The 13 Best Safari Hats For Your Next Wilderness Adventure
Protect your skin and eyes from the sun with these accessories when you are outdoors.
Keicia Shanta is a fashion expert with over a decade of experience. She started her blog FashionCrush in 2012 with the plan of just talking about her hunt for trendy fashion finds that don’t break the bank. That blog quickly grew into much more with her first editorial fashion collaboration with southern retail chain Belk.
Read full bio of Keicia Shanta
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
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.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
Read full bio of Asmita De
Image: Shutterstock
How do you like to spend your leisure time? While some love being couch potatoes, others lose themselves in nature and the outdoors. If you happen to belong to the latter group, you know just how important the right gear is. Be it trekking or camping, the elements are ever-present and we need to safeguard ourselves. One of the most essential accessories for this purpose has to be a top-notch safari hat. Offered in neutral colors or prints, it pairs well with any outfit for fun outdoor activities. Not only are they super-comfortable, but they are also your best bet to avoid the sun’s glare from hindering your view.
Before we dive into our top 13 picks for the best safari hat, let’s learn exactly how a hat like this can enhance your experiences in the outdoors. Ahead, you can also find the factors you need to keep in mind while choosing your hat.
In This Article
What Is A Safari Hat?
Safari hats have been around for ages and trusted to help explorers stay safe in excessively hot, desert-like conditions. They can be composed of any material ranging from natural ones like cotton or leather to synthetics like polyester and nylon, each having its own benefits. Sitting on your head with adjustable features, these hats can also come down to your neck to prevent sunburns. Mesh panels or patches inside and outside can aid in superior ventilation to keep sweat from pooling in. Some are also coated with a water-repellent finish to keep rain and hail from getting absorbed.
13 Best Safari Hats To Wear Before Setting Out For The Woods
Best Secure Fit:Kolumb Widee Breim Boonie Hat
With a cotton and polyester blend, Kolumb’s African safari hat is stitched in a durable manner for a long shelf life. This explorer hat features a wide brim that protects your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays, and the camo print complements any outfit from your wardrobe. This jungle safari hat also has an adjustable chin strap for a secure fit along with pop-in buttons if you want to transform into a confident and stylish cowgirl!
- Available in 13 colors
- Adjustable chinstrap
- Wide brim for UV protection
- Anti-fade colors
- Practical pop-in button
- Breathable materials
- Might lose some shape after multiple uses
Best Moisture-Wicking:Sun Cube Wide Brim Sun Hat
With Sun Cube’s safari hat, women’s skin is safeguarded from the sun, which can prevent the early onset of wrinkles. This quick-drying safari hat, composed of fast-drying nylon, is supplemented with mesh panels on the top sides to aid in breathability. Both the brim and the neck flap in this women’s safari hat provide UPF 50+ sun protection from all angles. Adjustable straps on the head and the chin extend security while the hat folds easily and packs down compactly for travel. According to reviews online, the hat protects the face and back neck area from sun and the adjustable straps hold it in place.
- Available in 11 colors
- Neck flap and wide brim
- UPF 50+ protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying fabric
- Lightweight and breathable
- Some might find it a bit stiff.
Best For Ponytail Slit:Fordicher Women's Ponytail Bucket Hat
Fordicher’s safari hat for women will be your new favorite as it has a slot especially for your ponytail to come through, which also helps keep hair off your neck. The exterior is made of breathable and quick-drying polyester while a mesh layer on the inside keeps you cool. With the adjustable chin strap on this wide-brimmed safari hat, you won’t have to fear the wind or the sun ever again.
- Available in 6 colors
- Ponytail slit on the rear
- Inner mesh layer
- Quick-drying fabric
- Adjustable chin strap
- Breathable
- Might have an initial chemical odor
Best Lightweight:Tough Headwear Safari Hat
Tough Headwear has made this sun safari hat in collaboration with The Skin Cancer Foundation to ensure that it’s the best protection for your skin. Both UVA and UVB rays are effectively blocked with the help of the UPF 50+ coating. At the same time, you won’t need to deal with sweat on hot summer days as the fabric wicks it away to keep you fresh. Reviewers love that this British UPF protection hat dries super quickly and can be customized to fit your head with the adjustable chin strap.
