The 8 Best Sun Hats of 2023
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Stay cool and chic with these protective accessories
TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong
When it comes to a good sun hat, we have a few key requirements. Aside from protecting from UV rays, your sun hat should be breathable, relatively lightweight (yet sturdy enough to withstand wind), and of course, stylish. Luckily for you, the hats on this list meet all those requirements and then some.
Best Overall: Filson Summer Packer Hat
When it comes to coverage, breathability, and design, it's tough to beat the Filson Summer Packer Hat. With its sleek lines and fedora-style fit, this hat is much more fashion-forward than other, similar-performing sun hats—without sacrificing what matters. It features UPF 50+ protection (meaning it blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays), integrated grommets for added breathability, and a comfortable cotton sweatband lining. Available in two elegantly neutral shades (Otter Green and Desert Tan), Summer Packer is also made from 8-ounce dry finish Shelter Cloth which is lightweight, water-repellent, and easy to spot clean, making it the perfect hat for virtually any outdoor activity. Seriously, what's not to love?
Price at time of publication: $75
Materials: 9-ounce dry finish Shelter Cloth | Brim Size: 2.75 inches | UPF Rating: 50+
Best for Camping: Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Hat
What We Like
Stays secure on windy days
Eco-friendly materials
Travels well
What We Don't Like
Hand wash only
There's a lot to love about the Furtalk Wide Brim Sun Hat. This easily packable and crushable hat can be folded without losing its shape and adjusted as needed—it has a chin strap and velcro strip under the inside hatband so that you can size up or down. It's perfect for hanging at your campsite in the daytime; it's UPF 50+, keeps your face out of the sunlight, and allows air to flow nicely. Plus, this hat is just plain chic with a braided design and floppy brim.
Price at time of publication: $32
Materials: Recycled paper, polyester, cotton | Brim Size: 3.2 inches | UPF Rating: 50+
Best for Hiking: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Hat
What We Like
Super lightweight
Packs down well
What We Don't Like
Brim is a bit floppy
Don’t hit the trail without the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat, which offers comfort and maximum protection from the elements when you’re out getting your adventure junkie fix. While you work up a sweat, rejoice in this hat’s polyester sweatband and mesh interior that wicks away moisture, keeping you nice and cool. The textured nylon poplin shell provides coverage from the sun, and the adjustable chin strap secures this hat in place when you’re in high alpine, windy terrain.
Price at time of publication: $30
Materials: 100 percent nylon | Brim Size: 3 inches | UPF Rating: 50
Best for Men: Einskey Men's Sun Hat
What We Like
Breathable
Easy to take traveling
Waterproof
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for bald heads
More often than not, men’s sun hats can err on the side of dorky—but that’s not the case with the Einskey Sun Hat, with its relatively slim silhouette. You won’t lose this hat when the wind picks up, thanks to the adjustable chin strap that holds it securely in place. And if it’s a particularly steamy day, the built-in sweatband and two mesh vents help to keep your head cool and comfortable. Available in a range of colors, this hat also holds up well to being folded (and even smashed) inside your pack, so it’s an excellent choice for everyday use.
Price at time of publication: $30
Materials: 100 percent polyester | Brim Size: 3.9 inches | UPF Rating: 50+
Best for Babies: SimpliKids Baby Sun Hat
Protect your little one from the sunlight with the SimpliKids UPF 50+ Baby Sun Hat. Crucially, this baby sun hat is breathable, quick-drying, and offers full-scale neck and face coverage with its wide floppy brim. The adjustable drawstring allows for a more flexible fit as your baby grows, and this hat packs up neatly into a compact square for easy transport to the beach or pool. And it comes in dozens of bright colors and adorable patterns.
Price at time of publication: $11
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Best Packable : Sunlily Roll-N-Go Sun Hat
What We Like
Stylish
Easy to stow
What We Don't Like
Not the most durable option
The Sunlily Roll-N-Go Sun Hat bounces right back to its original shape no matter how long it’s been squished at the bottom of your suitcase. Toss it in your tote, pack, or beach bag without worrying about unsightly wrinkles or creases forming. And the functional features don’t stop there—this hat’s braided leatherette roll strap (with snap fastener) holds the hat closed for travel but also doubles as a decorative band when worn.
