12 Best Gardening Hats For Sun Protection, As Per A Fashion Stylist – 2024
Protect your scalp from direct sun to keep your skin cool and healthy.
Michelle Wagman is a fashion industry entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a designer’s agent. She is also the editor-in-chief of FashionEdits, a fashion and lifestyle blog. She graduated from FIT with a degree in fashion merchandising and has worked with notable designers on 7th Avenue in NYC.
Read full bio of Michelle Wagman
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Gardening out in the Sun is a lovely experience. But, the same Sun that makes your plants grow will also burn your skin. Well, for that, we have the best hats for gardening and lots and lots of SPF! A good-quality gardening hat must have a wide brim to keep the Sun off your eyes and face. It should also be constructed with a breathable material that does not let the heat accumulate and keeps your head cool. Michelle Wagman, a fashion stylist with 20 years of experience, says, “Gardening hats protect the face and head from the sun while gardening. They’re wide-brimmed and made of lightweight, breathable materials. They come in various styles and colors and can be a fashionable accessory for outdoor activities.”
Gardening is more than just a hobby to some people. While you take care of your garden, it is also important that you take care of yourself. To keep you shielded from the Sun, here are the best gardening hats available in the market right now. So, go ahead and check them out!
In This Article
Top 12 Gardening Hats To Beat The Heat
1. Best Overall:Voyager Double Weaved Hard Shell Shade Hat
The Double Weaved Hard Shell Shade Hat is a universally flattering unisex hat by SFVoyager suitable for various outdoor activities. The wide brim is made with a hard shell that provides optimum sun protection to the face, ears, and neck while retaining its shape and increasing longevity. The straw hat has a pull-on closure and an adjustable chinstrap for a comfortable fit. The beautiful tan color of the hat is quite versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits to sport a stylish look. It is easy to maintain as it can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth or a soft brush.
Specifications
- Material: Straw
- Circumference: 21 inches
- Color: Tan
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Wide brim
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Convenient to carry
- Lightweight
- Slightly pricey
"This hat has a wide brim that offers excellent sun protection for my entire head, neck, and parts of my shoulders. Its sturdy build holds up my long hair effortlessly without causing damage. The hat maintains its shape even against strong winds."
2. Best Durable:Simplicity Women’s Sun Hat
The Simplicity Women’s Sun Hat is trendy and attractive. This sun visor is made of 100% straw material which is breathable and durable. It is built with creative expertise, featuring an open-top construction and an exquisite bowknot design with hidden velcro underneath to offer an adjustable closure. This hat for gardeners offers heat dissipation with ventilation. It is also suitable to wear with various hairstyles. Its wide 5.12-inches brim protects you from effective UV rays, making it summer essential. It also has a built-in sweatband that helps absorb moisture and sweat. Its foldable design makes it non-breakable and easy to carry.
Specifications
- Material: 100% Straw
- Circumference: 22 – 23.2 inches
- Color: Beige brown
- Foldable
- Wide brim
- Hook and loop closure
- Adjustable
- Fade-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Breathable
- Flexible
- Built-in sweatband
- Lightweight
- UPF 50+
- Floppy brim
"I've journeyed across Europe with this hat. Packing it is a breeze due to its compact roll-up size, and it does an absolutely brilliant job at shielding my face from the sun. Its adjustability ensured that it fits my head snugly, even allowing me to wear my hair up. It didn't heat up, which had always been my summer hat worry."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,556 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best Water-Repellent: Debra Weitzner Unisex Sun Hat
The Debra Weitzner Unisex Sun Hat is a sleek hat designed for outdoor activities. It is tested for suitable sun protection and is UPF 50+ certified. It is made from 100% polyester fabric and a breathable mesh, making it a perfect fit for hot summer days. This hat features a drawstring that lets you adjust it for a snug, tailored look and keeps it in place even on the windiest days. The stylish sun hat also allows you to adjust the brim width simply by snapping up the sides. Along with gardening, you can also use the hat for trekking, fishing, and camping. It is also available in 2 sizes and 4 colors to suit your head size and personal style.
Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Circumference: 22 inches – 24 inches
- Color: Gray
- Sweat-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight
- UPF 50+ Certified
- Drawstring closure
- Washable
- Size may run small
"I like the wide brim and front mesh band on this hat; they offer superb ventilation. I also love how comfortable and roomy it is, perfect for my large head or when I decide to wear big hairstyles or braids. Additionally, it washes easily and sports good construction."
4. Best Ventilated:Comhats Ladies’ Sun Hat
The unique Comhats Ladies’ Sun Hat is lightweight and made of paper straw. It has a detachable and adjustable chin strap which provides a snug fit and prevents it from getting blown away in windy conditions. It has a 3.7 inches wider brim, which looks elegant and stylish. It is highly ventilated and allows air to circulate. The UPF 50+ feature makes it perfect for long hours spent in your garden. Its mindful construction and endearing bow design, make it a popular choice among its many reviewers.
Specifications
- Material: 100% Paper straw braided
- Circumference: 21.6-22 inches
- Color: 89015_coffee1
- Adjustable tape
- Sweatband
- Detachable chin strap
- Ventilated
- Snug fit
- Foldable
- Creased brim
"Living in sunny Florida, I found this SPF sunhat to be a cute and practical purchase. It feels high-quality with a wide, chic brim. It's comfortable, provides excellent sun coverage while adding a stylish touch to my summer outfits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,418 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Dual Use: USHAKE Head Net Hat
The UShake Head Net Hat is a dual-functional accessory that acts as a net and sun hat. This bestselling hat has a wide brim and UPF 50+ that provides ample sun protection. The cap is made from nylon material, which is lightweight and breathable. One of the standout features of the UShake Hat is it allows you to customize the fit to your head size and has a hidden net mesh for protection. This feature makes it a great accessory for various outdoor activities.
Specifications
- Material: 100% Nylon
- Circumference: 22.3 inches – 23.2 inches
- Color: Green
- Drawstring closure
- Protection from sunburn
- Good visibility
- Concealed net
- Two-way usage
- Not easy to clean
"I've tested this hat against sun, wind and mosquitos, and it didn't disappoint! It successfully protected me from bug bites and sunburns, even during an unexpected rainstorm. From dog walks to gardening, it offered me reliable shielding."
6. Best For UV Protection: Furtalk Women’s Wide Brim Sun Hat
The Furtalk Wide Brim Sun Hat comes to mind for a long day in the yard. It features a hook and loop closure and is made of eco-friendly recycled paper. It has a 3.2-inch brim and is rated UPF 50+ for protection from intense UV rays. Additionally, it’s cotton inner headband gives a perfect fit. This hat is tightly woven for durability. Its lightweight material is foldable, so you can carry it along wherever you go.
Specifications
- Material: Straw and Eco-friendly recycled paper
- Circumference: 22.1-22.6 inches
- Color: A-khaki
- Tightly woven
- Durable
- Adjustable chin strap
- Sweat absorbent inner band
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- Soft material
None
"I loved this hat! Quite comfortable even on my small head. It stood well to reshaping after a squish during my travel. Got it soaked a couple of times, but it dried pretty snappily. Happy with my purchase."
Pro Tip7. Best Lightweight: Connectyle Women’s Safari Sun Hat
The Connectyle Women’s Safari Sun Hat is the ideal headwear to wear throughout the warm summer months. The broad brim, made of UV-blocking material and UPF 50+, helps shield the head, face, and neck from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. It is constructed of a superior polyester fabric, which makes it sturdy, breathable, and kind to the skin. The broad mesh panel provides an excellent vented opening for cooling and airflow. The moisture-wicking sweatband on the inside of the cap helps to keep your head cool and comfortable. The chin drawstrings and adjustable chin strap keep the hat in place.
Specifications
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Circumference: One size
- Color: Khaki
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable drawstring
- Quick-drying
- Sweat absorbing
- Breathable mesh hole
- Durable
None
"As someone who frequently braves the outdoors for work, this hat's large brim perfectly met my outdoor needs. It offers great sun protection for my head, face, and neck. Its excellent fit can be adjusted with a drawstring. I found it perfect for both sunny or rainy days, with a comfortably adjustable crown."
