When it's summertime, it that means "hat" weather. Whether you’re looking to protect your face from the sun or just want a new look this season, there are plenty of options that can add some extra style to any outfit. So think outside the box—or sun hat—and explore some of these fun new looks for summer.Hats have a prominent place in fashion, but they also have practical uses. For example, the right hat can provide sun protection and shade from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and insect bites. In cold weather, hats keep ears, cheeks, and scalps warm. For athletes, hats are a way to express team spirit, as well as for decoration. Although some people wear hats because they think it looks good, everyone who wears a hat will tell you it is helpful—and it is!As you know, there is no way to avoid the harmful effects of the sun's rays. It only takes a few minutes of sun exposure for the ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight to burn your skin and even cause skin cancer. And despite the fact that your hair protects most of your scalp, it is still at risk of sunburn because it does not shield the topmost layer of your skin from UV rays.To help you out, Koala Outdoor has put together a guide showing you how to choose the right hat for summer and ideas to personalize it.Benefits of wearing a hat to the beachThere are many benefits to wearing a hat to the beach, including protection from the sun's harmful rays, reduced risk of skin cancer, and prevention of sunburns. You probably know that water is a major reflector of UV radiation — but so are sand, concrete, and even snow.A hat can also help keep your head cool in hot weather and shield your eyes from the sun's glare. In addition, wearing a hat can increase your chances of being spotted by lifeguards in the case of an emergency.Wearing a hat can help protect your face from the sun's harmful UV rays.A hat can help keep your head cool in hot weather.Wearing a hat can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.A hat can help prevent sunburns.Wearing a hat can help shield your eyes from the sun's glare.A hat can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts.Wearing a hat can increase your chances of being spotted by lifeguards in an emergency situation.What kind of hat do you wear to the beach?Here’s a simple solution to that pesky sunburn dilemma: a good beach hat with UV protection. Sun hats are an excellent fashion accessory, and they’re perfect for shielding your face from harmful UV rays.Whether you want something fun to wear by the water or you need a durable hat for camping trips and hiking expeditions, there’s something for everyone in this collection of the best beach hats out there—all at prices that won’t break the bank.There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of hat to wear to the beach depends on a number of factors, including your personal style and the weather conditions. However, some general tips can help you choose the right hat for a day at the beach.If you're looking for protection from the sun, opt for a wide-brimmed hat that will shade your face, neck, and ears. If you're concerned about staying cool in hot weather, look for a hat made from lightweight material that will allow air to circulate. And if you want a hat that will help you stand out from the crowd, go for a brightly colored or patterned style.Better to have a full (360°) brim hat than a standard baseball cap. Beware of hats with flimsy brims—many are made from lightweight materials that don't provide much shade at all. Even if the hat provides but a little shade, it can make a difference in how you feel than having no hat on at all.Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps Many people believe the UV rays of tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning lamps give out UVA and usually UVB rays as well.Should you wear a hat at the beach?Although sun exposure and Vitamin D have many health benefits, however, to protect yourself from skin cancer and other sun damage, try to minimize direct sun exposure to the harmful UV rays by staying in the shade as much as possible, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and of course, wearing a hat.Hats can be worn in any season. It’s not just a fashion trend, it’s a way to stay warmer or cooler depending on the season. Wearing a sun protection hat at the beach can be beneficial in more ways than one. If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not you should wear a hat to the beach, you can learn more about its benefits below.If you wear a hat at the beach, it will help keep your head cooler. The scorching rays of the sun will be diverted away from your poor, overheated head. However, do not forget to choose a hat that allows your scalp to breathe. Despite the fact that wearing a hat in the summer might help you stay cooler, the correct hat can help you stay warmer in the winter and other colder months.Make sure you’re wearing a sun protection hat that allows you to breathe. Straw hats can be a great summer option because they help airflow through the hat and cool your head down. Other hats, such as baseball caps and sun visors, are also great options.The sun rays can cause dead skin cells and skin cancer, and no one wants that. So, by wearing a hat when outdoors during hot weather months, you’ll be protecting yourself from skin cancer. Despite the fact that wearing a hat in the summer might help you stay cooler, the correct hat can help you stay warmer in the winter and other colder months.What hat is best for sun protection?There is no one perfect type of hat for sun protection, as the best choice depends on a number of factors such as your personal style and the weather conditions. Know your climate before selecting a hat. It’s best to find one that protects your face and neck from sunlight—but not so wide as to cast a shadow in front of your eyes.However, some general tips can help you choose the right hat for a day in the sun:Wide-brimmed straw hatStraw hats are not as protective as hats made of tightly woven fabric. For maximum protection from the sun's harmful rays, opt for a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. If you're worried about staying cool in hot weather, look for a hat made from lightweight material that will allow air to circulate. And if you want a hat that will help you stand out from the crowd, go for a brightly colored or patterned style.How big should that brim be?When choosing a hat, think about how much shade you need. For example, if you don't mind slathering on sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or higher are recommended throughout the day, a