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Here comes the sun — experts share tips for finding the perfect protective hats

Who said sun hats can't be trendy?

Spring has finally sprung which means it's (almost) time for open-toe sandals, maxi dresses and more garments that leave you exposed. Being prepped with the right sunscreen, a beach umbrella for shade and sun-protective clothing will help in many situations, but one of the best (and easiest) ways to protect our faces from the unbearable heat during outdoor activities is a sun hat.

To avoid hyperpigmentation and other long-lasting skin issues, Shop TODAY spoke with a handful of experts to get the lowdown on why it's essential to protect yourself from the sun throughout the year. We also found some of the best sun hats on the market to help shield your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

What is UPF? | What to look for in UPF clothes and accessories | Hat shopping tips | Hats for women | Hats for kids | Editor pick | How we chose | Meet the experts

Best protective sun hats

What is UPF rating?

For the ultimate sun protection, experts advise investing in clothes and accessories with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.

"When you're talking about UPF, you're talking about protection from ultraviolet B rays and ultraviolet A rays. When you look at the number, a UPF of 50...blocks 98 percent of sun rays. When it comes to protection, anything above 50 is considered excellent by the Skin Cancer Foundation," comments New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy A. Brauer.

What should I look for in UPF clothing and accessories?

The SCF recommends looking for clothing with a UPF of at least 30 to protect yourself from skin cancer.

“All fabrics can shield some UV radiation, but clothing [and hats] that are designed to do the most effective job are items that are labeled with a UPF rating. The ratings range from UPF 15 to 50+. The higher the number, the better,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Melissa Levin.

Protecting your neck, ears and face are essential when you're exposing your skin to the sun. One component Brauer recommends looking for is color, specifically "bright colors that are reflective and darker colors [that] can absorb those rays and avoid penetration."

Shopping tip: Look for UPF indicators when purchasing sun protection gear as these tell you just how much of the sun's rays the item can block. The Skin Cancer Foundation also has a seal of recommendation for UPF-approved clothing.

How to shop for hats with UPF protection

While there are plenty of trendy sun hat options, it’s also important you invest in a design that will actually protect your skin.

“The best hats for sun protection have a brim of at least three inches to shade the face, scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back, along with easily overlooked places like the tops of the ears and back of the neck,” the SCF states. “Look for a tightly woven hat rather than a loosely constructed straw hat that lets in the UV rays.”

“Broad-brimmed hats are one of the most important steps when it comes to safe sun practices,” says Levin. “Heavy perspiration, water activities and incomplete application of sunscreen lend to sunscreen products that rub off and lose their effectiveness, resulting in incomplete sun protection.”

In addition to a protective hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are always a good idea for optimal summer safety.

Sun protection hats for women

Personalized Floppy Beach Hat

What we like
  • Beautiful script
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • May look big

Colorways: 3 | Size: One size | Materials: Straw, black vinyl

If you’re interested in a more personalized option, consider this customizable floppy beach hat from Etsy. For less than $25, you can get your name printed in beautiful script lettering. The hat comes in either tan, white or blush.

Sun Blocker Travel Sun Hat UPF 50+

What we like
  • Covers your face
  • Sewn-in straps
Something to note
  • May seem big

Colorways: 5 | Size: One size | Material: UV protection micro-fiber

Add a colorful hint to your favorite sundress in this ultra-protective hat. Aside from blocking the sun from your face, this hat features UPF 50+ material and a feminine floral bow on the back. Wear it while tending your garden or keep it nearby when you go hiking. Just like its name, this hat is a sun blocker and summer essential to use every day.

Simplicity UPF 50+ UV Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat

What we like
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
Something to note
  • Zipper very noticeable

Colorways: 11 | Size: One size | Materials: Cotton, polyester

Aside from adding protection, this hat is adjustable, packable and will hold all your sweat. The hat is made of 65 percent cotton and features a zipper that removes the top part when you need your head to cool off. Over 6,500 verified shoppers rated this hat five stars, with one saying there is "enough stiffness in the brim so that you can see on the sides, yet you don't give up protection."

Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Roll-Up Sun Hat

What we like
  • Well-made
  • Adjustable fit
Something to note
  • Can seem heavy

Colorways: 21 | Sizes: M, L/XL | Materials: Polyester, straw

With a UPF 50+ rating and a breathable, high-quality woven straw material, it's no wonder this Amazon sun hat is so highly-rated on Amazon.

"Excuse the cliché, but this hat fits me like a glove," one Shop TODAY writer said about it. "It lacks the dorky chin strap my mom's sun hats have, but it does have a ribbon inside the brim which can be used to adjust the size. I haven't worn my hat while riding in a convertible (yet), but I wear it a lot while working around the yard in 15 mph Montana winds."

Columbia Gobal Adventure Packable Hat II

What we like
  • Adjustable chin strap
  • Packable
Something to note
  • Brim can wrinkle easily

Colorways: 4 | Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Paper, polyester, polyethylene

This floppy hat is made with a wide brim, sweat-wicking headband and provides UPF 50 protection to help you keep fresh. It’s comfortable enough to wear anywhere you go this summer and won’t blow away during a stiff wind. The hat is available in white, safari and more.

UV SKINZ UPF 50+ Women's Swim Visor

What we like
  • Soft
  • Cute style
Something to note
  • May be flimsy

Colorways: 8 | Size: One size | Material: UPF 50+ fabric

If you're going for a run and need something more portable, this swim visor is essential to keep your eyes protected. It's salt water-resistant and made with UPF 50+ protection to keep your summer days sunburn-free (for the most part!).

Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat

What we like
  • Adjustable chin strap
  • Foldable
Something to note
  • May run big

Colorways: 2 | Sizes: M-L | Materials: Polyester, nylon

No matter how sunny it gets, this hat will keep you in the shade. The headpiece offers UPF 50+ protection and a drawstring to hold your hat in place when boating on a windy day. One customer said this hat "can take a beating and reshape however you'd like, [it] shades me from the sun and is easy to wear in the Florida heat."

Carve Designs Dundee Crushable

What we like
  • Interior adjustable string
  • Packable
Something to note
  • Drawstring gets wet in water

Colorways: 2 | Size: One size | Material: Polyester

The large brim adds an extra advantage to this sun hat, but its protective features don't minimize its fashion-forwardness. This is a great one to throw in your luggage and beach bag thanks to its crushable material.

San Diego Hat Unisex Pinched Crown with Chin Cord

What we like
  • Chin cord
  • Adjustable
Something to note
  • Medium brim

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: S-L | Materials: Paper, polyester

Whether you're visiting the countryside or going on a safari, this unisex hat is perfect for protecting your face. The chin cord will make sure your piece doesn't fly away during an excursion. You'll also get to enjoy the sunshine with its UPF 50+ rating and four-inch brim.

Helly Hansen Roam Hat

What we like
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Quick-dry fabric
Something to note
  • Not very waterproof

Colorways: 2 | Size: One size | Material: Polyester

For those that like to roam freely outdoors, this hat features a broad brim and quick-drying fabric. Your head will receive great sun protection while staying fresh thanks to its highly breathable material.

San Diego Hat The Glam Floppy

What we like
  • Good quality
  • Nice design
Something to note
  • Takes up space in suitcase

Colorways: 7 | Size: One size | Materials: Paper, polyester

Feel like a celebrity going incognito in this large sun hat with an extra-wide brim. The accessory will add an elegant look to your pool outfits while covering your face from the sunshine. It’s made with UPF 50+ protection that will block the rays but not your vision.

Coolibar UPF 50+ Brittany Beach Hat

What we like
  • Keeps you cool
  • Comfortable
Something to note
  • Can wrinkle easily

Colorways: 3 | Size: One size | Material: Cotton

Coolibar's Brittany beach hat is the perfect combination between a bucket hat and a large floppy option — making it a must-have for a long beach day. It's designed with a six-inch brim and offers UPF 50+ protection. It also includes a sweatband and an elastic string for adjustable sizing.

