UPF hats are made with fabric that blocks the sun’s UV rays from reaching your skin.
These hats are designed and tested for sun protection.
They reduce UV exposure on your face, ears, scalp, and neck when you spend time outdoors.
What Does UPF Mean on a Hat
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. The UPF rating on a hat tells you how much UV radiation the fabric blocks before it reaches your skin.
A UPF 30 hat blocks about 97% of UV rays. A UPF 50 hat blocks 98% of UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, while a UPF 50+ hat blocks more than 98%.
How Do UPF Hats Work
UPF hats work by blocking UV rays before they pass through the fabric and reach your skin.
A tightly woven fabric leaves fewer gaps for UV rays to pass through, while a loosely woven fabric allows more UV radiation to reach your skin.
The material matters too. Polyester and nylon block more UV radiation than most cotton fabrics.
The UPF Rating Scale Explained
UPF hats come in four ratings. UPF 15, 30, 50, and 50+. The higher the number, the less UV radiation passes through the fabric.
| UPF Rating | UV Rays Blocked | UV Rays Passed Through | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPF 15 | About 93% | About 7% | Short time outdoors |
| UPF 30 | About 97% | About 3% | Everyday outdoor use |
| UPF 50 | About 98% | About 2% | Long time in direct sun |
| UPF 50+ | More than 98% | Less than 2% | Strongest sun protection |
UPF vs SPF. What Is the Difference
UPF and SPF are both sun protection ratings, but they measure different things. SPF measures how well a sunscreen blocks UVB rays. UPF measures how well a fabric blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
| Feature | UPF | SPF |
|---|---|---|
| Stands For | Ultraviolet Protection Factor | Sun Protection Factor |
| What It Is | A rating for fabrics, clothing, and hats | A rating for sunscreen |
| Protects Against | UVA and UVB rays | UVB rays |
| Tested On | Fabric in a laboratory | Human skin |
| Protects | Skin covered by the fabric | Skin where sunscreen is applied |
| Wears Off? | No, unless the fabric becomes damaged | Yes, needs reapplying every 2 hours |
| Best For | Protecting covered areas | Protecting exposed skin |
A UPF hat and sunscreen work best together. Use a UPF hat to protect covered areas and sunscreen on any skin that remains exposed.
What Materials Are Used in UPF Hats
Most UPF hats are made from polyester, nylon, or fabric blends. These materials block UV rays better than regular cotton.
Polyester is the most common material used in UPF hats. It blocks UV rays well, dries quickly, and performs well in hot weather.
Nylon is lightweight, durable, and commonly used in outdoor sun hats. It is a popular choice for hiking, fishing, and travel hats because it is easy to pack and holds up well outdoors.
Many UPF hats use a blend of polyester and nylon rather than a single material. This helps balance UV protection, durability, and comfort in one hat.
The weave matters just as much as the material. A loosely woven polyester hat lets more UV rays pass through than a tightly woven one.
Related Guide: Hat Materials Explained
Are All Hats UPF Rated
No. Most hats are not UPF rated. A hat only gets a UPF rating when its fabric is lab-tested. Without that test, there is no rating.
Most regular hats provide some sun protection, but the amount of UV protection is usually unknown.
A UPF rating tells you exactly how much UV protection a hat provides.
Does a Hat Need to Be UPF Certified
A hat does not need to be UPF certified to provide sun protection. Some hats can still block UV rays without certification.
However, without testing, there is no way to know exactly how much UV protection the hat provides. A UPF rating gives you a tested level of protection.
Are Straw Hats UPF 50
Some straw hats are UPF 50, but many are not.
The amount of UV protection depends on how tightly the straw is woven. Tighter weaves leave fewer gaps for UV rays to pass through, while loosely woven straw allows more UV to reach your skin.
Some straw hats are tested and rated UPF 50 or UPF 50+, while others have no UPF rating at all. If a straw hat does not have a UPF rating, there is no way to know exactly how much UV protection it provides.
What to Look for When Buying a UPF Hat
Before you buy a UPF hat, check these three things.
1. Check the UPF Rating
Most UPF hats come in four ratings: UPF 15, UPF 30, UPF 50, and UPF 50+.
UPF 15 and UPF 30 are fine if you spend short periods outdoors. UPF 50 and UPF 50+ are the better choice if you spend long hours in direct sun, hiking, fishing, or gardening.
Choose a hat with a UPF rating on the label. If there is no UPF rating, move on to another hat.
2. Look at the Brim Size
A hat only protects the skin it covers. Look for a brim that is at least 3 inches wide all the way around. This provides better coverage for your face, ears, and neck.
3. Check the Fabric and Weave
Look for hats made from polyester, nylon, or fabric blends. These materials block UV rays more effectively than regular cotton. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that synthetic fibers such as polyester are among the best choices for sun protection.
Also check the weave. Hold the hat up to the light. If you can see light coming through the fabric, UV rays can get through too. In that case, choose a hat with a tighter weave.
If you’re not sure which type of UPF hat is right for your situation, use our sun protection hat recommender tool. It takes less than a minute and gives you a hat recommendation based on today’s UV conditions, your activity, your skin type, and how long you’ll be outside.
Are UPF Hats Better Than Regular Hats
For sun protection, UPF hats are a better choice than regular hats because a UPF hat is made and tested to block UV rays, while a regular hat is not.
That does not mean every regular hat provides poor protection. Some regular hats can block a decent amount of UV rays. The difference is that with a UPF hat, you know exactly what level of protection you are getting.
Do You Still Need Sunscreen If You Wear a UPF Hat
Yes, you still need sunscreen if you wear a UPF hat because a UPF hat only protects the skin it covers.
Areas such as your face, neck, and shoulders can still be exposed to UV rays, especially when sunlight reflects off water, sand, snow, or concrete.
For the best protection, wear a UPF hat and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
Are UPF Hats Worth It
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, UPF hats are worth it.
They are designed and tested for UV protection, which makes them a better choice for hiking, fishing, gardening, beach trips, and other outdoor activities.
If you only wear a hat occasionally and spend little time in direct sun, a regular hat may be enough.
Over to You
The next time you buy a sun hat, check the label for a UPF rating. That number tells you how much UV protection the hat provides.
What hat do you currently wear outdoors? Let us know in the comments below.