shorter brim will look a bit more stylish. However, if you prefer to avoid reapplying broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day, aim for something a little bit longer—like this hat with a 7" brim.Baseball capIf a sun hat isn’t in your budget right now, consider a tactical camo USA cap that offers a UPF rating of 50+. It won’t protect you as much as a hat with a wider brim, but it might be cheaper and easier to fit into your busy schedule.Short-brimmed Bucket hatIf you're really looking to channel the retro vibe that made the bucket hat famous and never goes out of style. The bucket hat is perfect for a hike or boating trip. It boasts a durable cotton canvas with UPF of 50+ and is waterproof, in case you get caught in the rain. Its lightweight breathability and affordability make it a smart addition to your activewear collectionPanama hatPanamas add a touch of sophistication to your summer wardrobe. Handwoven from unique lightweight toquilla palm in Ecuador, they keep your head cool and protected from the summer sun. A classic hat with a timeless shape, adds drama to any outfit.In conclusion, wearing a hat to the beach has many benefits, including protection from the sun, reduced risk of skin cancer, and prevention of sunburns. So next time you head to the beach, be sure to pack a hat!What is the best sun hat?You’re probably wondering why we’re recommending an outdoor hat for a sun hat. The same qualities that make it a great outdoor hat, large enough to protect your neck and ears, also make it a great sun hat. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), wearing sun-protective clothing, like a sun hat, can help ward off skin cancer.Go for hats that have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or above, says Dr. Jaliman. UPF represents how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA rays) a fabric allows to reach your skin. In order to earn the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval, sun-protective clothing must have a UPF of at least 30. Anywhere between UPF 30 to 49 is very good protection, while UPF 50+ qualifies as excellent.UVA rays can go all the way through the skin's protective epidermis to the dermis, where blood vessels and nerves are found. Because of this, UVA rays may damage a person's skin even if they don't experience a sunburn. Wearing a sun protection hat can help protect your face and head from the sun's harmful rays. When choosing a beach hat, it's important to consider both function and fashion. For maximum protection, opt for a dark-colored style that covers your face and neck.During the midday hours, when the sun is strongest, it is important to wear a hat and a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you are going to be outside. Depending on your location and daylight savings, this midday “solar noon” window occurs between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you’re going to be outside for even 10 minutes during this window, a sun-protected hat will not only protect you but will keep you cool in the hot midday sun.What kind of hat is best for hiking?Spending a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation without protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts or long pants and sunscreen increases your risk. If you're looking for a sun hat, and you're an outdoor enthusiast, chances are you'll be buying your hat with hiking in mind. The absolute best sun hat for you will depend on your personal style and specific requirements, but when it comes to the best universal hiking hat, look no further than the Boonie hat.The Boonie hat is perfect for a hike because of its breathability and durability; it also features a secret pocket to keep your valuables safe while you explore. If you're taking a long hike or walking through a particularly sunny area, the Boonie hat's full coverage for the face and neck as well as ear protection is invaluable.The Boonie hat comes in a variety of colors so you can pick one that matches your style. It is also available in different sizes for adults and children.If you are looking for a sun hat that will protect more than just your head, you’ve found it in the Koala Outdoors UV Sun Protection Hat. If you plan on hiking in a place where you need maximum protection from the sun's harmful rays, this hat offers an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 50+. It also has a mesh lining for added comfort. You can adjust the fit of the hat using the adjustable chin strap and cinch cord lock.Not only does it have full coverage, with a wide brim and extra material covering the back of your neck, but it is also extremely lightweight. Even when wearing this hat all day, you won’t have to worry about feeling weighed down by the extra material or being annoyed by the heat.What colour hat is best for hiking?The color of your sun hat also plays a role in how much protection it offers. Lighter colors reflect rays, while darker colors absorb them. If you plan to hike higher elevations where snow is still present, a white hat is your best bet.White reflects the most UV light and helps prevent sunburns, according to a study published by the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval. Darker colors, especially black and red, absorb more UV rays and can leave you burnt even on short hikes.When it comes to the fabric, go for hats with a darkly-colored, tightly-woven fabric like denim, canvas, wool, or synthetic fibers, which can effectively shield against harmful UV rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.If you plan to hike in hot weather, choose a hat with a wider brim to give your neck extra protection. The skin on the back of your neck can be sensitive and difficult to cover with sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat will block the sun's rays and help keep you cool as well. A baseball cap is fine for short hikes on cloudy days but not enough protection for longer treks.ConclusionWhen it's time to hit the beach, remember that you can still look cool while shielding from the sun. With so many options to choose from, summer hat shopping might turn into your favorite part of spring cleaning. Hats can also protect your skin from damaging UV rays that cause tan lines or precancerous skin growths. Unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers.Wearing a hat is just one step towards protecting yourself and your body from harmful UV rays. You should also wear sunscreen, use sunglasses, and make sure your beach umbrella has a UPF rating. At the end of the day, all you can do is try to protect yourself as best you can. The hat above is designed to go with most outfits, so give it a try!