Wallaroo UPF 50+ Morgan Fedora

What we like
  • Versatile
  • Drawstring closure
Something to note
  • Not packable

Size: One size | Materials: Raffia, cotton

When it comes to UPF hats, Levin can’t speak highly enough of Wallaroo Hat Company. “I love Wallaroo. Their hats are super chic but still broad-rimmed. My favorite is the Morgan hat, which is a fedora-style hat with UPF 50,” she shares.

It’s currently available in a neutral gray hue that will complement any outfit while still protecting your face from harmful UV rays.

Brixton Joanna Straw Hat

What we like
  • Wide brim
  • Grosgrain band
Something to note
  • May squish easily

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Paper straw

This chic straw hat will add panache to your outfit while protecting your face. It features a wide brim and a classic grosgrain band that will go with all your summer looks. "Not only is it large enough if I want to wear a ponytail, but it’s sturdy and will last me a long time," added one customer who rated it five stars.

Kühl Endurawax Bush Hat

What we like
  • Good quality
  • Comfortable
  • Wide brim
Something to note
  • Not easily bendable

Colorways: 3 | Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon

This lightweight UPF hat receives awesome reviews for its innovative sweatband technology. Basically, your skin will stay cool while you sweat and the UPF 50+ protection will void unnecessary sunburn.

"Awesome hat, wore it for the first time in the desert in 100-degree heat, kept my head cool and shaded!" said one verified buyer.

Sun protection hats for kids

“Hats are great for protecting the face and neck from harmful UV rays. Babies have especially sensitive skin, so it’s important to always put on hats when outside, at the beach, etc.,” says New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling.

Brauer recommends hats with flaps around the face to protect their ears and necks. Additionally, he recommends being cognizant of the sun's reflection and applying copious amounts of sunscreen on kids.

Connectyle Kids' UPF 50+ Bucket Sun Hat

What we like
  • Adjustable
  • Wide brim
Something to note
  • Can run big

Colorways: 19 | Sizes: 2-6 years | Material: Polyester

This UPF 50+ bucket hat from Connectyle is Amazon's Choice for kid's sun hats with an almost-perfect five-star average rating from more than 9,000 shoppers. It includes mesh side vents to promote airflow and an internal moisture-wicking sweatband for extra hot days.

Maisonette UPF 50+ Swim Flap Hat

What we like
  • Dries quick
  • Long neck flap shade
Something to note
  • Can dirty easily

Sizes: S-XXL

Every kid needs some shade and this hat will block 97.5 percent of the sun's rays, according to the brand. With a lightweight quick-drying fabric and foam visor, this hat will keep your kid's skin safe and fresh. Also, the long flap in the back will cover your little one's neck.

SwimZip Kid's Wide-Brim Sun Hat

What we like
  • Adjustable
  • Easy to pack
Something to note
  • Can get heavy if wet

Colorways: 9 | Sizes: 0-6 months to 8-14 years | Material: Polyester

Say goodbye to sunburn with this wide-brim hat, which has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection to help block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Its features include adjustable head and chin straps, quick-dry fabric and side-venting to keep your child cool all day long.

Kids' Sunday Afternoon Bucket Hat

What we like
  • Stays in place
  • Durable design
Something to note
  • Runs small, per customers

Colorways: 25 | Sizes: S-L | Material: Mesh

Whether your little one is at the beach, lake or in the backyard, this packable bucket hat offers great sun protection for your child's summer adventures. It has a UPF 50+ rating and comes in a fun butterfly print.

Shop TODAY editor pick

Hat Attack Traveler Continental

What we like
  • Has SPF protection
  • Folds easily
Something to note
  • Not ideal for breezy days

Size: One size | Materials: Straw, polyester

Hats off to commerce writer Jannely Espinal for finding this chic fedora that features an adjustable sweatband and SPF protection.

"This hat is perfect for traveling because it can be folded and easily stored in your carry-on bag or luggage. I love the simplicity and wide brims which helps to protect my face from the sun. Also, I find it to be pretty breathable and a snug fit on my head," says Espinal.

How we chose the best protective sun hats

We selected the best sun hats for children and adults that protect them from harmful UVA and UVB rays. We enlisted the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists, searched top-rated user reviews and chose some Shop TODAY editor-approved picks.

Meet the experts