Are you looking for a hat to protect you from the sun without getting too hot? If so, read on for an overview of the ten best sun hats for men on the market. We’ve taken a look at styles, brims size, sun protection, materials, quality, durability and comfort. And you’ll find tips on these best activities for each hat. Whether you’re laying on the beach, enjoying watersports, or hiking…there’s a hat for you. Our Buyer’s Guide is designed to help you choose what you need from a sun hat. Also check out the tips for cleaning and the most frequently asked questions on sun hats for men. So read on and make your choice. Before you know it, you will head out in the sun looking stylish, feeling comfortable, knowing you’re protected from the sun.

Popular Choice

Mens UPF 50+ Protected HOME PREFER

★★★★★HOME PREFER Mens UPF 50+ best Sun Protection Cap for men quick-drying material

Top PickMost Popular

Airflo Recycled TILLEY

★★★★★Full Brim TILLEY Airflo Recycled wear-proof, shrinkage-proof best sun hats for men

Best Value

Sun Hat for Men EINSKEY

★★★★★EINSKEY Sun hat best sun protection hats for men best for Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

ALL THE SUN HATS FOR MEN THAT WE TESTED

TILLEY Airflo Recycled

OUR TOP PICK

Full Brim TILLEY Airflo Recycled wear-proof, shrinkage-proof best sun hats for men

General Impression

According to satisfied adventurers, the Airflo Recycled model is of utmost quality, wear-proof, shrinkage-proof, and mildew-free, so, after long hours of wearing it, your head won’t feel like it’s been out of a boiling pot. Plus, there’s a lifetime guarantee on the hat, and that’s something to look forward to.
There are cord wraps that ensure your hat stays in place even in harsh weather conditions, what’s more, the closed-cell foam makes the hat float in water. Made of nylon this wide-brimmed sun hat for men will shield your face whether you’re on a safari, or doing watersports.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Nylon
BRIM SIZE: 3.25”
SUITABLE FOR: Outdoor; Travel; Safari; Water sports

PROS

  • Almost a 100% UVA and UVB rays protection
  • Airflow mesh
  • A hook-and-loop pocket in the crown

CONS

  • A bit expensive

EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men

BEST VALUE

EINSKEY Sun hat best sun protection hats for men best for Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

General Impression

The Einskey Sun Hat for Men is our choice for the best value for the best sun protection hats for men. This men’s wide-brimmed sun hat features a rear adjustable elastic drawstring and adjustable chin cord, keeping your hat in place even in windy conditions. The Einskey sun hat for men comes in five stylish colors and is made of lightweight water repellent material making it easy to pack for various types of outdoor adventures. The built-in sweatband and side mesh ventilation keep your head cool and prevent sweat or rain from getting into your eyes.

Specifications

STYLE: Polyester
MATERIAL: Polyester
BRIM SIZE: 3.7-3.9″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Rear adjustable elastic drawstring
  • Wide brim for sun protection
  • The lightweight, water-repellent material
  • Adjustable chin cord
  • Sweatband and side mesh ventilation

CONS

  • Rain penetrates side vents
  • Chin cord breaks easily

HOME PREFER Mens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Cap

General Impression

The Home Prefer UPF 50+ Sun hats for men comes in eight color options and is made of breathable quick-drying material. The UPF 50+ rating protects you from the sun, and the mesh vents keep your head cool during warmer days. This is one of the best sun hats for men due to the cape-style design, keeping the sun off of your neck during outdoor activities. This sun cap also comes with an adjustable or removable chin strap to fit all adult sizes.

