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Spending time outside has tons of great health benefits as it rebalances your nervous system, taking you from that stressful fight or flight mode and into the parasympathetic state of rest and digest. But there are some downsides to the great outdoors, no thanks to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Exposure to sunlight without protection can promote premature signs of aging and even put you at greater risk of melanoma skin cancer.1 The key to reaping the benefits of nature (and the sun) without the damage is to protect yourself—by way of sunscreen and a great sun hat.
Whether or not you consider yourself a hat person—like someone who has a display wall in their home dedicated to their collection—sun hats are a staple in any warm-weather wardrobe. Sun hats “are essential for health reasons first and foremost,” says Michelle Maslanka, the founder and CEO of Sister Swim. Plus, in addition to protecting your delicate facial complexion from the sun, sun hats are a great fashion moment, helping to complete any summer-inspired look.
From sun hats for the beach to sun hats for hiking to baseball and bucket hats, there is a hat out there for everyone—yes, including those who don’t consider themselves hat people. If you’re on the prowl for a great bucket hat, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet.
We went on a mission to find the best sun hats for any occasion.
Best Budget: Somaler Cotton Wide Brim Sun Hat
Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality, this under-$20 sun hat is an excellent option for someone looking to rock a brimmed look without too much investment. The hat is also packable, making it great for travel, and features UPF 50+ for even more sun protection.
Material: Polyester and cotton | Circumference: 20.86-22.83 inches | Colors: Beige, Black, Dark Blue, Pink, White, Brick Red, Grey Blue, Purple +more
Best Straw: Peter Grimm Sebastian Lifeguard Hat
Straw sun hats are easy to come by—and many are included in our list of best sun hats—so we wanted a style that felt a little more unique. We love this elevated take on the classic straw surf hat as it makes it all the more versatile. Wear it to the beach or pool, or pair it with your favorite sundress for a completed summer look.
Material: 100% straw | Brim: 6.5 inches | Circumference: 22.4-24 inches | Colors: Natural
Sunday Afternoons Sport Hat
Nylon sun hats are great for blocking out UV rays during more physical activities such as gardening, hiking, or even strolling down the street on a hot sunny day. This one from Sunday Afternoons checks all of our boxes as it is lightweight, breathable, features a UPF of 50+, and can be securely fastened to your head with an adjustable strap.
Material: Nylon and polyester | Brim: 4 inches | Circumference: 22-23.6 inches | Colors: Cream/Sand, Sand/Black, Teal Kaleidoscope, White/Charcoal, Coral Kaleidoscope, Cardinal +more