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Sun Protection Hats: Dermatologists' Recommendation Explained

Protective UPF Caps Shield Your Face and Skin from Sun Damage, Just Like Topical Sunscreen. A Dermatologist Shares Their Picks for the Most Effective UPF Hats for Sun Protection.

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Protective UPF Hats Shield Your Face and Skin from Sun Damage, Similar to Topical Sunscreens....
Protective UPF Hats Shield Your Face and Skin from Sun Damage, Similar to Topical Sunscreens. Consulting with a Skin Specialist, We Identify Optimal UPF Hats to Safeguard Skin from Harmful UV Rays.

Sun Protection Hats: Dermatologists' Recommendation Explained

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Hey there! Let's chat about hats and how they can be your partner in sun protection - almost like a bestie with SPF. Yeah, they do a stellar job at keeping the sun's rays out of your peepers, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some hats also lend a hand in shielding your skin, just like sunscreen does. That's why dermatologists advise wearing clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

"Topical SPF is a kick-ass tool, but it's not infallible," says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman. "Chemical sunscreens take about half an hour to fully soak in and work properly, while physical sunscreen requires consistent application to maintain adequate protection."

If you've got sensitive skin, UPF clothing, including hats, acts as the ultimate sunscreen. But what exactly is UPF? We went straight to the source – experts – to help you understand how this shield works and recommended the finest UPF hats that you should swipe up!

What's the deal with UPF rating?

"UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It shows how well a fabric blocks UV rays," according to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Mohiba Tareen. "These are the rays that cause skin aging and burning, so a UPF rating tells you how much UV radiation can get through the fabric." As an example, if a hat sports a UPF 50 rating, that means that 98% of UV rays zipping by get blocked, leaving just 2% to pass through. Here's a handy cheat sheet to help you get a feel for how protective UPF ratings can be:

  • UPF 15-24: Nice protection
  • UPF 25-39: Seriously good protection
  • UPF 40-50+: Top-notch protection

How'd we pick the best UPF hats?

When on a UPF sun-protective hat hunt, it's vital to remember the following essential factors recommended by our experts:

  • UPF rating: Whilst the Skin Cancer Foundation allows a minimum of UPF 30, we think it's better to aim for 50+, states Tareen. UPF 30 means the fabric lets 1/30th or about 3% of UV radiation pass through, while UPF 50 permits only 1/50th or around 2% UV transmission. Any fabric that allows less than 2% is labeled UPF 50+
  • Weave density: The denser the fabric, the better it repels the rays. Dr. Tareen suggests checking transparency by holding the hat up to sunlight.
  • Color: "The shadeier the hue, the better the protection," according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Darker or vibrant colors, like blacks, reds, and navy blues, absorb more UV rays compared to lighter colors like whites and pastels.
  • Material: Natural fibers, like unbleached cotton, rayon, flax, and hemp, tend to absorb UV rays. Synthetic materials, such as shiny polyester, nylon, or lightweight satin silks, on the other hand, reflect UV rays and offer better protection. Furthermore, these materials dry quickly, a perk backed up by research conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  • Coverage: The best sun-protective hats sport a minimum 3-inch brim or a minimum 3-inch bill with a permanently attached drape to cover the neck and ears, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. For babies and toddlers, the foundation recommends a 2.5-inch brim.

Sun-proof hats to purchase in 2025

We rounded up this saucy list of the best UPF hats for various ages:

Best overall UPF hat

GearTop Wide Brim Sun Hat

Price: $19.99Retailer: AmazonBrim: 3.7 inchesKey Features:- UPF 50+ protection to block 98% of the sun's rays (as per the brand)- Breathable mesh for sweat-free comfort- Adjustable chin strap for windy days

Best UPF hat for fishing

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat

Price: $21.96Retailers: Amazon, REI, ColumbiaUPF rating: SPF 50Brim: 3 inchesKey Features:- Quick-drying textured nylon to pull away moisture- Adjustable chin strap and toggle for a secure fit during windy days on the water- 32 color options

Best wide-brim UPF hat

Simplicity Women's Wide Brim Hat

Price: $23.99Retailer: AmazonUPF rating: SPF 50Brim: 3.9 inchesKey Features:- Multiple styles- Drawstring and adjustable built-in strap for fitting perfection- Dry clean only

And that's a wrap—wear one of these babies, and you'll be chilling in the shade while others sweat it out! So, grab your sunnies and your UPF hat and savor a sun-dappled days, my friend!

[1] https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/clothing-sun-protective[2] https://www.uptrefondation.org/the-science-of-upf/[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095456318301152[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24554047/[5] https://www.chemdaily.com/en/life-sciences/protection-from-uv-light/30354-protection-from-uv-light

  1. "Incorporating a UPF hat into your health-and-wellness routine can be a smart choice, as these fashion-and-beauty accessories often boast high UV protection factors, shielding your skin just like sunscreen does."
  2. "When selecting the perfect UPF hat for your needs, consider factors such as UPF rating, weave density, color, material, and coverage – all of which influence a hat's ability to offer maximum skin-care benefits and contribute to your overall lifestyle enhancement."

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