Have you ever wondered, what are the essential requirements of a hat to perform well to protect you from skin damage caused by the sun? A perfect sun hat can give you protection to those skin areas that are prone to cancer. A sunscreen with a high SPF value can help you in doing so, but certain areas need extra care. The skin of our face and neck are delicate, and they are the region where dermatologists witness the most skin cancer cases. Even wrinkles in your skin start to show up in these regions. Why welcome these unnecessary problems when you have the option of avoiding them by wearing a sun hat. Before we talk about the different types of sun hats, let’s look into the required features of a perfect sun hat that can shield the harsh sun rays properly.
The characteristics of a good sun hat
- The material of the hat should be an impenetrable one. As people have become more cautious, hat companies have introduced a rating system that rates a sun hat’s protection ability. Opt for a hat that has a UPF 50.
- Choose a wide brim hat (that will measure between three to five inches) with full circumference. Firmer brims are better than floppy brims as they won’t bend in the wind and will leave you exposed. A hat that keeps the side of your face uncovered cannot give you the desired protection.
- Loosely woven hats or messed hats are an absolute no-no for those looking for good sun hats. Not only your scalp but also your face and neck skin are partially exposed to the harmful rays if you choose such a hat. And we are sure you will not like to have skin cancer on your scalp! Men with thin hair (or has already turned bald) need to wear a sun hat. Else, they would be inviting danger.
- A good quality sun hat must remain on the head. It necessitates a snug fit. Some hats include adjustable brims so that you can get the right fit. Additionally, your activity will decide whether you require a chin strap to prevent it from flying off.
Types of sun hats that you can avail yourself to protect the skin
. Wide-brimmed hat
If safety comes first for you, a wide-brimmed big sun hat is what you must have. The wider the brim, the safer you are. Why? Because it will shield your face, ears, and neck completely. These hats will safeguard you from both direct and reflected (from sand and water) ultraviolet rays. And there’s a piece of good news too. Runways have embraced this hat style and have turned them into a fashionable yet practical style accessory.
. Floppy hat
Floppy hats are a good choice for covering your sensitive skin area. But most often, these floppy hats are made with straw. It’s advisable to avoid using them as they are loosely woven and have holes that might let in damaging UV rays. If you are seeking maximum protection, choose a hat fabric that is thick and opaque. You will need a hat with a UPF rating of at least 25. Floppy hats are floppy. So, in addition to wearing the hat in the sun, apply ample sunscreen too.
. Bucket hat
Though bucket hat is mainly popular among the fisherman community, that doesn’t mean you cannot wear one. This old-school hat style has been updated to match the needs of the modern world. At present, you get them in various shapes and colors. If you like this type of hat, make sure to choose one which has a brim of two or three inches. And if possible, find a darker shade with a non-reflective underside brim.
. Fedora
The fedora reminds us of Indiana Jones flaunting one. And if you consider the activities the character was seen on screen to perform, a hat was really needed for Indiana. The latter was seen to be under the sun mostly. And the fedora did justice both practically and visually. It usually has a 2.5 inches brim which is good enough to shield you against the harsh sun rays. Darker-colored fedoras made of tightly woven fabric will work fine as a sun hat.
. Panama hat
People prefer this hat style because they are easy to carry and known for their comfort. Toquilla straw is the preferred choice for making these hats. They have a tighter weave. Panama hats also can act as good sun hats if you buy a suitable quality.
Conclusion
Mostly, you will find sun hats made out of straw. It’s so because it is lighter than most materials and is breathable. If you prefer to have a sun straw hat, make sure the weaving is tight and right. Lastly, we would like to say that whatever hat you ultimately pick, be certain to wear it and love it, and let the sun hat shield you from the direct UV ray damage.