8. Best Brim Size:San Diego Hat Company Perfect Unisex Garden Hat
The San Diego Hat Company Perfect Unisex Garden Hat offers UPF 50 with a 4-inch wide brim. It does not get floppy and stays tough to provide maximum shade. It comes with a good-quality chin strap with a secure toggle to keep it in place on windy days. The material of this garden fashion hat provides optimum protection from direct sun rays. It is a perfect addition to your hiking accessories or for a walk on the beach. Its soft material can be easily packed in your travel luggage.
Specifications
- Material: 25% Polyester, 75% Paper
- Circumference: 22.5 – 23.22 Inches
- Color: Coffee
- Comfortable crown
- Fashionable
- Leather chin-strap
- Quality weaving
- May lose shape after a few washes
"The San Diego Hat Company's beautiful wide-brimmed hat has been quite a treat for the eyes and for sun protection. It snugly fits my slightly smaller head. Drawstring feature is useful for windy days. I wear it frequently for gardening and beach outings."
9. Best Windproof:Geartop Wide Brim Sun Hat
Geartop Wide Brim Sun Hat keeps you cool, ensuring that your head stays ventilated and comfortable. The adjustable drawstring helps to keep the hat in place throughout the day. This hat is designed for outdoor activities like gardening to protect you from sun and heat and makes a great addition to your summer accessories. It is lightweight and can be easily folded to fit into any purse. In addition, it offers quick-drying properties and also absorbs sweat.
Specifications
- Material: Mesh
- Circumference: 22 – 23.5 inches
- Color: Khaki
- Adjustable drawstring
- Quick-drying
- Windproof
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- UPF 50+ protection
- Too floppy
"I often reach out to this hat for sun protection. Ideal for our annual lake vacations, it offers solid coverage for my face and ears during water sports."
10. Best Foldable:FURTALK Womens Wide Brim Sun Hat
Furtalk Women’s Wide Brim Sun Hat is a comfortable hat made of recycled paper, which is environmentally beneficial. It offers powerful UV protection with the help of UPF 50+. The chin strap cord’s adjustable fit keeps the hat in place even on windy days. The velcro strip under the inner hat band allows for easy sizing adjustment. The inner band of the hat absorbs sweat during the hot and muggy summer months. The hat is travel-friendly and can be neatly reshaped after being folded.
Specifications
- Material: Straw
- Circumference: 5 inches – 24 inches
- Color: Beige
- Comes in various sizes
- Looks stylish
- Durable
- Moisture-wicking
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Travel-friendly
None
11. Best Ponytail-Friendly:Sunday Afternoon Sundancer Hat
The Sunday Afternoon Sundancer Hat is ponytail-friendly with a PFC-free durable water-repellent finish. Its 4.5 inches wide sun-protective brim hat is ideal for long days in the garden. Its brim keeps the entire face shaded with UPF 50+ protection. This fashionable hat is made from 100% polyester and features a 7.5 inches pleated neck crepe that adds style and protects the back of your neck. In addition, its moisture-wicking sweatband absorbs sweat and is perfect for outdoor activity.
Specifications
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Circumference: 23.7 inches
- Color: Amethyst
- UPF 50+ protection
- Moisture-wicking sweatband
- Floatable
- Water-repellent
- Stain resistance
- Ponytail-friendly
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Not ideal for rainy weather
"This hat offers excellent sun protection with an ample neck drape, and a wide brim that easily shades the eyes. Its adjustable strap and chin cord offered excellent stability. Ideal for outings, it features a ponytail hole for comfort."
12. Best Comfortable:Women’s Sun Bucket Straw Hats with Lanyard Foldable
Women’s Sun Bucket Straw Hats with Lanyard Foldable has a 3-inches wide brim and UPF 50+ to give you optimum protection from sun’s rays. It offers plenty of room for a comfortable fit and comes with an adjustable chin strap, head rope, and velcro. Its large floppy brim is made of windproof straw material that is ideal for fishing, hiking, and adventuring. It is foldable and portable, making it great for travel as well. It is breathable and absorbs sweat to keep your head dry and cool. It is quite easy to clean and maintain hygiene.
