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If you’re in the market for a new hat that does it all, look no further because we rounded up all of the top wide brim hats. Wide brim hats are essential because they protect you from the sun, all while making you look stylish.
Below, we rounded up all of our favorite hats that not only have wide brims, but they protect against harmful UV rays. Included on our list of top picks are a waterproof hat, a straw fedora style hat, a hat with a wind lanyard, and a hat that can fold up into your pocket.
No matter what type of activity your doing – whether it be fishing, hiking, laying out at the beach, or just hanging out outside, we rounded up a slew of amazing options that you will be sure to love!
Our Favorite Wide Brim Hats Worth Considering in 2024
Lanzom Wide Brim Straw Fedora Hat — Best Overall
This stylish straw fedora hat has a wide brim and is available in 31 different colorways. It has UPF50+ protection and is made of 90% natural paper straw and 10% polyester. The hat is 22 1/2 inches (7 1/8 hat size) and one size fits most. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also perfect for traveling because it’s foldable and crushable so you can pack it right in your suitcase.
Pros
- Has UPF50+ protection
Cons
- One size fits most
Sloggers Wide Brim Braided Sun Hat — Runner Up
Perfect for outdoor activities, this straw hat is stylish and practical. It comes with a faux leather wind lanyard that’s adjustable, plus it has UPF 50+ maximum sun protection. It keeps you protected from the sun and it will stay on your head or around your neck on even the windiest of days. Plus, the wide brim is not too stiff and not too floppy.
Pros
- Comes with a wind lanyard
Cons
- Only comes in 4 colors
Solaris Wide Brim Sun Hat — Honorable Mention
If you’re looking for a hat that does it all, then this is the perfect option for you. It has a wide brim, an adjustable back toggle for a secure fit, a two side mesh vent to keep your head cool, an adjustable chip strap, and a built-in sweatband. The unisex hat is lightweight and breathable, plus, it protects against 100 SPF and UPF 50. It’s also easily packable, so you can travel with it.
Pros
- It’s unisex
Cons
- The hat runs big
LETHMIK Outdoor Waterproof Boonie Hat — Contender
This hat is essential for all outdoor activities including fishing and hunting. It’s waterproof, packable, and has a breathable hat crown design. The unisex hat has UPF 50+ protection, a wind lanyard, and is one size fits most. The lightweight hat is super convenient because you can fold it up and pack it without crushing it. Another plus is that you can pack it up so small that it can even fit in your pocket!
Pros
- It’s waterproof
Cons
- Not machine washable
Buying Guide: Wide Brim Hats
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Hat
Wide brim hats come in different sizes, styles, and materials. Here are the things to keep in mind when buying a wide brim hat.
Protection
Wide brim hats are designed to protect your head and face from the harmful rays of the sun. People prefer these hats for outdoor activities and sports. However, some fashionable hats come with a wide brim that is hard for people to hold. Opt for a manageable brim that does not restrict your movement.
Size
Each hat has a unique brim determined by your needs and sense of style. A shorter brim may appear more attractive, but it will not be as efficient in protecting you from the sun's damaging rays. On the other hand, a large brim might save you from the sun but limits your vision. A 4 to the 6-inch brim is considered standard, but if you avoid sunscreen, go for a hat with a 7-inch brim. If you play sports, a wide brim might not be a suitable choice.
Style
Consider your personal style when picking a wide brim hat. Check different colors, designs, and motifs before finalizing your purchase. Some people prefer simple hats with solid colors, while others opt for more color and contrast. So, it all depends on your personal preference.
Material
Cotton, polyester, nylon and jersey are the different types of materials used to make wide-brim hats. What you choose depends on your need for the hat. If you want to spend time in the field, go for a hat that has moisture-absorbing properties. On the other hand, hats with slight ventilation are easy to clean. The material you choose also determines the UPF factor of your hat, which indicates the level of protection it can offer against sun rays.
Benefits of Wide Brim Hats
Here is a list of benefits you get by using a wide brim hat in your daily routine.
Protects any damage to the eyes
Aside from skin, the eyes are the most vulnerable to the sun's rays. UV rays present in sunlight can harm them and produce issues such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing a hat during extended outdoor activities helps keep your eyes from being directly exposed to the sun. Moreover, people who spend a lot of time outdoors strain their eyes, resulting in a weaker vision. A wide brim hat also helps eliminate this issue.
Protects your skin against harmful rays of the sun
Sun rays are getting more harmful with time. People are more susceptible to getting hazardous skin conditions like melanoma, sunburn, and in rare cases - cancer. A wide brim hat blocks any kind of sun rays so that your skin is safe no matter how many hours you spend outdoors. A standard 6-inch wide brim hat is perfect for outdoor use.
Protects your hair and scalp from damage
Sunlight is not only damaging to the eyes and skin - but it can also destroy the color and texture of your hair. People exposed to the sun for long hours tend to develop brittle, discolored, and damaged hair. You can reduce this risk by wearing wide-brim hats that come with a UPF factor of 50+. Also, opt for a hat with ventilation holes to reduce sweating. Other than this, your scalp can also get damaged due to sunburn. It results in an itchy scalp with tenderness and blisters. Hats with a wide- brim are designed to protect you from all these unwanted side effects.
Materials Wide Brim Hats Are Made From
Here is a list of materials used in wide-brim hats to give you a durable product.
Linen
Linen is a natural fiber with a plush finish and high-end breathability. It is extracted from a flax plant which usually does not have any coarse effect on the scalp. Wide brim linen hats are expensive, but they provide the perfect finishing to create long-lasting products.
Cotton
One of the most used non-allergenic products, cotton is also breathable, soft, and lightweight. It can be blended with other synthetic fibers to increase its flexibility.
Cotton is also quite good for moisture absorption and ventilation. You can use wide brim hats made of a cotton blend during summers and winters.
Polyester
Polyester is a by-product of recyclable plastic. It is a quick-dry fabric that stops sweat from seeping out and bothering you, in addition to being robust and waterproof. Polyester is preferred by the majority of people due to its waterproof features. However, polyester might not be as flexible as other synthetic fabrics. When buying a polyester wide brim hat, make sure to buy one with holes as a polyester hat is not as breathable.
Nylon
People love nylon hats for a thin and lightweight feel. Nylon, also made from recycled plastic, is a breathable material that allows air to circulate around your hat. Nylon hats are frequently used as winter hats because they are resistant to moisture and don’t usually shrink.
Cleaning a Wide Brim Hat
Maintaining the life and quality of your wide brim hat is a difficult task as it might get damaged with time. The first favor you can give your hats is to avoid over-cleaning. Excessive scrubbing leads to discoloration and damage. To wash your hat without scrubbing, soak it in water with a mild cleaner for a couple of hours and rinse. It removes any stains. You must use a laundry detergent instead of other cleaners for a hassle-free and simple washing experience. Avoid putting a wide brim hat in the dryer. It can cause deformities in the structure and impact the shade. If your hat has a stiff brim, do not fold it nor place it in a tight spot.
Conclusion
Wide brim hats are designed to protect you against the harmful rays of the sun. They come in different materials sizes and shapes depending on the event you plan to wear them on. Wide brim hats come with several benefits that can protect your skin, scalp, and eyes from damage. In addition, they also help you keep your hair thick and shiny. We have reviewed the top wide brim hats in 2022, so you can find a perfect fit for your head.
