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2022-06-18 15:19:44 By : Ms. Ann Ann

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Summer days are for sun-drenched exploration. Whether you’re heading to the beach, walking around a new city or relaxing in a chaise lounge outside, you’ll want a good hat to keep you protected. The best beach hats provide shade coverage so there’s less risk you’ll get sunburned or have to squint your eyes endlessly to take in the views.

The difference between a just-ok sun hat and one you’ll run back to get if you ever forget it at home or a hotel room is in the details. A high-quality option offers the right UV protection, fit and breathability. On top of all that, it should be comfortable and stylish to wear—making you look casually cool in those vacation photos. Ahead, we consulted the experts about which features to prioritize and which brands stand out in the market. Here are nine of the best beach hats that we highly recommend.

For a safari-meets-surf aesthetic, this breathable hat from Henschel is top pick, with thousands of five-star reviews. The mesh crown keeps your head cool and the chin strap ensures it’ll stay put throughout the day whether you’re on the water or walking on a windy day. Also great: It comes in six neutral shades that pair well with any outfit.

If you want a step up from a baseball hat, this nylon pick is an excellent choice. It features UPF 50 protection, a mesh vent panel to keep you cool and sweat-wicking technology that helps the fabric absorb moisture and let it evaporate quickly. It’s a wide-brim style that also packs up easily and comes in multiple colors; the khaki shade is a versatile, neutral option.

For a classic option, Brixton’s Rancher Hat is crafted from high-quality straw that won’t fray or snap and is finished with a stylish grosgrain ribbon. Its wide-brim silhouette provides just enough shade coverage and it comes in an easy-to-match natural color palette.

Whether you like the glamour of an oversized look or want more sun coverage, this extra-large, extra-wide-brim floppy hat is a top choice. The large proportions provide UPF 50 protection and it comes a variety of classic colors that make it easy to wear with your summer pieces.

One of the main drawbacks about hats in general is the constant worry of bending them out of shape, which is why many prefer packable hats. This straw braided pick from Madewell has all the benefits of a ribbon-trim woven hat but thanks it its unstructured silhouette, it can be packed down with ruining its construction.

Finding a well-fitting hat when you’ve got a small head can be a challenging but this petite pick from Wallaroo is a stylish solution. On Amazon, it comes in one size—which is extra small, with a 21 5/8 inch circumference—provides UPF 50+ protection and is quick drying in case it gets wet at the beach or pool. For travel, it can also be rolled up and packed up when you’re not wearing it without permanently altering the shape.

Made from recycled stretch fabric, this packable bucket hat is ultra soft and comfortably lightweight. It’s designed to be moisture wicking and wrinkle resistant, meaning it can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a beach day (and also be thrown in the wash, if you need to clean it). The simple white color is ideal for mixing and matching with any outfit (it also comes in black).

It doesn’t get much more classic than a fedora beach hat—the silhouette is flattering for most face shapes and the style is relaxed yet refined. For sunny summer days, this style delivers thanks to its straw texture, which lets air through but filters out sunlight (this hat is UPF 50+ certified). Also great: it has a size-adjustable inner band.

A good option if you don’t want a bulky hat, this bestselling lightweight baseball cap is made from garment-dyed cotton twill, which gives it a perfectly well-worn finish. It comes in dozens of colors, whether you want a bold or more laidback look, and has an adjustable back strap to ensure a comfortable fit.