs 

• UPF 50 + protection
• Unisex
• Baseball cap style
• Face and neck cover

Who is it Best for? 

If you are not a fan of the fedora, Panama hat, or bucket hat, then this one is for you. Honnesserry offers a baseball cap instead that fits comfortably on the head. 

Men who suffer from sensitive skin that burns easily or are susceptible to skin melanomas may find that this hat is a great solution. It comes with a completely removable face and neck cover that provides more UV protection than most. This is ideal for people who have been cautioned not to spend time in the sun with their skin exposed. 

Honnesserry offers this cap in three unique shades that include black, dark grey, and navy blue, so you can find the color that best suits your taste and sense of style.

Key features

This cap by Honnesserry is made from 100% polyester. The hat is lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry, keeping you cool, comfortable, and sweat-free. 

The back of the hat sees an adjustable velcro back strap that allows you to fit the cap to your head so that it stays in place and offers a comfortable fit. The elastic stretch of the cap further adds to the comfy fit provided. 

Because the hat offers full coverage of the head, face, and neck, it is resistant to dust, wind, and it repels insects, keeping you protected from more than just the sun.

When it comes to sun protection, the hat offers a UPF rating of 50+ that shields you from up to 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

8. Hopsooken Sun Hat with Cooling Neck

Hopsooken is one of the most-loved brands on Amazon. For more than ten years, the brand has provided its customers with quality travel apparel that ranges from luggage and hiking backpacks to wallets and hats. 

The brand understands that with travel comes different climates, which is why it manufactures apparel such as the Fishing Hats for Men with Cooling Neck Gaiter Set by Hopsooken. This functional and stylish hat offers exceptional sun protection, making it ideal for outdoor adventurers. 

Specs 

• Boonie bucket hat style
• Wide brim
• Made from 100% cotton
• Drawstring closure

Who is it Best for? 

If you love the Boonie bucket hat style, then you will love these fishing hats. They feature a bucket-style fit that is synonymous with fishermen the world over. 

Because the hat is made from soft fabric, it is easily foldable, making it simple to take the hat with you on your travels. If you travel for work where you spend a lot of time outdoors or for leisure, you will find this hat is the ideal travel companion.

Men who appreciate choice and variety will enjoy the selection offered by Hopsooken. The brand presents these particular hats in a selection of colors, including solid army green, coffee camo, and green camo. Whether you want to blend in with your surroundings or stand out, this hat makes an excellent option.

Key features

Hopsooken fashions these bucket hats from 100% cotton, which ensures that they are soft, breathable and that they wick moisture away, so you remain cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the day. 

Mesh panels further add to the hat’s breathability, which helps to regulate your temperature and prevents you from overheating. 

A drawstring-style chin cord keeps the hat in place on your head, preventing it from blowing off in the wind. 

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Two snap buttons on either side of the brim allow you to fix the brim to the sides of the hat when you need a little extra visibility. 

Included is a neck gaitor that fits over your neck, nose, and mouth, much like a buff. It is stretchy, which keeps it from slipping down, and it provides you with further protection from the sun rays and insects. 

9. Fishing Hat with Neck Flap by Sun Cube

Sun Cube is a subsidiary of the Caravan Group. Sun Cube offers premium headwear that keeps you protected from the sun. These stylish hats are designed to allow you to enjoy your outdoor activities without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays. 

One of the brand’s hats that caught our eye is the Fishing Hat with Neck Flap by Sun Cube. This unique hat offers versatility, functionality, and a hint of style. 

Specs 

• UPF 50 + protection
• Moisture-wicking
• Water-resistant
• Adjustable head strap

Who is it Best for? 

Men who frequently find themselves outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, kayaking, or spending Sunday afternoons working in the garden, will tell you that a decent sun protection hat is just the thing you need. If this sounds like you, then this hat may be the solution you need.

Sun Cube is all about variety and versatility, which is why it offers these hats in multiple different colors and patterns. Some of the options you can find include grey camo, green camo, and solid shades such as navy, olive, and tan. 

If you are one of those people who put on sunscreen with a high SPF and then forget about applying it to the back of your neck, then this hat is a must-have for you. It comes with a built-in neck flap that protects the back of your neck from the sun, even if you have forgotten your suntan lotion.

Key features

Sun Cube fashions their sun hat from quick-drying polyester, so if you get caught in the rain, your hat will dry in no time at all. 

A mesh band at the back of the hat allows for breathability, keeping your head cool and comfortable. 

A moisture-wicking sweatband is built into the headband of the hat. Its purpose is to keep you dry, even if you sweat, so you don’t have moisture running into your eyes. 

The adjustable chin strap keeps the hat firmly on your head when the wind comes along, so you never have to spend a second chasing a windswept hat. 

