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Should you be wearing a UPF Sun hat? Here’s why dermatologists say yes
Sun safety goes beyond wearing sunscreen — experts suggest these sun hats for the best UV protection.
This brimmed fishing hat is made from a fast-drying, textured nylon that keeps you cool by pulling moisture to the fabric’s surface to keep sweat at bay, according to the brand. It has an adjustable chin strap and toggle for a secure fit during windy days on the water, along with vented sides for increased breathability. The hat is one size fits all, and comes in 32 different colors.
This stylish braided straw fedora has UPF 50+ protection, along with a removable drawstring and an adjustable built-in strap to ensure the right fit.
Coolibar boasts unanimous approval from our experts, and the brand is “respected in gear quality and longevity, so it’s a very safe purchase and one that should invoke confidence in the buyer,” says Minars. With UPF 50+ protection in a fabric that’s both breathable as well as shapeable, this adjustable hat is a top pick.
Tareen loves this high-end, stylish lightweight option that has the look of a fashionable straw hat without compromising the protection of UPF. Not only does this model come in seven different color options but it’s also designed to guard skin from 95% of UVA and UVB rays, according to the brand.
This protective sun hat from Sunday Afternoons, which has a 4.6-star average rating from 1,789 reviews at Amazon, has a brim made with foam to help maintain its shape and prevent it from flying away in the wind. The underside of the hat has a dark hue to help absorb reflective light and prevent glare, according to the brand. The inside also has a sweatband and the back of it is extra long to help protect your neck.
If you prefer the look of a baseball cap but still want the protection of a UPF hat, this option, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 14,400 reviews on Amazon, is a good choice. It has an adjustable strap and absorbs water and sweat to maintain a cool temperature for up to 2 hours, according to the brand. It’s made of a breathable material, ideal for athletic activity and is machine washable.
Whether you’re out golfing or spending time at the beach, this stylish UPF 50+ hat will help keep you protected from the sun. Recommended for when you want to travel light, according to the brand, the Coolibar Travel Fedora has an interior moisture-wicking sweatband and mesh grommets for increased airflow. It also has a 4.2-star average rating from 310 reviews at Coolibar.
Another expert favorite, this UPF 50+ hat lets you stay protected during a day on the water. With a 4.4-star average rating from 389 reviews at Coolibar, this hat provides all-around protection, including around the ears. The convertible style allows you to add extra neck coverage when you want while a covered mesh panel and sweatband help keep you cool.
This versatile, adventure-ready hat has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,233 reviews on Amazon. It’s water-resistant, breathable, UPF 50+ and adjustable, according to the brand. With a wide brim, interior sweatband and flap to protect your head, neck and ears, this foldable hat is a solid choice for keeping you covered in the sun this summer and beyond.
This full-coverage sports hat has a 4.6-star average rating from 229 reviews at Amazon and features an attached neck drape for additional protection as kids splash in the water and comes in a quick-drying UPF 50+ material that’s both chlorine- and saltwater-resistant, according to the brand.
UV Skinz is one of Tareen’s go-to brands, she says. As a mom of five, she appreciates both the safety and practicality of these UPF 50+ hats that she says actually stay on little heads. Plus, this versatile style has a sun flap to cover ears and necks but can also be tucked away.
These Green Sprouts hats give full coverage from the sun to little necks and ears. They are also machine-washable, come in a UPF 50+ water-wicking material and feature an adjustable toggle to grow with the baby. This hat also has a 4.8-star average rating from 123 reviews at Green Sprouts.
With reversible patterns, playful 3D animal details and a range of colors, there’s an adorable option for every baby fashionista from Durio. The brand also makes the Summer Beach UPF Hat for toddlers and kids up to 8 years old. These lightweight sun hats block up to 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays with a UPF 50+ cotton and polyester fabric.
Given the amount of time Tareen’s five kids have spent in these UPF 50+ sun protective hats, she knows that they aren’t only safe but they also stay on with their simple tie. These water-friendly, reversible hats come in both boys and girls versions in an array of patterns and colors.
Although style is always top of mind — and there are plenty of great options out there to choose from — it’s important to invest in a hat that fully protects you and is best for your needs. Fortunately, our experts say there are several key factors that will easily rule out the good from the not-so-good.
SCF seal: A good place to start is looking for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, according to our experts. Although the optimal rating is UPF 50+, the foundation grants this seal to fabrics that have a minimum of 30 UPF on the lightest shade in the product range. In addition, the clothing awarded this seal must also pass a number of tests by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
Brim coverage: As noted above, our experts also said to invest in at least a 3-inch wide brim to shade the face, scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back. Kids’ brims should be a minimum of 2.5 inches, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Water resistance: If you’re planning to wear your hat at the beach or for any other water activity, look for a hat that will dry quickly if it gets wet, as studies have found that UPF hats are less effective when wet.
Other key considerations when shopping for a quality UPF sun hat or any other type of UPF clothing, according to our experts, include opting for darker colors and tighter weaves, like polyester and nylon rather than cotton, flax and hemp, which absorb UV rays rather than deflect them.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Barbara Booth has been covering wellness and health care for over a decade at CNBC and NBC Select and has published several guides on bestselling walking shoes, best under-eye patches, best smart scales and more. Ashley Morris is an associate reporter at NBC Select who regularly covers self care, home and lifestyle. Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select. He updated and contributed to the reporting of this story.
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