Best sun hat

Stylishly keep your skin and noggin safe with these best sun hats.

Best sun hat
(Image credit: @Philipp Berg on Unsplash)

Sun hats are a must-have accessory whenever you have activities lined up under the sun. Whether you’re beach-bound, gardening, or just enjoying some fresh air in your backyard, protection from harmful UV rays is essential. Sun hats come in a range of styles and designs. From fashionable to practical and wide-rimmed to petite, we've hand-picked great options to help you stay shady.

Best overall

EINSKEY sun hat

(Image credit: Amazon)

EINSKEY sun hat

Gender neutral

A super stylish bucket hat with a snug fit.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Adjustable drawstring for a snug fit
  • Wide-brimmed design
  • Quick-dry fabric

Cons:

  • Strong chemical odor

Whether you're on the beach or hiking the trails, the EINSKEY wide-brim hat offers stylish protection from harmful rays. This waterproof bucket style comes in different colors and features an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit. Its athletic design is ideal for a long day of fishing, hiking, or anything else active under the sun. And if it rains? You’re covered! The sun hat’s wide brim and waterproof material will keep you droplet-free. 

Creative design

Muryobao women's ponytail sun hat

(Image credit: Amazon)

Muryobao women's sun hat

Special cutout to accommodate your ponytail

This stylish and functional hat folds down nicely for convenient carrying and storage.

Pros:

  • Folds down neatly
  • Innovative ponytail cutout
  • Beautiful, dual-color design

Cons:

  • Not waterproof

If you dread pulling your hair into a low ponytail or letting your mane loose, worry not. The Muryobao women’s ponytail sun hat has you covered. This foldable, mesh sun hat features a space in the back to thread a ponytail through so you can look elegant and avoid headaches while enjoying the sun. It offers a snug, cozy fit that is slightly adjustable, and it comes in 14 different colors. 

Kids' choice

GearTOP UPF 50+ wide-brim sun hat

(Image credit: Amazon)

GearTOP UPF 50+ wide-brim sun hat

Comfortable and durable

The fabric is both soft and stylish, making it a great option for children.

Pros:

  • Breathable mesh panels
  • Light and comfortable
  • Foldable brim 
  • High-quality polyester construction

Cons:

  • Limited color options

GearTOP is no stranger when it comes to reliable outdoor protective accessories, so you can be sure that this sun hat is dependable. The Navigator series features UPF 50+ sun protection, a drawstring chin cord, and an elastic drawcord for a comfortable fit. The large brim will shade their eyes and cheeks from the sun as they explore to their heart's content, while two snap buttons on each side make it possible to fold and secure the brim if need be.

Color for days

Columbia Bora Bora II Booney hat

(Image credit: Columbia Sportswear Company)

Columbia Bora Bora II Booney hat

Lightweight sun protection with a sporty look

Whether you’re tailgating or fishing, this versatile sun hat will not disappoint.

Pros:

  • Sweat-wicking headband
  • Drawstring and chin cord
  • Pretty durable
  • Several color options

Cons:

  • Slightly floppy

Built for whatever the sun throws at you, Columbia’s Bora Bora Booney hat adds a youthful and stylish twist to the traditional bucket hat. It features an Omni-Wick sweatband that manages moisture to keep you cool, mesh venting for added breathability, and Omni-Shade UPF 50 to protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. This formidable sun hat comes in a whopping sixteen color options and with an adjustable drawcord and chin cord for a comfortable, snug fit.

A classic

FURTALK sun visor hat

(Image credit: Amazon)

FURTALK sun visor hat

A fashionable straw style with a Velcro closure

Roll the brim up to achieve a baseball cap silhouette, or fold it down for a traditional sun visor look.

Pros:

  • Four neutral color options
  • Foldable without losing shape
  • Perfect for a messy bun or ponytail

Cons:

  • Brim tends to hung the face 

If you prefer a classic sun hat style, then straw is the way to go. This style is ponytail and messy bun friendly and folds down perfectly for easy portability and storage.  As it isn’t waterproof, this sun hat is recommended for gardening, walking, or leisurely activities in the sun where you will stay dry. It comes in four lovely neutral colors that blend with most outfits.

Stay cool and shady

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Sun hats are so much more than just a way to protect your head from the sun. They can be chic, fun, and fashionable too. There are lots of excellent styles on the market, but no two are alike. With its equal parts style and UV protection, the EINSKEY sun hat tops the list. Thanks to the 100 percent polyester construction, you don't have to worry about the wet.

If you'd love the freedom of letting your hair down or sweep it in a ponytail, then grab the Muryobao women’s sun hat. It has a convenient hair cutout at the back and comes in a ton of beautiful colors for a little flair. So, no matter what you’re up to next time you’re under the sun, don’t forget your hat!

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.