Sun Cube designs its hats to offer premium UV protection. The hat is UPF rated 50+, which means it shields you from 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

10. Quiksilver Men’s Outsider America Hat

Quicksilver is a surf and lifestyle brand that designs and manufactures a range of boardsport equipment and sports and lifestyle apparel. The brand offers a unique style that incorporates the flashy world of board sports with the surfing community’s relaxed vibes. 

The Quiksilver Men’s Outsider America Hat takes on the look and feels of the latter, providing a stylish sun hat that offers excellent protection from sun rays and heat. 

Specs 

• Made from 100% other fibers
• Adjustable chin strap
• Wide brim
• Breathable

Who is it Best for?

If you’re looking for a Panama hat that offers a more relaxed style and a beachy look, then you’ve found it. Quicksilver’s Outsider hat provides a unique look that will have you feeling as though you’re on a tropical beach as soon as you put it on. 

Men who love the straw hat look will also appreciate the hat’s unique materials and design. The underside of the hat’s brim and the brim’s top edges come with a lining and edging printed with the American flag. This lining matches the American flag Quicksilver badge found on the front of the hat. 

Quicksilver offers this printed area in an assortment of different colors and patterns so you can pick the one that most appeals to you. 

Key features

 Quicksilver fashions this hat from what they refer to as other fibers. These are most likely straw, raffia, or a synthetic of either of these. Either way, it looks pretty stylish and gives the hat an authentic beachy feel. 

The weave of the fibers allows for breathability, so air can flow through, keep your head cool, and prevent overheating. 

The only unfortunate thing about this hat is that it is easily crushable, so you will need to keep this in mind when packing it for trips. 

An adjustable chin strap keeps the hat in place on your head. No matter how windy things get, you can be sure your hat won’t blow away. This fashionable hat is perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons by the pool or weekends spent at the lake.

11. Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons was founded in 1992 in Oregon. The brand began selling an Adventure Blanket designed for use in all terrains. By 1994 the brand had expanded and started selling hats. Today they sell a range of hats for adults and children. 

One of their designs, the Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat, caught our eye. This hat is ideal for the outdoor explorer, the fisherman, or the man who likes to relax outdoors on a Sunday afternoon. 

Specs 

• Clamshell brim
• UPF 50+ rating
• Water and stain-resistant
• Includes a sunglasses lock

Who is it Best for? 

This hat is designed for men who love to head out on an adventure, whether it is kayaking, fishing, hiking, strolling along the beach, or building treehouses in the garden. 

The hat features a unique shape that sees a combination of a baseball cap and a bucket hat. The extended 3 ¼ inch brim provides excellent protection for your face from the sun, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. 

Sunday Afternoons’ hats are regarded as some of the best sun hats around, and they come in a variety of colors. The hats come in six vibrant shades: pumice, wild orchid, jade, eucalyptus, cinder, and blue mountain. Finding a hat that suits your activewear or personal taste is simple, thanks to this diverse offering of colors.

Key features 

Sunday Afternoons fashions their adventure hat from a blend of nylon and polyester dobby. This fabric is resistant to water and stains, so whether you get caught in the rain or find yourself sweating profusely, you will remain dry and comfortable. 

The back of the hat features an adjustable back strap that allows you to change the hat’s fit to better suit your head, just like on a baseball cap. 

What we love most about this hat is that it offers a sunglasses lock that allows you to keep your shades firmly on your hat, preventing you from losing them.  

The clamshell design of the hat makes it simple to fold away and pack with you when traveling. 

When it comes to UV protection, this hat pulls out all the stops. It features a neck flap and a UPF rating of 50+, so you can be sure you are well protected from those harmful rays.

Pros 

• Offered in various colors
• Unisex
• Made from nylon and polyester dobby

Cons 

• Hand wash only

12. Tilley Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Hat

Tilly Endurables is a Canadian hat company that was established in 1980. While the brand is most well-known for its hats, it also produces travel apparel and accessories. Tilley strives to create enduring products that are authentic and are of the highest quality. 

We love the Tilley Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Airflow Bucket Sun Hat because while it may not be the most fashionable, it certainly is the most functional. 

Specs 

• Dual drawstring closure
• Breathable
• Bucket hat design
• Made from 100% Supplex nylon

Who is it Best for? 

Whether you are a marine biologist combing the shores, a hiker climbing spiraling mountain trails, or a dad who mows the lawn each weekend, this hat is for you. It is minimalistic, functional, and durable, making it ideal for outdoor use and protection from the sun’s rays. 

If you like buying a single style of hat in multiple colors, you will be impressed with Tilley’s color offerings. The hat comes in six stylish shades: Khaki, natural, grey, olive, black, and cloud blue. 

Guys who like to throw their hats in the washing machine, you may want to steer clear of this hat. It is designed to be washed by hand, reshaped, and then air-dried. Keep the hat far away from bleach, too, as this will strip the color from your hat, leaving it looking somewhat splotchy and unsightly.

