Whether you're headed to the beach, an outdoor music festival or sporting event, garden party, or another destination for fun in the sun, remember to pack plenty of sunscreen - moisturizer, and a broad-brimmed sun hat for protecting your face, ears, neck, and scalp from harmful UV rays. Before you grab any sun hat - though, make sure it offers true sun protection.
Packable Sun Hats For Summer Travel: What to Look For in a Packable Sun Hat
Nylon, polyester, and cotton twill are common materials used to make sun hats. These breathable fabrics not only offer sun protection but are also lightweight and easy to pack. Some travel-friendly models can be folded and neatly tucked away in a small pouch or stowed in a pocket. When shopping for a packable summer hat, look for a broad brim of at least three inches and a tightly woven fabric or a UPF label to ensure adequate sun protection.
You might also consider a hat with a flap that covers the back of the neck and ear flaps or side panels that provide additional protection from the sun. Consider a hat made with moisture-wicking technology - which pulls sweat away from the skin and keeps your head cool. Breathable hats with ventilation holes are another option to keep you feeling comfortable while you're outdoors.
Why Choose a Packable Sun Hat Over a Baseball Cap
Studies show that baseball caps and trucker hats aren't good enough to protect your face, ears, or neck from the sun. That's why it's best to wear a broad-brimmed sun hat that protects more of your skin. In a survey of nearly 400 college students published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more women than men reported using sunscreen, seeking shade - and wearing protective clothing to shield their skin from the sun. But when it came to wearing a hat, more men than women said they wore a cap or hat to protect themselves from UV radiation.
It's worth noting that men had significantly higher odds of getting sunburned than women. The researchers concluded that public health interventions aimed at reducing the risk of skin cancer should discourage people from using baseball caps as sun protection and educate them about the benefits of wearing broad-brimmed hats.
Sun Hats With UPF Protection
The fabric of some sun hats is treated with an ultraviolet protectant chemical, which helps block out more harmful UV radiation. Hats with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating offer even more protection from the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a UPF rating indicates how much UV radiation penetrates the fabric and reaches your skin.
For example, a 25 UPF rating means the fabric lets in 1/25 - or 4%, of the UV radiation. A garment with a UPF rating of 50 lets in 1/50, or 2%, of the UV radiation. When shopping for a sun hat, look for a UPF label that indicates the level of sun protection. Hats with a UPF rating of 50+ offer excellent sun protection and the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.
How to Pack and Protect Your Sun Hat While Traveling
Whether you prefer a panama hat - trucker hat, or bucket hat, be sure to pack your sun hat in the right way so it doesn't get crushed or damaged. If your hat comes with a pouch or bag, use it to store and protect your hat. If not, roll your sun hat into a pair of jeans - T-shirt, or trousers to avoid damaging the brim.
If you're planning a beach vacation, consider bringing along a large cooler hat rack to keep your hats protected and easily accessible. And if you're heading somewhere for a day of fun in the sun, remember to stash your hat in the trunk of your car or use a sunshade. Leaving a sun hat in the front seat of your car, especially if it's made with straw or has leather accents - could result in a faded, warped, or damaged hat.
Best Sellers and Seasonal Styles Among Packable Sun Hats for Summer Travel
These four best-selling sun hats offer style, functionality, and most importantly - protection from the sun. Available in a variety of colors, prints, and designs, including raffia, bucket - and Panama styles, find seasonal styles perfect for an afternoon on the boat, a trip to the beach, music festivals, or any warm weather excursion.
- Many of the models can be folded and fit into a compact travel pouch
- Most of the hats are water-resistant - breathe well, and feature moisture-wicking technology
- Look for packs of three coordinating sun hats for mom, plus her daughter or girlfriend
- Most of the sun hats have UPF 50+ protection
Beachgoers, music festival enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers can enjoy spending time under the sun without worrying about damaging their skin thanks to broad-brimmed sun hats with UV protection. Along with protecting your skin from sun damage and signs of aging - sun hats can add a bit of personality and edge to any outfit. Whether you're heading out on a boat, taking in a day at the races, or relaxing on the sand, there's a packable sun hat perfect for summer travel.