Specifications

STYLE: Cape-Style
MATERIAL: Polyester
BRIM SIZE: 3-4″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Breathable quick-drying material
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Mesh vents
  • Adjustable or removable chin strap
  • Eight color choices

CONS

  • Flimsy brim material
  • Neck flap is too short

KASTKING Sol Armis UPF 50 Boonie Hat

General Impression

The KastKing Sol Armis UPF 50 Boonie Hat is one of the best choices for a hydro cooling sun hat for men. The Prym 1 Camo color options make it a popular choice for fishing and hunting, and the elastic drawstring is adjustable for all sizes. This Boonie hat for men is made with lightweight material and mesh vents to keep you cool during your outdoor activities, and the moisture-wicking headband keeps the sweat from getting into your eyes.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Polyethelyne
BRIM SIZE: 3.7″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Moisture-wicking headband
  • Lightweight material with mesh vents
  • Prym 1 Camo Color Options
  • UPF 50 sun protection
  • Elastic drawstring

CONS

  • Blows off in the wind easily
  • Brim is flimsy

OUTDOOR RESEARCH Men's Transit Sun Hat

General Impression

The Outdoor Research Helios sun hats for men are made of lightweight moisture-wicking material. This Outdoor Research Boonie hat comes in five color choices and is water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for watersports and fishing. The Outdoor Research Helios sun hats for men will protect you from the sun and is rated UPF 50+. The toggle closure helps keep the sun hat securely on your head during your outdoor adventures. The Outdoor Research Helios sun hats for men are highly rated choice for the best kayaking hats.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Cotton, Spandex, Nylon
BRIM SIZE: 2.75″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Water-resistant
  • Toggle closure
  • Lightweight material
  • UPF 50+
  • Five color choices

CONS

  • No mesh or ventilation
  • Blows off easily

QUIKSILVER Men's Bushmaster Sun Protection

General Impression

This is easily one of the trendiest UV-protective sun hats for men that adventurers use for hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, beach trips, and traveling. Since it’s made of soft polyester fabric, this sun har comes with a high UPF of 50+, making it perfect for a long day outdoors. Thanks to the mesh top, air flows freely, offering a sense of coolness on a hot day, and the drawstring makes for a nice fit around the chin in case of wind.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Polyester
BRIM SIZE: 3”
SUITABLE FOR: Outdoor sports

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Mesh part
  • High UPF

CONS

  • Not for water sports

ICOLOR Sun Cap Fishing Hats Outdoor

General Impression

ICOLOR Sun Cap Fishing sun hats for men are one of the best hats with neck protectors. This cape-style hat provides 360-degree coverage when using the removable neck and face flap, and also keeps out mosquitos. The fabric is windproof and rated to UP50+ for sun protection. The ICOLOR Sun Cap Fishing Hat comes in eight different color choices and can be worn for a variety of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

Specifications

STYLE: Cape-Style
MATERIAL: Nylon
BRIM SIZE: 3.7″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • UP50+ sun protection
  • Windproof and waterproof material
  • 360-degree cape-style design
  • Removable neck and face flap
  • Eight color choices
  • Anti-mosquito

CONS

  • Face flap fits very tightly
  • Opening at the back lets the sun through

HILLMAN Super Wide Brim Sun Hat

General Impression

The Hillman Super Wide Brim Sun Hat is constructed with moisture-wicking lightweight material that is also rain and stain-resistant. These sun hats for men are one of the best for sun protection due to the extra-wide brim size and its UPF 50+ rating. The Hillman Super Wide Brim Sun Hat is an excellent choice for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping. These sun hats for men come in four neutral color choices for blending in with your environment and staying cool.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Polyester
BRIM SIZE: 5″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Superwide brim
  • Moisture-wicking lightweight material
  • Stain-resistant
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Four color options

CONS

  • Brim bends easily
  • Large brim blocks view

COOLIBAR UPF 50+ Men's Kaden Crushable Ventilated Hat

General Impression

The Coolibar UPF 50+ Sun Hats For Men Kaden Crushable Ventilated are a stylish choice for a men’s sun hat. The UPF 50+ rating provides maximum sun protection, and the mesh ventilated crown keeps your head cool on hot days. The chin cord is adjustable, and this cooling sun hat comes in three color options. The Coolibar UPF 50+ Kaden Crushable Ventilated Hat is excellent for travel and all types of outdoor activities when you want to look and stay cool.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Cotton, Polyester
BRIM SIZE: 3″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Sports, Watersports

PROS

  • Adjustable chin cord
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Stylish design
  • Mesh ventilated crown
  • Three color options

CONS

  • Too small for larger heads
  • Brim easy to damage

QUIKSILVER Men's Pierside Straw Hat

General Impression

The Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Straw sun hats for men a top choice when looking to purchase a straw hat for sun protection. The adjustable chin strap keeps the hat in place, even on windy days and the material is lightweight. These sun hats for men have an extra-wide brim to help with sun protection on long hot days at the beach, on a fishing trip or kayaking. The Quicksilver Men’s Pierside Straw Hat is constructed with 100% Raffia Straw and features a stylish block Quicksilver logo on the front. These sun hats for men are even highly rated as the best men’s sun hat among lifeguards.

