We all acknowledge the urgent need of protecting ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreen is a must when we venture out but that alone is not sufficient. What we need is a sun hat. It not only safeguards us from the dangerous UV rays but also lessens wrinkles and prevents skin cancer. Dr DiAnnie Davis MD in Dermatology has also reaffirmed the importance of a sun hat for sun protection.
Bearing this in mind I fortified my resolution in buying a sun hat when I am off on my way to my annual summer vacation. However, every time I decide to buy one, the burden of packing it sets me off. Bulky hats invariably take a lot of space and are cumbersome, to say the least. Moreover, they tend to lose their shape once stuffed into the suitcase. Many times I have tried wearing my hat but the fear of forgetting it at the security invariably held me back.
The solution I discovered however much later through intensive research was a universal problem. This was clear when I came across a multitude of brands promoting packable hats catering exclusively to women. With a wide array to choose from or rolled up or manufactured from a flexible material, women like me are at a loss when it comes to choosing the best packable women’s sun hat. Thus to make the job a bit easy for all of us, I have come up with my all-time favorites through personal experience.
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If you are in search of the best women’s packable sun hat then look no further. Lanza Straw Panama Hat is your best bet. Its white brim is designed for extra coverage from the cruel rays of the sun. It is both elegant and classy while at the same time being extremely lightweight. With multiple colors on offer, you can pick the perfect one to suit your style.
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Buying Guide for Best Women’s Packable Sun Hat
- Sun Protective Features – SPF(Sun protection factor determines the time taken for skin to redden under the intense heat of the sun. Dermatologists advise using sun’s skin with an SPF of 30+ along with a sun hat for best all-round protection. The material of the sun hat should be intricately woven. If it allows the sun rays to pour through the pores of the material it might not provide the best protection. Moreover, the brim of the hat should be 3 inches to adequately shed your face from the direct rays.
- Coverage – Go for a hat that best covers your neck, shoulders along with your face.
- Facial Contours – Choose a hat based on the shape of your face. A flatter crown goes well with a long face whereas a high crown gives a short face a tall appearance.
- Color – Pick out a color that goes well with the outfit you are wearing. If you are color blind as I am or do not intend to invest in a variety of hats simply choose a straw one. It naturally complements almost everything.
Best Packable Women’s Sun Hat
Hats have always caught the fancy of the trendiest women’s forges. They have always been and will continue to remain a fashion statement for women who do not wish to venture without taking adequate protection. Here I have shortlisted some of the finest sun hats.
1. Itopfox Women’s Beachwear Sun Hat
Settle for a wide-brimmed summer hat to flaunt your fashion style while on the beach. This summer hat compliments just about any ensemble are whether it is a maxi dress, trousers or shorts. White brimmed hats sure are a great way to protect your face from the hot glare of the sun. Itopfox is foldable as well as elegantly designed in black and white stripes. It comes with a sweatband to reduce the rubbing of the head with the hand. Thus it features at the top of the list as the best packable sun hat with a chinstrap.
Pros
- Adjustable inner string
- Quality good
- Big rim
Cons
- Chinstrap small and tight
- Hat small in size
2. Women’s Scrunchie Sun Hat by Wallaroo
If you are on the lookout for the hat that provides maximum sun protection try this lightweight hat from Wallaroo. It is available in fashionable colors to blend with any outfit. Made of 100% polyester it offers UPF 50 + sun protection. Every Wallaroo hat is provided with an internal drawstring to ensure a perfect fit.
Pros
- Offers UPF 50+ protection
- Size big enough
- Light and durable
- Adjustable headband
Cons
- Does not come with a chin strap
- Suitable for small heads only
3. Sunday Afternoon’s Sunset Hats
If you are more into a cowboy design hat, this hat made by Sunday afternoons may be a fun option for you. With a UPF 50+ certified sun rating, this polyester-made sunset hat is beautifully designed and stylish although being lightweight and comfortable. The beaded decoration is simple and yet adds a touch of style.
Pros
- Available in multiple colours
- Comes with the chinstrap
- UPF 50+
Cons
- Polyester not breathable
- Not suitable for getting wet.
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4. San Diego Hat Company Women’s Ribbon Large Brim Hat
San Diego hat company makes wonderful packable hats in multiple styles and a wide array of colors to suit everyone’s taste. It is a wide-brimmed hat with a self-tie ribbon. It is extremely sturdy and functional even after repeated use. The hat comes with a tie around the crown to keep it firmly in place during a gust of wind.
Pros
- 5-inch brim for excellent coverage
- UPF 50+
Cons
- Thick fabric induces heat
5. Lanzom Women Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll up Hat
This fedora hat by Lanzom is made of 90% paper straw and 10% polyester to give a soft, comfortable, and breathable hat to wear. It is a one-size hat to fit most women. Easily foldable and packable, it can be carried about everywhere. Cool and elegantly designed it can be worn while gardening or partying on the beach with friends or family or for any other outdoor occasion.
Pros
- Excellent sun protection with a UPF rating of 50+
- Easy to wear fedora style
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small brim
- Hat too small for thick hair
- Bad for water activity
6. Muryobao Women’s Sun Straw Hat
This premium hat from Muryobao is manufactured from 80% paper straw and 20% polyester. Echo friendly, lightweight, and packable, it adds a comfortable feeling even if worn for a long duration of time. This floppy wide brim hat measuring about 5.1 inches provides full head coverage and protection from the harmful rays of the sun. It has a circumference of about 22-22.8 inches wide enough to cover most heads. The hidden drawstring is not only adjustable but also allows for a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suitable for wide head
- Brim not wide enough
7. Pineapple&Star Vienna Visor Women’s Summer
Have a carefree day in the sun with a Viena sun hat which comes with a UPF 50+ rating for complete protection. Moreover, its 4 1/7 inch wide brim gives you full protection. It features a Velcro strap to give you the perfect fit. The package design is unique. The hat can either be rolled or packed into a box or else you can carry the box as a Vienna bag.
Pros
- Lightweight and stylish
- Packaging secure
- Weave tight
Cons
- Quality not durable
- Expensive
- The size of the brim is not wide enough
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Parting Thought
I hope I have been convincing you that hats are not only a style statement but truly practical. It comes with a host of benefits from premature wrinkling, skin cancer and protection from sun rays. Thus a floppy hat for the beach, a packable style for UPF 50+ for travel or a sporty one for gardening just about covered it all. Pair it with long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses and you are ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question. 1: What hat should I choose to wear on a sunny day?
A wide brim hat should be your ideal choice. The wide brim will protect you from the cruel rays of the sun.
Question. 2: Are hats effective in protecting us from the sun?
Although applying sunscreen is essential while going out, sun hats have the added advantage of covering your neck, head and shoulders from the sun’s rays. Moreover, they help to keep us cool.
Question. 3: What should my priorities be while choosing the best packable sun hat for women?
Before picking up a summer hat decide on when and where you are going to put it on. Do you care for a casual hat for beachwear or something to complete your ensemble when you are out partying with friends? More importantly, decide on your priorities first, style sense or sun protection.
Question. 4: Have strong hats run out of fashion?
No. Strong hats were once style statements for women in yesteryears and remain a timeless accessory. Stronghold is an integral part of your summer wardrobe collection.