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You know you should apply (and reapply!) sunscreen every day, but experts say a beach hat is an important accessory, too. It's a simple and effective way to cover up your face and neck, possibly preventing age spots and other skin damage—plus, it'll complete your stylish summer ensemble.
“Hats definitely work when it comes to sun protection,” says Dr. DiAnne Davis, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “It's important to cover up as much of your skin as possible if you are going to be spending time outdoors,” adds Davis, who also suggests wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses with UV protection.
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Look for a wide-brimmed hat that not only covers your face, but also your ears and neck as well, she says. It's also a good idea to avoid straw hats with looser weaves, which don’t provide adequate protection. Think of it this way: If you can see through the construction, UV rays can also filter through.
With that in mind, whether you're on the hunt for a wide-brim straw hat to go with your new swimsuit, a trendy bucket design for every day, a packable style for travel, or a sporty version with UPF50+ for hiking, boating, or gardening, we selected the best beach hats to sport—including options that are just like Oprah's go-to from The Salting—as we head into warm weather season.
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FURTALK Foldable Beach Sun Straw Hat with UPF 50+
FURTALK Foldable Beach Sun Straw Hat with UPF 50+
With a full, bendable rim and high UPF sun protection, this is a great hat to fold up and pack in your beach bag or weekender.
J.Crew Packable Straw Hat
This cute yet unassuming raffia number (available in two other colors) goes with everything from your city outfits to seaside looks. Even better: It folds up for convenience.
FURTALK Wide-Brim Sun Hat with Wind Lanyard and UPF 50+
FURTALK Wide-Brim Sun Hat with Wind Lanyard and UPF 50+
This easily packable and crushable hat has adjustable sizing and a drawstring to keep it in place on windy days. It's a great option for travel—especially if you're headed on a cruise.
Anthropologie Woven Palm Sun Hat
With an asymmetrical brim and sweet bow, this sustainable palm style is not only rated UPF 50+ but also features a foam interior band for comfort.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Brittany Beach Hat
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Brittany Beach Hat
Coolibar is known for its quality gear made with UPF50+ fabrics that block 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. What could be easier than this chambray beach hat? It's travel-ready and features an interior sweatband with adjustable fit.
Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat
Whether you're dining alfresco or lounging poolside, this easy-to-wear straw style in a warm natural tone will top off your look. You can even roll it up and stash it in your bag—it has an effortless unstructured silhouette.
Solbari Ultra-Wide-Brim Hat UPF50+
Protect your neck with this wide brim that is also rated UPF50+. Reversible with a wired brim for adjustability, this packable style offers an array of options. The slot at the back of the hat for your ponytail is an added bonus.
Scala Women's Medium-Brim Cotton Hat
Scala Women's Medium-Brim Cotton Hat
The design (which is available in a plethora of colors) offers the sun protection you're looking for, while the hidden inner drawstring allows for an adjustable fit.
Pineapple&Star Straw Fedora Beach Hat UPF50+
Pineapple&Star Straw Fedora Beach Hat UPF50+
Timeless menswear-inspired fedora silhouettes are flattering for most face shapes. This one is constructed in a paper-straw-and-poly blend for a packable style that also has an inner adjustable band and detachable chin cord.
TheSalting Classic Fedora Ivory
Oprah donned a marigold felted wool version of this fedora on the cover of O magazine in November 2018 and loved it so much, she had a straw one custom made for warm weather. Constructed in Pennsylvania at the oldest hat manufacturer in the country, it’s a timeless style that will endure for many summers to come.
San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid X Large Brim Hat
San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid X Large Brim Hat
Bring drama to the beach in an oversize floppy hat. Not only does it look pretty glam, but the extra-wide brim will protect your face and neck from harmful rays. If you want to stand out even more, opt for the bright pink, yellow, or royal blue color.
Henschel Hats Cotton Mesh Hat UPF 50+
Henschel Hats Cotton Mesh Hat UPF 50+
Made from 100 percent cotton mesh, this hat is super breathable, so you won't get too hot in the sun. The smart chin strap prevents your hat from flying away in the breeze.
Sunday Afternoons Kauai Sun Hat
Sunday Afternoons Kauai Sun Hat
Lightweight and breathable, this beach hat features an interior sweatband for the hottest days. Plus, it's packable, and the brim can be worn up or down.
Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Victoria Sun Hat
Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Victoria Sun Hat
Give sunny yellow a whirl with this lightweight, packable, and washable hat that features a slightly upturned brim. But don't worry if yellow isn't your color—the hat comes in an impressive array of 21 shades.
Simplicity Roll-Up Wide-Brim Straw Hat
Designed so that it rolls up easily in your suitcase, this visor has an adjustable bow closure to work with an array of hairstyles. Bonus: It comes in over a dozen different shades.
Eohak Ponytail Baseball Hat
If you're a baseball cap girl, this versatile cotton blend style will become your year-round go-to. Having a bad hair day? No problem. Just put on the cap, pull a pony threw the specially design hole and you're ready. Just don't forget sunscreen for your neck.s
Hat Attack Harbor Hat
This woven raffia hat has a wide brim that shades the face, but it's not all about function. The stylish hat features a tonal leather band that elevates the look.
Tilley The Iconic T1 Hat
Tilley The Iconic T1 Hat
Offered in a slew of neutral hues, this utilitarian bucket will carry you through activities from hiking and gardening to beach sports. Breathable and durable cotton offers UPF50+ sun protection, and it even has a hidden pocket and wind cord.
Brixton Joanna Straw Hat
Brixton Joanna Straw Hat
Complement any summer ensemble with this classic straw hat. The flat medium brim provides shade, while black grosgrain adds a pretty touch.
H&M Wide Brim Straw Hat
It's hard to go wrong with a straw hat—especially one in such a fun and vibrant pink shade. The frayed edges on this wide-brimmed style add an effortless vibe to everything from denim to cover-ups, and a grosgrain band inside makes sure it stays put.
Paula Lee is a freelance Fashion Editor. Off duty, she can be found day-tripping around the tri-state area, hanging around farm animals, or browsing the library stacks.
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