Specifications
- Material: 90% Paper Straw and 10% Polyester
- Circumference: 22 inches – 23.2 inches
- Color: Khaki
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Foldable
- Not the most durable
"On my short trip to Nevada in extreme heat, I found this hat quite comfortable. It traveled well in my suitcase and sported a convenient chin strap. The hat's size is easily adjusted with a Velcro strip inside the rim."
Picking a perfect garden hat that protects you from the sun while being comfortable and lightweight at the same time can be challenging. Therefore, we have mentioned a few key parameters you must consider while buying a gardening hat.
Points To Consider While Buying Gardening Hats
- Sun Protection: The primary objective of garden hats is to protect you from harmful UV rays. For people with sensitive skin or thin hair, increase sun protection on your head by looking at a UPF hat. But any wide-brimmed hat will provide enough shade to protect from the sun for most people. Most people prefer a 2-to-4-inch hem.
- Comfort: You want your hat to fit comfortably for many hours in the garden. This means not wearing a very small hat or a very large one. Instead, we recommend that you try to find an adjustable hat or choose the right size for your head among the multiple sizes available.
- Breathable: When buying a sun hat, people’s biggest mistake is putting it in a cool, air-conditioned store without checking its breathability. Of course, you will get the best breathable material from natural, lightweight materials like cotton or straw. But you will find some hats made of synthetic fabric (such as polyester) with holes on the sides that can help in sweat absorption.
- Easy to Clean: Choose a fabric or material which is easy to clean either by putting it in the washing machine or wiping it with a wet towel.
The Bottom Line
Gardening is an enchanting experience. You feel calm and relaxed spending time with the plants. But the sunrays useful for plants can have a bad effect on your skin and eyes. But hats with a wide brim can protect your eyes and face, always staying at the top of your list of gardening essentials. The Voyager Double Weaved Hard Shell Shade Hat has a simple design and is ideal for both men and women, while the Comhats Ladies’ Sun Hat features a bow design to add a touch of elegance as you bloom your garden. If you need an option with a face net to let you fully enjoy the outdoors, the USHAKE Head Net Hat is the perfect pick. Some hats have inner breathable mesh to keep you cool, offering proper airflow. Hats with drawstring closures can withstand windy weather conditions. So, read the reviews above carefully to make sure you get a hat with all the features you desire to have in it.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is a fashion enthusiast and enjoys trying out and reviewing new styles, trends, and designs. She has extensively researched various gardening hats that protect you from the sun. Moreover, the outdoor hats listed in this article are endorsed by numerous users through their reviews on trusted online platforms. These sun protection hats are made of breathable material, have a wide brim, and look trendy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I wear a gardening hat?
A wide-brimmed garden hat will not only protect your face, chest, and shoulders from sun damage but will also help keep you cool and protect you from the occasional rain shower.
What is the difference between a gardening hat and a regular hat?
A regular hat does not have many specifications except protecting you from the sun. At the same time, a garden hat has several other requirements which need to be fulfilled. For example, a garden should protect you from the sun, be lightweight, and sturdy.
Is wearing a hat better than sunscreen?
No. Hats simply cover some parts of your face from the sun’s rays. Sunscreens block the rays from penetrating your skin and damaging it. So, use both while you are out in the sun for complete protection.
Can you get sunburned through a hat?
No. A hat provides sun protection to your eyes, head, neck, and ears and prevents sunburns. But the sun’s rays may hit other parts of your body and cause sunburn. Therefore, apply sunscreen for complete sun protection.
Do sun hats actually work?
Yes. Sun hats like the broad-brimmed and bucket-style hats reduce the amount of UV rays hitting your face by 50%. So, they are effective in providing sun protection.
What color hat is the best for sun protection?
Dark blue is the best color hat for sun protection. It absorbs the UV rays and blocks them from penetrating the skin.
What color keeps you cool in the sun?
Colors like white, gray, and yellow reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool in the sun.
Do black clothes make you hotter?
Yes. Black clothes absorb the heat both from the sun and your body. So, wearing them in the sun makes you feel warmer.
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