How to find the perfect summer hat

Choosing a good hat for summer is not just a matter of perfecting your looks for the beach. It is also about keeping you covered from the scorching sun. For this, it is important to choose a hat that protects you while keeping you in style. Read along to find how you can choose a sun hat that does both. 

There are 4 factors to consider when choosing the perfect sun hat -

1. Brim size

The brim of the hat is your first line of defense against the sun. It keeps your face covered from the direct sunlight.  To adequately cover the sides of your face and ears, you need to choose caps with a 3-inch brim or longer. 

Wear hats with a 3-inch brim or longer in the summer.

If you are outdoors at a time when the sunlight hits you from an angle, it might be better to wear a hat with a brim size of 4 inches. 

2. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

While a wide brim can protect you from direct sunlight, you are still exposed to the UV rays that get reflected on you from the ground and surrounding objects. This is why you need hats with ultraviolet protection features. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. A higher UPF rating means the hat is more protective against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.

Hats with UPF 50+ protect you from 98% of UV rays.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends going for products with at least UPF 30. Hats with UPF 50 or more offer the best protection by blocking 98 percent of the sun’s rays and significantly reducing your exposure. 

3. Fabric 

The material of your cap fabric also matters in the level of comfort and protection offered. Some cap materials naturally resist the radiation from the sun while others have been designed and treated to do so. 

Cotton contains natural lignins that can effectively absorb UV rays. Polyesters and other synthetic fabrics are also effective in reflecting the radiation and keeping you protected. Besides these, you can also choose other densely woven fabrics like denim, canvas, wool, or linen for summer hats

4. Color 

Most people find a hat style they like and pick one in their favorite color. However, this can be a mistake when choosing your summer hat. While lighter colors can keep the temperature down, studies show that dark colors are better at absorbing UV rays without letting them reach your skin. 

For summer, hats with dark or bright colors are better than white or pastel colors.

However, if you prefer to wear light colors, brighter shades, such as red, yellow, or orange might be a better option than white or pastel colors of the same fabric.

Best hats for summer 

By now, you know what to look for in a perfect hat for the season. But before you go about shopping, here are a few of our top summer hats you shouldn’t miss. 

1. 39-165 Polyester Foam Front High Crown Golf Style Mesh Back Caps

OTTO Cap 39-165 features a slightly curved visor with a seamless foam front panel with lining, 6 rows of stitching on the visor, and plastic snap closure. This One-Size-Fits-All hat comes in 21 solid colors, this high crown mesh back cap in single-tone and two-tone variants. The lightweight nylon mesh of this trucker cap will allow ample airflow to keep your head cool and sweat-free.

2. 19-1253 Cool Comfort Performance Stretchable Diamond Knit Cap

This stretchable performance cap is made from 97% Polyester and  3% Spandex. The pre-curved vision, matching fabric undervisor and Cool Comfort Performance Sweatband makes this OTTO cap a stylish and functional headwear for your summer activities. Featuring moisture-wicking properties and UPF 50, this structured cap will keep you cool and sweat-free all day long.

3.  60-662 Cotton Twill Sun Visors

Training in the sun? Bring your own shade and keep the squinting under control with the OTTO cotton twill sun cap. The curved brim combined with matching sweatband and undervisor is just what you need to keep cool and sporty.

4. 170-1325 OTTO CAP Straw Lifeguard Hat

Going for an exotic look?  Try the Straw Lifeguard Hat made from 100% Natural Straw. This hat comes with an elastic sweatband and is available in medium and large fitted sizes. The 4 inch brim of this straw hat is perfect to keep sunlight out as you relax at the beach. 

5. 78-1246 Cotton Twill Low Profile Camo Cap

The camouflage pattern of this cap gives off a cool military vibe to your looks. It features a seamed front panel with buckram, 6 sewn eyelets, pro stitch on the crown, 6 rows stitching on visor, matching fabric under visor, and plastic snap closure. Choose this hat if your summer plans include exploring the wilderness. Geared up to shop hats for the season? Visit CapBargain's wholesale hat collection now!