Specifications

STYLE: Full Brim
MATERIAL: Raffia Straw
BRIM SIZE: 8.25″
SUITABLE FOR: Fishing, Outdoor Sports, Paddling

PROS

  • Adjustable chin strap
  • Extra-wide brim
  • Lightweight
  • 100% Raffia Straw

CONS

  • Fragile
  • Not much ventilation

BEST SUN HATS FOR MEN
Buyer's Guide

If you are planning your next beach trip or outdoor vacation adventure, chances are you will be spending a significant amount of time in the sun. To protect our hair and your skin from the sun’s rays, you will want to make sure to add a sun hat to your packing list.

When choosing the best sun protection hats for men, there are a few criteria you should consider before making the best choice for the activity you will be using it for. You can choose a sun hat that is both stylish and functional and not even break the bank.

The best men’s sun hats feature mesh panels, moisture-wicking sweatbands, a wide brim, and fabrics that are lightweight with UPF protection ratings.

Material

The best materials for men’s sun hats provide proper air ventilation and the ability to protect you from the sun. The most popular materials are straw, hemp, cotton, and synthetic materials like nylon or polyester.

If choosing a straw sun hat, be sure to choose one that is tightly woven, so the sun does not make its way through the straw fibers. Hydro cooling sun hats are constructed with durable military-grade materials that are long-lasting and provide ultimate protection from the sun. Their inner lining technology also keeps your head up to 20 degrees cooler than some other sun hat materials.

Most sun hats, with the exception of straw hats, feature mesh panels on the top or sides of the hat to provide breathability. One thing to note, however, is if you do not have much hair, the mesh panel may expose your scalp to the sun, so choosing a hat with no mesh panels may be a better option for you.

Brim

The best men’s sun hats have a wide brim. A wide brim hat protects your face, neck, and ears from the sun and will keep you much cooler on a hot day outdoors. Outdoor hats for men with a wide brim usually have at least three inches of brim or more for protection. Extra-wide brim hats may be suitable for some activities like camping or hiking. However, they may not be the best for activities like fishing where there will be a lot of wind that could easily blow your hat away.

A men’s wide-brimmed sun hat will come in either a stiff or floppy style. Choosing which style works for you will depend on your personal preference and also what you will be doing while wearing your sun hat. The stiff brimmed sun hat will stay in place better, and will not blow into your eyes on a windy day, but it may be harder to pack in a bag or transport during your travels. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and have a crushed or bent-brimmed hat that is not usable for your hiking, camping, kayaking, or fishing adventure.

Color

The best sun protection hats for men are not only functional for protecting your skin when you are outdoors, but they also come in a variety of stylish colors and designs. The most common colors for the best cooling sun hat are lighter, more neutral colors.

Some manufacturers, like KastKing, also have hats that are printed with various Prym1 Camo styles and colors that are an excellent choice for hunting and fishing. The Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Hat, which is a popular choice and highly reviewed sun hat comes in darker colors like red, navy, and dark gray, making it easier to keep clean.

Other Features

The best backpacking hats and the best hats for sun protection feature moisture-wicking sweatbands, which help prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes. These sweatbands are woven into the inner crown of a sun hat.

For the avid fisherman, kayaker, or even someone who works all day in the sun, a sun hat with neck flaps and ear flaps may also be a good option. Depending on the sun hat you choose, these flaps may be sewn in or have an option to remove them as needed. A baseball-style sun hat with 360-degree protection flaps is commonly used by the outdoorsy type as well. Home Prefer is one of the highest-rated options when looking for a Boonie hat with neck flaps.

