Choosing the Right Sun Hat
Sun hats protect the head, ears, and face from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can cause sunburn and skin cancer on the head, especially in regions that are close to the equator. Wearing a sun hat can help prevent these problems and also enhance a person's appearance and fashion sense.
There are many different types of sun hats available on the market, with some styles being more stylish than others. But all of them serve the same purpose: to protect the wearer from UV rays, sunburn, and glare. Choosing the right hat for you or your child can be difficult, but it is important to consider several factors, such as style, comfort, adjustability, and UPF rating.
A sun hat is typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics such as straw, cotton, or nylon; has a wide brim that shades the face and neck; and can often be worn with a visor. It is recommended that you choose a hat with a UPF rating of at least 50, which provides the highest level of protection from the sun's UV rays.
The UPF rating of a sun hat is determined by its fabric thickness, color, and treatment, as well as how close together the fibers are. Straw hats, for example, can have spaces between the individual fibers that can let in some of the sun's UV rays.
Other things to consider when shopping for a sun hat include the shape, stiffness of the brim, and how comfortable the hat is to wear. Stiffer hats may be easier to keep in place, but they can feel uncomfortable against the head and ears. In addition, a large, stiff brim can be cumbersome if it hits the ground when walking or when you're in a windy environment.
A good sun hat should be easy to fit and flexible, allowing it to be adjusted to fit your head size without pinching or feeling tight. A good sun hat should also be lightweight so it doesn't add extra bulk to your outfit. It should be durable, able to withstand repeated use, and be machine washable or dry cleanable.
To test out these qualities in a range of outdoor environments, Meghan put 13 sun hats through the wringer over a three-month period. From the highest alpine trails to the shadeless golf courses of Colorado, she wore these hats in a variety of weather conditions to gauge how they held up. The finalists were tested for comfort, adjustability, and UPF rating. See which hats made the cut below!
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