Don’t look now, but it’s brightening up outside. The time change makes the days longer, the trees are blooming, and we’re making sure that the whole crew is protected from the sun. Don’t get us wrong; we’re big fans of sunshine. What we’re not into is the serious damage UV rays can cause if you’re enjoying them unprotected. Of course, we’ve stocked up on sunscreen and keep an eye on the time we stay outdoors. But one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep our loved ones’ skin safe is with sun hats.
Hats are really simple—limited prep, lots of benefits, and, for the most part, kiddos are happy to wear them out and about. Plus, did we mention you can skip doing your hair? Because that’s a huge bonus. Not all are created equal, though, so take a look at our list of protective head-toppers for your entire family to avoid the burn without staying inside all season.
Baby Sun Hats
Sunday Afternoons Baby SunFlip Hat
This crushable hat is designed to protect their face, little neck, and tiny ears. It's reversible and also comes in lilac!
Sunday Afternoons Baby SunFlip Hat ($26.00)—Buy Here!
Ruffle Butts Protective Sun Hat
Available in 5 versatile colors, this UPF 50+ sun hat is lightweight and securted right under their chin.
Ruffle Butts Protective Sun Hat ($8.99)—Buy Here!
Patagonia Block-the-Sun UPF Baby Hat
Aside from how cute it is, this safari-style sun hat from Patagonia offers 40+ UPF sun protection and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS). Available in 3 colors.
Patagonia Block-the-Sun UPF Baby Hat ($39.00)—Buy Here!
Reversible Baby Bonnet by Urban Baby Bonnets
Urban Baby Bonnets sun hats are all reversible, machine-washable, and handmade by fairly paid work-at-home women right here in the United States. There's also a chin strap with a snap, so no more little hands pulling them off. Tons of designs are available, too.
Reversible Baby Bonnet by Urban Baby Bonnets ($44.00)—Buy Here!
Smiley Face Bucket Baby Sun Hats, Set of 2
It's really never too early to get them started rocking Y2K fashion, and these smiley bucket sun hats include UPF 50 protection and a neck strap. Lots of colors available.
Smiley Face Bucket Baby Sun Hats, Set of 2 ($17.99)—Buy Here!
Kids Sun Hats
Columbia Kids Bora Bora Booney Hat
Featuring UPF 50, moisture-repellency, and mesh, this hat keeps them comfy and sun-protected. Available in 3 colorways.
Columbia Kids Bora Bora Booney Hat ($30.00)—Buy Here!
TYR Kids' Start to Swim Reversible Bucket Hat
This swim-ready hat offers UPF 50 protection, is perfect for swimming, and is super lightweight, too. Available in pink/purple or blue/light blue.
TYR Kids' Start to Swim Reversible Bucket Hat ($19.99)—Buy Here!
Cotopaxi Kids Bucket Hat
Available in 3 sizes, this Cotopaxi hat has a wide brim for full face coverage and built-in UV protection.
Cotopaxi Kids Bucket Hat ($40.00)—Buy Here!
Reversible Bucket Hat
The recycled material of this sun hat offers UPF 50 protection, plus a reversible design for all their costume changes.
Reversible Bucket Hat ($12.00)—Buy Here!
Kids Large Brim Hat with Neck Flap
This quick-drying sun hat includes mesh panels to keep them cool and has an adjustable back strap (that also works great for ponytails!). Available in 6 colors.
Kids Large Brim Hat with Neck Flap ($13.99)—Buy Here!
Sun Hats for Women & Men
Holiday UPF 50+ Sun Hat
Our managing editor is such a fan of this sun hat, she took it on vacation and stayed sunburn-free. We couldn't leave this winner out, plus it's available in 6 colors.
Holiday UPF 50+ Sun Hat ($55.00)—Buy Here!
Women's Charlie Sun Hat by Wallaroo Hat Company
This one looks as good running errands as it does on a beach day. Pick from a tan band, black, or dusty blue (they all have interior size adjusting straps, so you can't pick wrong). Plus, it's packable, so bring it wherever this spring and summer takes you.
Women's Charlie Sun Hat by Wallaroo Hat Company ($53.00)—Buy Here!
Women's Stella Scarf Detail Hat by Coolibar
Add a little color to your sun protection with this scarf sun hat from Coolibar. The vintage-inspired scarf comes in pink, red, or blue-on-blue and offers the highest level of protection Coolibar has available.
Women's Stella Scarf Detail Hat by Coolibar ($69.00)—Buy Here!
RedHead Big Brim Weathered Cotton Safari Hat for Men
The distressed look of this hat makes it look well-broken-in before you even put it on. Plus, the mesh crown keeps you cool and the chin strap keeps the breeze from grabbing it.
RedHead Big Brim Weathered Cotton Safari Hat for Men ($34.99)—Buy Here!
Women's Marlee Paper Stripe Hat by Coolibar
You didn't think you'd make it through a sun hat list without a chic floppy one, did you? This one from Coolibar is the epitome of sun-protective style and offers a great level of shade.
Women's Marlee Paper Stripe Hat by Coolibar ($25.99)—Buy Here!
Adult Patagonia Airshed Visor
If you're looking for the least amount of hat that still offers sun protection, a visor is where it's at. Patagonia's Airshed Visor is made from recycled fishing nets and is designed for active days. Fast-drying and super lightweight, too. Available in 4 colors.
Patagonia Airshed Visor ($39.00)—Buy Here!
Men's Straw Lifeguard Hat by National Parks Foundation
A retro lifeguard hat with a supportive National Parks Foundation patch at the front and a chin strap. What more could a nature-lover want?
Men's Straw Lifeguard Hat by National Parks Foundation ($45.00)—Buy Here!
Men's Castaway Safari Hat by Panama Jack
For the guy who likes to feel the breeze, the mesh fabrication of this safari hat will keep him cool. It's also packable (read: crushable) and comes in 3 colors.
Men's Castaway Safari Hat by Panama Jack ($46.95)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.