UV protection is a crucial element when looking into purchasing the best hat for sun protection. A UPF 50+ hat rating is important to look for, as they provide 98 to 99% protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Most full brim sun hats also come with an adjustable elastic drawstring and an adjustable chin cord so that the hat can be tightened or loosened depending on the circumference of your head.

Cleaning

Wearing a hat in the sun can cause it to become sweaty and have an odor if you do not clean it properly after use. Cleaning your sun hat will prolong the life of the hat and prevent it from staining over time. If your hat has a moisture-wicking headband, you want to be sure to keep it clean so that it does get clogged. Most sun hats can be machine washed, except for the straw style wide brim hats that need to be spot cleaned only. Machine washing can damage the seams or cause discoloration over time, so hand-washing and air drying is the best practice.

BEST SUN HATS FOR MEN
FAQs

1. What should I look for in a sun hat?

When looking to purchase a sun hat, there are a few items you should review before buying. One is material, and you will want a sun hat that is made with breathable fabric so that it will keep you cooler on a hot day. You will also want to look for a sun hat that has UPF 50+ so that it can protect you from the sun. Sun hats with UPF 50+ protect you from 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. You will also want to look for a hat with a wide brim of at least three inches or more to protect your face and neck from the sun. You can also consider color when choosing a sun hat, as most hats come in a variety of colors styles. Lighter colors usually are cooler than darker coolers. Some sun hats even come in camo pattern colors for hunting and fishing. There are a couple of popular designs for sun hats like the full brim or cape-style hat. The brim goes all the way around a full brim hat, and cape-style sun hats come with neck flaps that protect your face and neck from the elements.

2. Are straw hats good for sun protection?

A straw hat with an extra-wide brim, like the Quiksilver Men’s Pierside Straw hat, is an excellent choice for sun protection. These types of straw hats are constructed with straw fibers that are woven very tightly together to protect your head, neck, and face from the sun. The larger the brim, the better when it comes to straw hats, as most do not offer UFB 50+ sun protection like some other fabric sun hats. Straw hats are a popular choice among both men and women and have even become more fashionable in recent times for a day at the beach or on a boat. Be sure to find a straw hat with an adjustable chin strap if you are going to be in windy conditions, so the hat does not fly away.

3. What is a hydro cooling sun hat?

A hydro cooling sun hat is a hat that is designed to specifically protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and keep your head cooler on a hot day. Hydro cooling sun hats are made with military-grade materials with inner lining technology designed to keep your head 20 degrees cooler. The material is breathable and lightweight and reflects the heat from the sun. Hydro cooling sun hats also block 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. Hydro cooling sun hats can be either baseball-style cap or the more popular fully brimmed hat. These hats have moisture-wicking technology and dry very quickly when wet and are some of the best men’s sun hats. A hydro cooling sun hat is great for camping, hiking, running, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities like gardening.

4. What is the best type of hat for hiking?

When packing for a hiking trip, one thing you will always want to include is a hat. There are many different styles of hats for hiking, so you will want to consider a few items when you purchase a hat for hiking. A wide brim hiking hat is a common choice. The wide brim will keep the sun out of your face and off of your head while you hit the trails. The best men’s hiking hat will also have a water-resistant or waterproof finish in case you encounter any rain or get the hat wet during your hike. A hat with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating will keep your skin protected from the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and a hat with mesh can help keep you cooler on your journey as well. Choosing a hat with an adjustable cord works well for keeping the hat fitted to your head, and an adjustable chin strap will keep the hat from blowing off on a windy day.

5. What type of hat should I wear on a kayak?

Depending on the type of kayaking trip you will be going on, there are a few different types of hat you can wear. If you are kayaking during the cold weather, you may want to choose a skull cap and a helmet to keep your head warm. If kayaking in warmer weather, you will want to choose a hat that keeps you cool and protected from the sun. The best kayaking hats have UFB 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking technology, and adjustable chin straps to keep the hat in place while kayaking. Some kayakers also prefer a wide brim hat with a neck flap to keep the sun off of their skin on hot and sunny days. A hat with quick-drying fabric is also a plus, just in case you get wet during your kayaking adventures.

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

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