- Available in 7 colors
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- UPF 50+ protection
- Lightweight and breathable
- Adjustable chin strap
- Might wrinkle slightly
Best Breathable Material:The Hat Depot Safari Bucket Hat
Made with 100% cotton, these khaki safari hats by The Hat Depot are trendy and pack down tiny so you can carry them anywhere in the world. Brass-toned eyelets keep ventilation constant while the thick strap helps you adjust the fit according to your comfort. This wide brim safari hat does a fantastic job of keeping you in the shade and protects sensitive scalps from damage.
- Available in 22 colors
- Breathable materials
- Adjustable chin strap
- Lightweight fabric
- Easy to wear and pack
- Some might find the brim slightly flimsy.
Quick TipBest Quick-Drying:LLmoway Women's Lightweight Safari Sun Hat
The LLmoway lightweight safari hat features a wide brim that extends UPF protection well down to your neck. Composed of 100% polyester, this material naturally blocks out the sun and is also known to be quick-drying in cases of sweat and after a wash. The 4 eyelets help with breathability while the foldable and packable design allows for easy traveling. This adjustable safari hat for women by LLmoway can be altered at the back and the chin for windproof gear.
- Available in 9 colors
- Wide brim
- Adjustable head and chin straps
- 4 ventilation eyelets
- Quick-drying
- Moisture-wicking
- Might be slightly stiff for some
Best Sweat Absorption:Phaiy Safari Bucket Hat
Phaiy’s olive green safari hat can be styled with any of your neutral pieces for a day out in the desert. The 100% cotton make boasts a UPF 50+ sun protection coating with a double-fabric design for better sweat absorption. Ultralight with a foldable and portable feature, you wouldn’t want to leave this ladies’ safari hat when you set out for your next trip. Reviews online highlight that you can easily pin the brim up of this foldable safari hat if it gets in your way with the press buttons on the side.
- Available in 16 colors
- Sun-protective headwear with UPF 50+ protection
- Foldable and lightweight
- Inner band for sweat absorption
- Adjustable chin strap
- Multipurpose wear
- Might crease slightly
Did You Know?Best Long Neck Flap:WMCaps Sun Flap Hat
WMCaps’ safari hat with neck flap is all you need before stepping foot on the soil as it ensures sunburns are a thing of the past. The wide frontal brim combines with the rear neck flap to give you all-around safety for all the fun outdoor activities. Moisture-wicking nylon is used to make this safari hat with a neck flap that is aided by mesh panels on the sides to keep you fresh and going even after long hours in the sun. According to reviewers, the hat is lightweight and offers protection and relief from the sun.
- Available in 8 colors
- Long neck flap
- Wide brim
- Inner moisture-wicking sweatband
- Adjustable chin and head strap
- Side mesh panels
- Might be slightly bulky
Best Foldable:Boao Cotton Safari Hat
Lightweight to both wear and carry, Boao’s cheap safari hat is foldable and fits easily into any nook and cranny in your luggage. With optimum sun protection owing to the brim, the sides can be pinned up if you find them to be causing too much hassle. This chin strap safari hat is adjustable for a fit that doesn’t flap around in the wind or constantly keeps slipping off your head when you’re having fun.
- Pack of 2 hats
- Foldable
- Wide brim
- Adjustable chin strap
- Air vent design
- Double insulation
- Might be slightly snug on people with thick hair
Best High-Quality:Gelante Safari Sun Hat
With Gelante’s high-quality safari hat, women can effectively keep the sunlight out of their eyes for a distraction-free time in the desert. The front visor is super-wide to keep the sun’s ultraviolet rays far away from your skin, which can also reduce sweating. This 100% cotton brown safari visor hat is soft and stays put even if the wind is strong as you can adjust the chin strap for a fit that doesn’t fail.
- Available in 24 colors
- Soft and lightweight
- Adjustable drawstring
- Brass eyelets for ventilation
- Snap-up sides
- The brim might lose stiffness with use.
Best For The Day Time:iColor Safari Cap With Neck And Face Flap
Composed of 100% nylon, iColor’s cute safari hat features removable flaps for all-around sun protection during the daytime. Water-resistant and quick-drying, this safari hat with drawstring is also windproof and keeps sweat at bay so you can enjoy your time outdoors to the max. The windbreaker belt allows for easy adjustment so that the crushable safari hat stays securely put and serves you well. According to reviews, the hat is lightweight, and the removable flaps allow for use according to convenience.
- Available in 4 colors
- Removable neck and face flaps
- Wide brim
- Adjustable drawstring
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Might not be ideal for people with larger heads
Best Unique Style:TZ Promise Safari Bucket Hat
TZ Promise offers ladies’ safari hats that are ultralight owing to their 100% cotton composition. The wide brim keeps you in the shade while it can be snapped up on the sides for a unique style as well. This Aussie safari bucket hat is so compressible that it saves you a ton of space in your suitcase and the ventilation holes prevent sweat from pooling up and weighing it down. Come wind or sun, the customizable chin strap keeps the hat from budging.
