Are you ready to soak up the sun and feel the salty breeze? Before you slip into your flip-flops and grab your sunscreen, there’s one essential accessory you shouldn’t forget: a sun hat for the beach! They’re your shield against UV rays (and your ticket to a stylish coastal look). Let’s explore some cute sun hats for the beach and tips for picking one that flatters your face…
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Do You Really Need a Sun Hat for the Beach?
This past year, I took a trip to Newport Beach, California and while I had an amazing time… I also ended up with a sunburn. Eek!
It was overcast during my trip, and even though I know better, I neglected to wear a proper hat and reapply my sunscreen. One thing I’m committed to this year is to be diligent with sun protection and I honestly feel that sun hats are the way to go! It can feel tedious to slather on the SPF every 2 hours, so in my opinion hats are more practical and even stylish if you find the right one.
And let’s face it, while a sunny day at the beach is pure bliss, it also means exposing your skin to harmful UV radiation. It’s proven that prolonged sun exposure without protection can lead to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. So, consider your sun hat your loyal sidekick in the fight against sun damage – it’s not just a fashion accessory; it’s a health essential!
Finding a Sun Hat: What to Look For
Are you convinced you need a sun hat for the beach? Ok, let’s talk about finding the perfect one that you actually enjoy wearing!
There are tons of styles, materials, and features to choose from, so here are a few quick tips to find a beach hat you love:
- First things first, consider the shape of the hat. A few styles that would be good for the beach/sun protection are a Boater hat, Bucket hat, Floppy hat or even a Visor
- The size of the brim is another important factor. Anything over 3 inches is considered a wide brim and would offer the best sun protection by shading a larger area of your face and neck, while a narrower brim may offer a more streamlined look.
- Next, think about the material. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like straw or cotton are ideal for hot beach days, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool and comfortable.
- I also like to factor in the structure/stiffness of the hat. Are you looking for a large, floppy style that will move in the breeze? Or something more stiff and structured?
- You may also want to consider if the hat is adjustable. Beach hats with adjustable straps or drawstrings can help on those windy days at the coast!
- Are you traveling with your hat? A packable hat might be just right. Look for something that can roll up and fit into your bag, yet also retain it’s shape easily.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Sun Hat
Now that you know what you’re looking for, here are a few recommendations to kick off your search for a sun hat for the beach. Most of these hats have a UPF rating (ultraviolet protection factor) which is the way fabrics are evaluated for sun protection. Did you know? UPF 50+ means that only 2% of ultraviolet radiation is able to penetrate the fabric .
1. Woven Straw Boater Hat
One of my current favorites is this straw boater hat from ASOS that I’m wearing in this picture. It’s stiff, adjustable and stays on even on the windiest of days! I personally love a boater style, where the top of the hat is flat rather than rounded, I feel like it’s such a flattering fit.
2. Packable and Travel-Friendly Visor
If you’re heading to the beach and want a hat that rolls up in your bag, this is the one! I love that it has a wide brim, is super easy to pack, comes in tons of colors and is super affordable. I got this packable, open-top visor on Amazon and it’s a steal and you can get it quickly if you have Amazon Prime. It velcros in the back, so it’s also easy to adjust to your head.
3. Knitted Wide Brim Hat
If there’s one hat I’ve worn a TON over the past two years, it’s this wide brim, flexible sun hat from Scala. I got it in Panama City Beach at a local shop, but you can also find their hats on Amazon. What I love about this one in particular is that it’s UPF 50, rolls up yet keeps it’s shape well, and is easy to wash! The brim kind of curves downward, so it’s also really effective at blocking the sun.
4. Straw Lifeguard Hat
When I saw this hat, I immediately fell in love with the unique patterned lining. This Nomad Lifeguard Hat is from Hemlock Hats and I not only love the design, but the fit is nice and snug and it’s UPF rated at 50. There are lots of different prints, colors and patterns for the lining, so you can really personalize it to your style! I ended up buying another hat for my Dad as a gift, because he loves being outdoors and lives in Florida where it’s always sunny!
5. Tie Dye Baseball Cap
If you aren’t a fan of wider brims and want something more casual, check out this fun tie-dye print baseball cap. I got mine at Walmart and felt like it was such a fun print for the summertime. I like that it’s a lightweight cotton material and very breathable on hot days.
6. The Best & Cheapest Sun Hat I Own
This might come as a surprise… but my favorite place to find sun hats is on Poshmark! I’ve been using their app for over 7 years now, and I love to buy and sell. It’s a fantastic way to eliminate clothing ending up in landfills (tons of clothing waste does every year). It’s also a great way to find a good deal because hats can be expensive! This is my newest find that I paid only $11 for! If you want to join Poshmark and get $10 towards your first purchase, come and join me! Use the referral code “KELLIHOGAN”
Other Beach Day Must-Haves
So, you’ve found the perfect sun hat for the beach– now what? Well, it’s time to take your look to the next level with some stylish accessories! If you need to pick up a few things for your trip, I’ve gathered up all my favorites in one place! Check out my post 10 Must-Have Beach Day Essentials for a Perfect Summer Getaway to grab the ones that speak to you.
Living at the coast for over 7 years, I’m a big fan of polarized sunglasses and a lightweight cover-up to complete your beach ensemble. 90% of the time, you can find me in a pair of sandals that are beach friendly and comfortable. A few of my favorites are the Olukai Kamola slides and Birkenstock Arizona sandals.
I also have a Guide to Sustainable Swimwear if you need a cute suit for your trip, and a list of Reef-Safe and Biodegradable Sunscreens to check out.
Travel Tips and How To Care for Your Sun Hat
Last but not least, let’s talk about caring for your beloved sun hat to ensure it stays in tip-top condition for many beach trips to come. After a day of sandy adventures, give your hat a gentle shake to remove any excess sand or debris.
If your hat is made of straw or fabric, spot clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding excessive scrubbing to prevent damage. My favorite gentle, non-toxic cleanser that I use on my hats (and particularly on the inside fabric band where makeup, sunscreen and sweat can collect is Branch Basics. I’m a huge fan of their products and have been using them for 4+ years now.
For straw hats, reshape the brim if needed and allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If your hat ever gets misshapen, re-wet it and try to re-shape it using a wadded up beach towel in the cap.
Always store your sun hat in a cool, dry place to maintain its shape and integrity between beach outings. With proper care and maintenance, your sun hat will be your faithful companion for endless sunny days by the sea! I like to hang mine on hooks in my closet so they are always ready to go.
If you’re traveling with your hat, you can always wear it on the plane, buy one that’s packable (and basically rolls up) or pack it carefully in your suitcase. Here’s a photo of how I’ve traveled with a stiff-brim straw hat that I didn’t want to risk getting bent out of shape:
Enjoy Your Beach Trip! Before You Go…
And there you have it – the lowdown on why a sun hat for the beach is an absolute vacation essential! Not only does it offer unbeatable sun protection, but it also adds a touch of style and flair to your seaside look.
So, whether you’re lounging under a palm tree or splashing in the surf, don’t forget to top it all off with your favorite sun hat. With its combination of shade and style, it’s the ultimate beach accessory for every sun-seeking adventurer!
