Sun Protection Hat Recommender: Find the Best Sun Hat for Your Situation
Most people never check the UV index before putting on a hat.
But the hat that’s fine on a low-UV morning may not be enough during peak afternoon sun.
Use this tool to find the type of hat that best matches today’s UV conditions and your plans outdoors.
Sun Protection Hat Recommender
Answer 4 quick questions. Get a personalized hat recommendation based on UV conditions, your activity, and skin type.
What to Look for in a Sun Protection Hat
A wide-brimmed hat can still provide poor sun protection. Before you buy, check these 5 things.
1. Look for UPF 50+
This is the first thing to check before buying a sun protection hat. Look for a UPF 50+ rating on the label.
UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks at least 98% of UV rays before they reach your skin. If a hat does not have a UPF rating, there is no way to know exactly how much UV protection it provides.
Not sure what UPF 50+ means? Read our guide on What Are UPF Hats.
2. Follow the 3-Inch Brim Rule
A good sun hat should have a brim that is at least 3 inches wide all the way around.
This helps shade your face, ears, and neck. Smaller brims leave more skin exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Don’t Forget Neck Coverage
The back of your neck is one of the easiest places to miss when you’re outdoors.
Look for a hat with a wide brim or a neck flap, especially if you spend long hours hiking, fishing, gardening, or at the beach.
4. Do the Light Test
Hold the hat up to a bright light. If you can easily see light through the fabric or gaps in the weave, more UV rays can pass through as well.
In general, tighter weaves provide better sun protection than loose ones.
5. Choose a Hat That Stays Put
A sun hat only works when it’s on your head.
If you spend time outdoors on windy days, look for a chin strap or adjustable fit. This is especially useful for hiking, boating, beach trips, and other outdoor activities.
Are UPF Hats Worth It?
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a UPF hat is worth it.
A regular hat may provide some sun protection, but you usually have no idea how much. A UPF-rated hat has been tested, so you know exactly what level of protection you’re getting.
If sun protection is your goal, a UPF-rated hat is the safer choice. We cover the best UPF hats for women if you’re not sure which one to get.
Common Sun Hat Mistakes
- Choosing a hat based on looks instead of protection
- Wearing a hat with a brim that is too small
- Assuming every hat blocks UV rays
- Ignoring the UPF rating
- Wearing the same hat in every weather and UV condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cap enough for sun protection?
No. A cap protects your forehead and eyes, but it leaves your ears, neck, and parts of your face exposed to the sun. For better coverage, choose a hat with a wider brim.
Is a bucket hat better than a cap?
For sun protection, yes. A bucket hat provides shade around the sides of your head and helps protect your ears and neck, which a regular cap does not fully cover.
Do straw hats protect against UV rays?
Some do, but not all. UV protection depends on how tightly the straw is woven.
A tightly woven straw hat blocks more UV rays than a loosely woven one. If the hat has a UPF rating, you know it has been tested for UV protection.
How can I tell if a hat provides good sun protection?
Start by checking for a UPF rating. A UPF 50+ hat blocks at least 98% of UV rays. Also look for a wide brim and a tightly woven fabric that does not let much light pass through.
Do I need a sun hat on cloudy days?
Yes. UV rays can pass through clouds, even when the sun is not visible. A sun hat can still help reduce UV exposure on cloudy days, especially if you spend long periods outdoors.
Now, It’s Your Turn
Not sure if your current hat is giving you enough protection?
Use the Sun Protection Hat Recommender above and see what it recommends for your situation.
If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who spends a lot of time outdoors.