A sun hat is both a practical and stylish way to protect yourself from the sun. But if you're shopping for one for the first time, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when choosing a sun hat, so you can make a confident and informed decision.
1. Sun Protection: Look for UPF50+
One of the main reasons to wear a sun hat is to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Hats with a UPF50+ rating block out 97–98% of UVA and UVB radiation, helping to prevent sunburn and reduce long-term skin damage.
Look for sun hats that are UPF-certified. Both House of Ord – Cape Town and 360FIVE Everyday offer a wide selection of UPF50+ hats as standard.
2. Fit & Size: Comfort Is Key
A well-fitting hat stays in place, feels comfortable, and offers optimal coverage.
- Measure your head circumference across the middle of your forehead and just above your ears.
- If you're between sizes, choose the larger size for a relaxed fit.
- Many hats feature an adjustable internal drawstring or our Comfy-Fit system, allowing for a secure and tailored fit.
Browse our selection of adjustable sun hats here.
3. Brim Size: Coverage vs. Convenience
The size of the brim greatly affects the shade provided for your face, neck and shoulders.
- Wide brims (10 cm or more) offer maximum sun protection — ideal for beach days, hiking or long outdoor activities.
- Medium brims (7–9 cm) strike a balance between shade and ease of wear.
- Smaller brims (6 cm and under) are subtle and lightweight, often used in more active or urban settings.
Choosing the right brim is an important part of finding the perfect summer hat.
4. Material: Travel-Friendly and Easy to Maintain
Today’s sun hats come in innovative materials like Flexibraid, woven polyester or knitted synthetics. These materials are:
- Crushable
- Lightweight
- Hand-washable
- Packable without losing shape
Perfect if you’re looking for a travel-friendly or crushable sun hat that fits easily in your suitcase or beach bag. See our travel-friendly styles here.
5. Style: Choose What Suits You
Sun hats come in a range of silhouettes and personalities:
- Fedora: A timeless, structured style with a modern edge — suitable for both men and women.
- Capeline: Elegant, with a wide brim, often chosen for a feminine look.
- Bucket hats: Relaxed and sporty.
- Cowboy hats: Bold and characterful, often with moldable wire in the brim.
Each style has its own personality, so choose what fits your vibe and lifestyle.
A Note for Men
There are plenty of sun hat options for men that offer both sun protection and everyday style. The fedora remains a classic choice thanks to its confident and versatile look.
If you’re often outdoors or on the move, look for travel-friendly sun hats for men with UV protection. A great example is the Pana-Mate Fedora:
- UPF50+ certified
- Crushable Flexibraid® fabric
- Adjustable Comfy-Fit
- Lightweight and packable
Another strong option is the Stripe Fedora, available with a bold 2 color ribon — perfect for city days, travel, or outdoor adventures.
Explore our full men’s sun hat collection.
In summary: When buying a sun hat, it’s important to think beyond just style. Consider the level of sun protection, fit, materials, and whether you’ll be travelling with your hat. Whether you’re looking for a crushable fedora or simply browsing for a new summer hat, there’s a sun hat out there that will fit your needs and your lifestyle.