Price at time of publication: $21
Materials: 100 percent polyester | Brim Size: 4.5 inches | UPF Rating: Not listed
Related:The 9 Best Beach Hats of 2023
Best Mesh: Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat
What We Like
Made in the US
Quality construction
What We Don't Like
Sizing can be tricky
Extreme breathability is the name of the game with the Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat. This hat’s mesh side panels help to maximize the breeze, so you stay as sweat-free as possible, while the solid top (and Supplex Solarweave Fabric) effectively blocks out the sunlight. It’s UPF 50+ rated, fully adjustable, and exceptionally well-made. This hat is ideal for any outdoor excursion.
Price at time of publication: $50
Materials: Supplex solarweave | Brim Size: Not listed | UPF Rating: 50+
Best Straw: Freya Women's Gardenia Hat
What We Like
Versatile style
Adjustable
What We Don't Like
One color option
There are straw hats, and then there’s the Freya Gardenia Hat. This charming black hat boasts a classic silhouette and a wide, grosgrain band, making every outfit look about ten times chicer. It’s also designed with an interior elastic band, providing sizing flexibility. And, of course, you get plenty of sun coverage—the brim can conceal your whole face if desired, or you can tilt it to neatly frame your face. This is the perfect sun hat to take on a small-ship cruise.
Price at time of publication: $220
Materials: Woven straw | Brim Size: 3.25 inches | UPF Rating: 50+
Final Verdict
The Filson Summer Packer Hat provides coverage and breathability with a fashion-forward design. Featuring UPF 50+ protection, this hat will be perfect for outdoor activities. The Furtalk Wide Brim Straw Hat is also a great choice with adjustable straps and be easily packed without losing its shape.
What to Look for in a Sun Hat
Activity
When choosing a sun hat, think about what you’ll be doing while wearing it. If you’re out on the water, you’ll want a hat that protects your ears and neck from the reflective waves. If you’re just heading out on more active activities, keep an eye out for a hat that offers a secure fit and an outlet for pulled-back hair.
Material
Consider a hat's fabric before making a purchasing decision. If your skin is fair or burns easily, get a sun hat with built-in UPF protection. However, if you want to prioritize style, you can use a different material, such as straw or cotton, that has a brim to protect your face and neck from harmful sun rays.
Price
No hat is worth spending a fortune on, but it’s better to pay a little more for a hat you feel comfortable and confident in than to buy a cheaper one you won’t wear. Find one that works for your lifestyle, and you’re all but guaranteed to make sun protection a daily habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a sun hat be reshaped?
To reshape a sun hat, use steam from a fabric steamer (some are even made for travel) or a tea kettle to soften the material. When doing this, make sure to steam the top and bottom of the dented parts of the hat. While still wet, mold the hat back into shape and let it air dry.
How should I clean my sun hat?
To clean a sun hat, fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add a couple of drops of laundry detergent to it. Soak your hat in the water-soap mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently scrub dirtier areas if needed, then soak the hat in the water for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse the hat before letting it air dry. To keep your hat from losing its shape while drying, stuff balled-up paper towels or newspapers into the crown.
If cleaning a straw or paper hat, begin by removing excess dirt and dust from the hat using a brush. After this, spot-treat the hat using a water and soap mixture. Thoroughly rinse the hat before letting it air dry, placing balled paper towels or newspaper in the crown.
What is the best way to pack a sun hat?
To keep a sun hat from losing shape in your suitcase, put clothes like underwear and socks into the crown of the hat. Once you’ve packed larger items, create a pocket for the hat and insert it on top first. Continue to pack the rest of your items around the hat.
Why Trust TripSavvy
Justine Harrington has more than a few sun hats in her closet and loves finding stylish ones that pull double duty to protect your face and neck from sun exposure. She is a freelance writer in Austin, TX, who covers topics spanning travel, food & drink, lifestyle, and culture. She has covered all things Texas for TripSavvy since August 2018. Justine's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and USA Today.
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