Sun’s out, a cool breeze is blowing and it’s finally time for a beach day. You’ve packed your towel, some sunscreen, reading material and even some snacks for a day by the water. But it’s important not to forget one of the most vital accessories of the day: your hat. Sure, sun hats don’t exactly have a reputation for being stylish, but not only can the right style protect your face and shoulders from the blazing sun but it might actually make your beach outfit that much more chic.
In fact, the best sun hats for women are just as stylish as they are functional. In addition to finding one that fits your vibe, look for things like packability, adjustable chin or forehead straps, UPF 50+ certification and premium materials.
Whether you’re going for a dramatic look with an oversized floppy hat or a more everyday vibe with a chic, wide-brimmed Panama hat, we’ve compiled 25 sun hats that customers say they’d buy all over again.
A lightweight and breathable hat that won't leave your head hot and sweaty, this Lululemon hat has UPF 40+ protection. Plus, the hat's small slits will help keep your head properly ventilated on even the hottest days.
If you're all about the distressed and slightly edgy look, grab this floppy denim hat from Urban Outfitters.
Work your favorite messy bun, ponytail or updo with this visor, which also packs down for easy transport in your beach or pool bag. An adjustable Velcro strap ensures the perfect fit while the wide brim and dainty bow detail keep your style right on-trend.
From wind to sun to light rain, this hat makes a great travel companion since it can withstand an array of weather conditions. Plus, it packs down into a lightweight pouch that you can clip onto your backpack or bags for quick access whenever you need it.
If all you need is a simple hat to stow in your tote bag or backpack for sunny days, this cotton bucket hat is a great choice. We also love that it comes in over 35 colors with a unisex fit, so everyone can find their perfect hat.
Whether you're going on a sunny summer walk or spending a day reading in the park or garden, this breathable Solbari hat will keep you protected, blocking out 98% of UVA and UVB rays. It also has a handy opening to slip a ponytail through if you need to pull your hair up.
If you want that truly oversized look, this San Diego Hat is for you. Big enough to give some shade to your face, neck and shoulders, this fabulous hat comes in vivid shades like Citron and Hot Pink, as well as neutral shades like black, brown and beige tones.
And for an oversized option in a few more colors, this straw Free People hat comes in stunning Red, White and Blush shades, among others.
For a sun hat capable of handling hiking trails and other daily adventures, we'd grab this Eddie Bauer hat, which comes in two sizes and is on sale for just $20.
Traditional straw with a fun twist, this Gap bucket hat is perfect if you want something that strikes a balance between classic sun hat materials and a modern but playful design.
This sun hat, available in nine fun shades, has undeniable fisherman vibes. But more than 1,000 rave reviews assure you it’ll look great with almost anything.
Though reviewers say this hat runs a bit big, one customer notes that it “looks so chic on and is a classic style.”
This classic Panama hat, which comes in three different sizes, adds the perfect casual-chic look to any summer ensemble.
This white hat from Target collected 4.8 stars from customers, with one saying she loves how well it fits: “I find that most hats are a little too big for my head, but this one is perfect. So helpful for beach days and in general when sitting out in the sun for long periods of time. Covers the face and neck area well.”
Available in eight neutral shades (and an outlier of a hot pink), this beach visor is one of Amazon’s most highly rated styles.
It has a hefty price for a visor but this designer style has more than two dozen 5-star reviews. One customer even says she never leaves home without it: “It covers well, yet doesn’t mash down your hair like hats do. As mentioned, it packs very well, keeping its shape nicely after being compressed in a bag.”
This floppy striped hat comes in four colorways: Blue, Orange, white-and-tan striped, or black-and-white striped. All are equally stylish.
If you've got bundles of hair or just find full-capped hats a little hot, this visor is a great option to still keep the sun out of your face. Plus, this multicolored pastel striping will add a playful pop to your spring and summer looks.
Amazon’s bestselling sun hat is a traditional fedora that one reviewer says looks great with everything: “I’ve worn it every day since I purchased it. All of a sudden my clothes have new life.”
This lightweight cotton hat comes in eight different colors and keeps you shielded with UPF 50 sun protection. The inner drawstring also helps you find that perfect fit for your head.
For the summer hikers and adventurers, a more technical hat, like this Cotopaxi one, might be a better bet over cotton, canvas or straw. Made of recycled nylon, this quick-drying hat also has breathable mesh side panels to keep your cool all day long.
This hat, which comes in two colors, has 100-plus rave reviews, with one customer calling it “very chic. [I] sent one to each of my sisters as birthday gifts; now they love this hat too.”
Perfect for hikes, walks or just lounging in the sun, this beloved hat from the North Face has a sweat-wicking sweatband, UPF 40+ protection and earned the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation for its effective UV protection.
With over 1,000 5-star reviews, this UPF 50+ Signature Lifeguard hat from Hemlock Hat Co. has a wide, straw brim and a lined under-brim that comes in tons of fun patterns and designs.