How To Pick the Perfect Sun Hat

When it comes to choosing a sun hat, it’s not as simple as just picking any old hat. There are important factors to consider. Whether you’re shopping for a hat to wear on vacation or for everyday outdoor activities. Let’s take a closer look at how to pick the perfect sun hat.

I used to dislike wearing hats because I thought they didn’t look good on me. However, my perspective changed after I moved closer to the beach. And I had a scare with skin cancer on my forehead. This experience made me realize how important it is to take care of my skin when I’m in the sun and the benefits of wearing a sun hat. Now, I can enjoy my time at the beach without worrying about harmful UV rays.

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All Sun Hats Are Not Created Equal

I believe it’s possible to have fashion and functionality in a sun hat. It’s important to prioritize sun safety while looking super cute at the same time!

Did you know that skin cancers often appear in areas like the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back? Unfortunately, these are also places where we often forget to apply sunscreen. If you’re interested, we recently published a blog post called “The 10 Most Missed Sunscreen Spots” that you might find useful.

Things To Look For:

• Wide-Brim: According to experts, a sun hat should have a brim of at least 3 inches to effectively shield your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun. The wider the brim, the better the coverage. In contrast, a baseball cap only provides protection for your scalp and forehead.
• Block UPF Rays: When selecting a sun hat, it’s crucial to consider the material it’s made of. In the case of straw or raffia hats, it’s important to ensure that the holes are not too large, as that may allow the sun’s rays to pass through.
  • When it comes to clothing, it’s important to consider the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Experts suggest aiming for a minimum of UPF 50 to ensure adequate protection from harmful UV rays.
• Breathable Material: When selecting a sun hat, it’s crucial to consider the material it’s made of. It should be lightweight and breathable yet still provide adequate sun protection. If the hat has mesh, be cautious that it still offers sun protection. Additionally, it’s important to avoid hats with a tightly woven fabric that restricts airflow, particularly if you plan to spend extended periods in the heat and sun.
• Chin Strap: I’ve had many beach days where I’ve had to cling onto my hat tightly due to the strong winds. It’s not exactly enjoyable! It’s worth considering whether you need a sun hat with an adjustable chin strap. Certain sun hats come with removable straps for days when they’re unnecessary. Personally, I own both hats with and without chin straps.

Things To Consider When Picking the Perfect Sun Hat

If you’re looking for the perfect sun hat, there are a few things to consider. While style is important (who doesn’t want a cute hat?), there are also other factors to keep in mind. Here are a few things to think about before making your choice.

• Consider your destination and planned activities. Will you be lounging by the pool or beach or engaging in water sports like boating or jet skiing?
• Are you prioritizing sun protection alone, or are you considering fashion as well?
• It’s important not to overlook our hair! What’s your hair length – short, medium, or long? It’s worth considering whether you plan to tie it up in a ponytail or low bun or leave it down. There are plenty of sun hats available that are designed to accommodate ponytails.
• Are you preparing for a trip and want to bring along a sun hat that can be easily packed? It’s important to note that not all sun hats are packable – some may lose their shape if stored in a suitcase. However, there are packable sun hats available that are designed to keep their shape even when folded or rolled up.

Should You Still Wear Sunscreen?

Sunscreen vs. Sun hat. Should it be one or the other? No. Experts still recommend that you wear sunscreen even if you plan on wearing a sun hat.

Even when wearing a sun hat, it’s crucial to practice sun safety as UV rays can reflect off surfaces, especially water. Adding a sun hat to your outdoor activities can be a great way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Choosing the perfect sun hat for summer can be a bit overwhelming, but I’ve come to realize it’s super important. After having skin cancer surgery, I’m way more cautious about protecting myself from the sun. I just want to make sure others don’t have to go through the same thing. It’s all about spreading awareness and staying safe!

Please feel free to share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments section below.