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Aug 22, 2023

The 15 Best Sun Hats, According to Stylists and Dermatologists

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By Bellamy Richardson

If a vacation or extended time outdoors is in your future this summer, sun protection is paramount. While sunscreen is a must, another stylish and effective way to shield yourself from UV rays is donning a sun hat. We spoke with stylists from around the country, a dermatologist and a travel expert to find the most attractive and comfortable hats, and easily packable options you’ll want to add to your wardrobe this season.

$75 at Amazon

$87 at Bloomingdale's

Sun-protective clothing is essential to good skincare, according to Claire Wolinsky, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “A wide-brimmed hat blocks the facial skin and definitely can prevent sun tanning and sunburns,” she says. Dr. Wolinsky recommends the Hat Attack Canvas Packable Hat for everyday wear. With a brim of 4.5 inches, this hat provides shade past the nose and the back of the neck, protecting vulnerable areas that are prone to sunburn. Another plus for summer: Lighter colors are usually less hot to wear, so the Solid White and Solid Natural hues are great for the summer heat.

$182 at Eric Javits

$260 Save $78

$260 at Nordstrom

The most important factors to consider when purchasing a sun hat are material, brim width and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), according to Roxanne Carne, a Dallas-based personal stylist. Carne recommends hats that are made of breathable and quick-drying materials such as cotton, straw, palm and nylon, and she prefers hats that have a brim width of at least 3 inches: “Having a wide brim always looks ultimately glam and stylish.” She suggests looking for picks that have a UPF rating of at least 30 to adequately shield your face from the sun, which is the Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommendation. One of Carne’s favorite hat brands is Eric Javits, thanks to its variety of styles, including UPF options. Try this rollable and foldable Hampton hat for your next trip, which boasts a UPF rating of 50+ and a brim span of 4.5 inches.

$49 at Amazon

Carolyn Ray, a Toronto-based travel writer and founder of JourneyWoman, is a self-described hat addict, since she has a variety of styles in her closet for different uses. But the true goal of a sun hat is not lost on her. “Sun hats—and clothing—are an essential part of skin care and cancer prevention.” Ray loves the brand Coolibar, which was the first clothing company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation and makes a wide range of hats that are made specifically sun wear. Her personal favorite is the Brittany Hat, which she plans to take with her on her upcoming trip to the Galapagos. The classic floppy beach hat has an ultra-wide 6-inch brim for ultimate skin protection, and it comes in three colors, including this vacation-ready pink.

$695 at Saks Fifth Avenue

$695 at Farfetch

Kerry Pieri, a Buffalo, N.Y.-based fashion writer and brand consultant, vouches for her Prada Re-Nylon Bucket Hat. She praises its “timeless” style and loves the fact that its material can stand up to a little water, so she can take it with her to the beach or pool. The hat is made from regenerated nylon yarn produced from recycled, purified plastic trash collected in the ocean, and features a chic Prada logo. It also comes in three sizes, allowing you to find a comfortable, secure fit.

$495 at Maisonette

$495 at Neiman Marcus

$495 at Neiman Marcus

For a luxury hat that will pair well with your most stylish swimwear, Carne suggests the designer Eugenia Kim. The contemporary brand offers “hats for all the seasons,” she says, including summery styles with high UPF ratings. The Mirabel sun hat is woven from natural straw, and offers a neutral yet eye-catching look, thanks to its ombre design. Looking for a pop of color? Consider the Mirabel sun hat in pink, which nails the Barbiecore trend, since it comes with a bright pink ombre organza bow.

$250 at Revolve

$265 at Moda Operandi

$265 at Moda Operandi

$267 at Revolve

Wolinsky and Pieri both recommend Janessa Leoné for its stylish woven straw hats. Pieri likes the brand’s hats with extra wide brims that she says offer a put-together look, like the Tinsley style. Though she notes that it’s ideal for “lounging on a blanket,” because, “if you’re on a beach chair, you can’t really lean your head back.” Wolinsky says her go-to fashionable straw sun hat is the Judith Hat, a fedora style and with a smaller brim. Pieri also praises the brand’s size range, noting that its extra-small size is a great choice for people who find that hats often run large on them.

$230 at Cult gaia

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Erin McSherry, New York City-based fashion editor and stylist, travels often, and she opts to pack a strong, structured hat for trips. “With travel, sun, wind and water exposure, it’s important to choose a hat that can withstand all the elements,” she says, which is why she prefers headwear with minimal floppiness. One of her favorite pieces is the Solange Visor from Cult Gaia, which she says won’t cave in around your face or block your vision like some floppy hats tend to do. Plus, its huge brim is “perfect for adding this over the top fashion vibe mixed with sun protection,” McSherry says. Note: If you opt for a visor, make sure to apply sunscreen to your scalp or have another source of sun protection.

$24 at The North Face

$35 Save $11

$35 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Forget hat hair, this topper is made to fit over buns and updos. The North Face’s Class V Top Knot Bucket Hat is ideal for outdoor adventures, since it’s made from quick-drying nylon. It’s held up well after being repeatedly soaked in pools and ponds, according to a Buy Side writer who found it to be a “topless” wonder. The hat is a cross between a visor and a sun hat to protect your face from the sun while keeping you and your updo cool. It comes in two sizes—S/M and L/XL—and it features a thin elastic cord that cinches in the back.

$149 at Lack of Color

$150 at Moda Operandi

$149 at Lack of Color

$149 at Revolve

Pieri recommends the brand Lack of Color for nice-price hats that offer a balance of fashion and function. The Paloma sun hat, which is woven from golden wheat straw and features a detachable chocolate brown cotton neck tie, boasts a UPF rating of 50+. McSherry’s personal favorite is the Palma Wide Fedora, which is made from palm leaf and has a flat brim. “It’s a great compliment to a dinner look and adds a flare of summertime to your outfit,” she says.

$55 at Nordstrom

$65 at Revolve

The Joanna Hat from Brixton is the perfect accessory to compliment a day-to-night look and also shield your eyes and face from the sun, according to McSherry. The woven straw hat comes with a black band or a tan one, and you can choose from four sizes for the perfect fit.

$35 at Tilley

$70 Save $35

$70 at Amazon

For a lightweight hat that provides relief from UV rays without overwhelming your face (or suitcase), Ray recommends the Tilley Ultralight Sun Hat, which has UPF 50+-rated fabric and is made from recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish. It also includes a flap at the back, which Ray says offers helpful neck coverage and shields against bugs. Heat and humidity are no match for this hat: its mesh inserts offer breathability, and its stretchy fabric makes it easy to pack. Thanks to these details, the hat is an essential Ray has already packed for an upcoming trip to Ecuador.

$36 at Baggu

This Baggu sun hat packs into its own circular pouch, making it impressively easy to store, whether that’s in your travel tote or your dresser drawer at home. The adjustable headband and chin straps will help you find a comfortable, secure fit (for heads with up to a 23.5-inch circumference). Pick from 13 colors and patterns, including classic black and cocoa brown, as well as bold options like a cloud print and a multi-colored floral pattern. Plus, the 100% organic cotton fabric is machine-washable.

$40 at Amazon

$40 at Hatcountry

One Buy Side editor has been wearing her Scala sun hat for years. This one is a slight variation on the one she has. “I like that it’s lightweight and straw-like but soft so that you can stuff it in a travel or work bag and it still looks fine,” she says. The hat is made of functional and fashionable paper braid and includes a drawstring closure and a quick-drying sweatband. It comes in tan and white, both with a black butterfly bow.