Key features 

Tilley fashions this hat from 100% Supplex nylon, making it durable, soft, and water-resistant. This fabric feels like cotton but works like nylon in that it is quick-drying and wind-resistant. 

The hat offers exceptional UV protection. It features a UPF rating of 50+ which means it shields your face, neck, and head from 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. 

The hat’s wide brim works to offer you extended sun protection and shade, so you don’t need to squint your eyes to see. 

A mesh panel that runs around the top of the hat adds breathability, keeping your head cool and comfortable. It also helps to regulate the temperature of your head, so you are less likely to sweat. 

An adjustable chin strap helps to keep the hat in place on those windy days.

When it comes to buying the best sun hats, you want to take a few things into consideration to make it easier to find one that best suits your needs and appeals to your sense of style. 

Things such as the style, material the hats are made from, the features offered, and the brand will all help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect hat. Because let’s face it, there are plenty of sun hats available, but not all of them offer the quality you deserve.

 Let’s take a closer look at each of these aspects.

1. Style

Hats are offered in an assortment of different styles and shapes. The type you choose will mainly depend on your fashion tastes and on the kind of protection you want from your hat. 

• Fedora:

A fedora features a moderate brim that wraps the entire way around the hat. The top of the hat often features an indentation similar to that found on a cowboy hat. These are great for times when you are going to spend just a few hours in the sun as they don’t have such a large brim. These hats offer exceptional style and can be dressed up or down.

• Baseball Cap:

The baseball cap is perfect for when you want to play outdoor sports, and you need a visor that offers greater shading from the sun and a fit that stays firmly on your head. The only problem with a baseball hat is that it only provides shade in one direction, depending on how you have the peak positioned. Some baseball-style caps do come with attachable neck flaps to offer that additional protection. 

• Bucket Hat:

This hat gains its name from its shape. It features a top area that fits your head much like a Fedora, only without the stylish indentation on the top. These hats feature a much wider brim, too, and are often floppy and easily foldable. They will usually come with a mesh panel and a drawstring chin strap to keep them in place. 

• Panama Hat: 

This hat looks similar to a Fedora too and features the same indentations in the top. The difference comes in at the brim, which is usually broader, and with the material. A Panama hat is made from straw, giving it a far more beachy feel. 

• Flap Hat: 

A flap hat is often a bucket-style hat or cap that features a built-in neck flap. Sometimes this flap extends around the back and sides of the hat for greater sun protection. These hats often feature snap buttons that allow you to roll the flap up and secure it to the hat in an instance when you don’t want the flap down.

2. Materials

Hats are made from a few different materials. The type of fabric your hat is made from will allow you to determine how breathable it is and whether or not it dries quickly. 

• Straw:

Straw hats offer a style that is both fashionable and modern. These hats are breathable and lightweight. The problem with them lies in that they aren’t water-resistant, and you can’t fold them. If you place your straw hat in your suitcase, expect it to come out crushed and misshapen.

• Polyester or Nylon:

This material is the most popular for making hats. It is durable and lightweight. These fabrics offer moisture-wicking properties and are quick-drying. They are also often water and stain-resistant and far easier to clean. 

• Cotton:

Cotton hats are the most breathable thanks to the weave of the fibers that make up the fabric. This breathability allows air to circulate your head, keeping you cool and preventing you from overheating. These hats are easy to fold up and place in your luggage, and they are soft. The only issue with these is that they take quite some time to dry.

3. Features

Sun hats often come with a variety of features; let’s take a look at some of the ones you may want to have on your hat:

• Chin Strap: 

Not all hats come with a chin strap. These are cords that often operate with a drawstring or toggle-style closure. They fasten under your chin and help to keep the hat firmly attached to your head. These chin straps are handy if you are outdoors and it becomes windy. Fishermen particularly appreciate them as it prevents the hat from flying away when they move their boats.  

• Sun Protection:

Sun protection in a hat is essential. This form of protection often comes in the form of a wide brim and a UPF rating. The best sun hats offer a UPF rating of 50+, which shields your neck, face, and head from 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

Dermatologists will tell you that these rays lead to skin cancer should you expose yourself to them frequently without protection. 

• Neck Flap or Neck Gaitor:

Some hats come with these built-in or as a separate piece that attaches to the hat. These offer additional protection from the sun by covering the back of your neck or entire neck and part of your face. 

4. Brand

The best way to ensure the hat you are buying offers premium quality and durability is by purchasing it from a reputable brand. 

Besides the brands discussed in our reviews, here are a few others you may want to look at:

• Columbia
• Furtalk
• Outdoor Research

When buying a sun hat to wear on your outdoor adventures, there is an assortment of things to consider, which can make finding the right one a little challenging. 

We hope our reviews of the sun hats from Amazon have put you on the right path. If you’re still stuck and can’t decide, our top pick goes to Tilley’s bucket hat. It is durable, functional, and offers exceptional UV protection.