- Available in 13 colors
- Breathable
- Lightweight and compressible
- Adjustable chin strap
- Snap-up sides
- The brim might be slightly loose.
Best Wide Brims:Jackell Safari Sun Hat With Veil
It’s not exactly news that every kind of bug resides in the wilderness, and Jackell’s versatile hat is your savior from unknown elements. To keep mosquitoes away, you can simply let down the mesh net that can be pinned up when not necessary. Equipped with a wide brim for sun protection and a chin strap for security, this mosquito-repellent safari hat is a must-have for those who love spending time in nature.
- 3 color options
- Frontal mesh layer
- Wide brims
- Adjustable chin strap
- 4 breathable vents
- Quick-drying fabric
- Might crease easily
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best safari hats for fun-laden adventures, let’s dive into how you can pick the right one.
How To Choose The Right Safari Hat
- Brim
Your safari hat should have a wide brim in the front and back to keep the sun’s rays fully blocked.
- Waterproof
As you will be sweating a bucket when out in the sun, this feature repels any moisture to keep you dry. Also for days when it rains, stay fresh by wearing a waterproof safari hat and prevent the water from causing you any discomfort.
- Material
Cotton, polyester, and nylon are great at keeping you dry and cool owing to their moisture-wicking and breathable properties while also being lightweight. You can also invest in a leather safari hat that requires maintenance but will last you a long time.
- Fit
As you don’t want a hat so loose that it disappears with a gust of l=wind, look for adjustable straps at the chin and the head. This allows you to tighten the fit and loosen it when you please.
- Extra coverage
If you happen to have sensitive skin or are going to a place with especially harsh sunshine, you would do well to look for hats with added coverage. Neck and face flaps are a good choice as they give you 360° protection and prevent sunburns. Some hats make these features removable so you don’t have to walk around with the bulk all the time.
- Lightweight
The hat you choose should be super light, foldable, and packable so it doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage.
- Easy to clean
Hats that are resistant to stains and wrinkles are the best as it is inevitable that they will get dirty in the wilderness. They must also be able to retain their shape when washed.
After you’ve bagged a safari hat that’s ready to be worn, let’s learn how it must be used to give you the best results.
How To Wear A Safari Hat
Place the safari hat on your head and customize it to your head size. For this, you can pull the toggles on the adjustable drawstring present at the back of the head and the long strap on the chin. This will keep the hat from moving around when it is windy outside. If you like, you can also use the side snaps for a different look. Some hats have a face flap that is helpful in preventing insect bites. You can adjust it if you happen to wander into an area with a lot of bugs. Despite the sun protection these hats offer, we suggest you don’t skip on sunscreen!
The Bottom Line
If you are someone who loves going on adventures, safari hats are absolutely perfect for you! These hats can up your fashion game while aiding in preventing sunburns by protecting your skin. These hats are made of lightweight material that helps you remain cool and comfortable even in areas with higher temperatures. The adjustable chin strap in most of these hats can provide a secure fit as you enjoy your vacation. Some of the hats listed are available in many colors and unique designs. You can choose any hat to suit your convenience and style. To protect your eyes and skin from harmful sun rays, wear the Kolumb Wide Brim Boonie Hat, or try the Sun Cube Wide Brim Sun Hat if you sweat a lot; it is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. You can go for the Tough Headwear Safari Hat if you want a hat that is easily adjustable. However, always steer clear of hats that lack a definite shape or make you feel suffocated after wearing them. Overall, safari hats are the way to go if you want to keep yourself away from excess sun rays.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Priyam Gupta, the author of this article, is a fashion and makeup enthusiast who likes to explore and recommend styles that will endure the test of trends. Her opinion is based on her research and several user reviews on various online platforms. This carefully curated list of safari hats pair with almost all outfits that help you prevent sunburns and provide proper ventilation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you wear a safari hat?
Safari hats are best worn when you’re spending a lot of time out in the sun. This gear is crucial in the summer daytime if you’re out in the wilderness.
Why do safari hats have one side up?
Centuries ago, one side of the safari hat was folded up to allow better visibility when a rifle was propped on the shoulder.
Read full bio of Keicia Shanta
Read full bio of Priyam Gupta
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Asmita De
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.