10 Best Sun Hats to Protect Your Skin From Harmful UV Rays All Summer Long

By now you know the importance of wearing sunscreen when you step outside. But have you considered wearing a hat, too? In addition to being super stylish, sun hats help offer an extra layer of protection against the sun’s skin-damaging UV rays.

It’s a good idea to wear a hat and sunscreen in the sun, says board-certified dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York. The reason: “Hats block your skin from ultraviolet rays and provide sun protection that doesn’t wear off.” (Remember: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours because its protection wanes throughout the day—and most people don’t apply enough for max protection to begin with.)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), wearing sun protective clothing, like a sun hat, can help ward off skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which account for 90% of all skin cancers, often appear on the head and neck—and hats specifically keep these areas covered and protected.

How to shop for a sun hat that protects your skin

✔️ Go wide: Not all sun hats are created equal. “Generally, a 4-inch brim around the entire circumference of the hat is needed to protect the face, neck, eyes, and ears,” Dr. Waldorf says. Visors can be worn for sun protection, as well, but the brim should be super wide, practically wrapping around the head, she adds.

You’ll also want to avoid baseball caps, unless they have a drape. “A regular baseball cap is not sufficient—they’re designed to keep the glare of the sun out of your eyes, not to protect your skin,” notes Dr. Waldorf.

✔️ Pay attention to color: When it comes to the fabric, go for hats with a darkly-colored, tightly-woven fabric like denim, canvas, wool, or synthetic fibers, which can effectively shield against harmful UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. To check the coverage of the fabric, shine a flashlight through it to see which areas are shaded and which are exposed, suggests Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and author of Skin Rules. If you can see through the fabric, UV radiation can reach your skin.

✔️ Scan the label: There are also hats with built-in UV protection, which can make shopping a little easier. Go for hats that have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or above, says Dr. Jaliman. UPF represents how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA rays) a fabric allows to reach your skin. In order to earn the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval a fabric must have a UPF of at least 30. Anywhere between UPF 30 to 49 is very good protection, while UPF 50+ qualifies as excellent.

Ready to shop for your perfect, summer-ready hat? Below are the best sun hats for every type of activity. And we can’t stress it enough: You’ll always want to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above—even if you’re donning a sun hat.

1. Sun Straw Hat UPF 50

With UPF 50, this chic straw hat is packed with sun protection and style. “It offers just the right amount of curve in the way it relaxes without being too floppy and cumbersome,” says Debbie Wright, style director for LUG. You can also fit it to your head with the adjustable velcro strap. Bonus: It’s foldable and packable, making it easy to stash into your beach bag.

2. Wide Brim Bucket Hat

Going on an adventure? This bucket hat is perfect for a hike or boating trip. It boasts a UPF of 50+ and is waterproof, in case you get caught in the rain. Its lightweight breathability and affordability make it a smart addition to your activewear collection, notes Wright.

3. Joanna Straw Hat

“With a wide brim, unisex sizing, and 74% 5-star reviews, this fedora is perfect for a day at the beach or walking and exploring a new city,” Blanc says. It’s made of tightly woven paper straw, which the Skin Cancer Foundation says is protective against UV rays. It comes in three gorgeous hues and is available in sizes extra-small through large.

4. Black Wide Brim Straw Hat

With UPF 50+, this wide-brimmed sun hat thoroughly protects your head, face, and neck. “You can crumple, pack, and fold it, and it will bounce right back into shape,” says style expert Erin Busbee. It comes in a few different shades, and rings in at under $20.

5. Blake Elegant Floppy Sun Hat UPF 50+

You don’t have to compromise style for sun protection. This sun hat offers both with UPF 50+ and a durable polybraid in a gorgeous tan color. Dr. Waldorf recommends this sun hat because the 4-inch brim fully protects your head and neck.

6. Panama Sun Hat

This sun hat by Halogen has it all: It’s affordable, protective, and packable, says personal stylist Lana Blanc, founder of The Blanc House. It has a nice, wide brim and is made from polyester, which absorbs UV radiation, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It only comes in one size, but there’s an adjustable strap so you can fit it comfortably on your head.

7. Water Repellent Roll-Up Visor

Functional and cute, this roll-up visor boasts UPF 50+ protection and is water-repellent, making it the perfect option for your trip to the beach. It’s also packable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in your suitcase. “This one is a no brainer,” Blanc says. Dr. Waldorf gives it her stamp of approval, as well.

8. Shorty Lux Visor

“Developed with the help of dermatologists, this neoprene visor has an adjustable, transparent PVC lens and a whopping 99% UV protection,” Blanc says. It’s a great option for those who spend their summer days on a tennis court or golf course. Just be sure to slather extra sunscreen on your face and neck since those areas will still be exposed. Wearing a drape is also a good idea.

9. Ultrabraid Panama Sun Hat

“This panama hat has a wide brim and UPF 50+, so it really protects you from the sun,” says Busbee. The tightly braided texture blocks the sun’s rays, and a chambray band adds a fun pop of color.  

10. Reversible Short-Brimmed Bucket Hat

Bucket hats offer a classic look that never goes out of style. “This one is made of durable cotton canvas, giving it a casual feel,” says Busbee. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers, making this fabric a good choice for a sun hat. Madewell customers give it high ratings, although you’ll definitely want to size up.