Discover the 13 Sun Hats That Not Only Keep You Cool but Could Transform Your Summer Style Forever
Ever find yourself squinting at the sun, wondering if your hat’s really doing its job or just playing dress-up? Yeah, me too. Sun hats—they might seem like simple accessories, but picking the right one can make all the difference between a day of sweat and sunburn or a cool, comfy adventure. Whether you’re hiking, running, or just owning the summer streets, having a hat that actually protects and performs is key. From breathable fabrics to UPF ratings that save your skin from hostile rays, we’re unpacking the top sun hats that deliver on style, function, and durability. Ready to crown yourself properly this season? Let’s dive in and find that perfect fit for your head and your hustle. LEARN MORE
If you want a sun hat that really gets the job done, The North Face’s Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat is the top one we recommend. Not only does it check off all our boxes—wide brim, UPF rating of 40+, nice lightweight material—it has some really nice extra features, too. It has a built-in sweatband that helps pull moisture from your scalp (especially nice to have in high temperatures) and an adjustable chin strap so it won’t fly away if it gets windy, and it comes in a bunch of great colors.
Materials
Recycled nylon, recycled polyester mesh
Colors
7
Sizes
S/M, L/XL
UPF Rating
40+
Another top-tier option we’d recommend to any guy is this handsome hat from L.L. Bean. It takes a very classic hat silhouette, almost like a Panama hat or fedora with a wide brim, and turns it into something extra useful for summer. We like the mesh paneling on the sides, which make the hat extremely breathable, as well as the soft, shoelace-like, adjustable strap. Oh, and it’s UPF 50+, so you know it’s really protecting you from those rays.
Colors
Khaki, green
Sizes
S, M, L, XL
Materials
Polyester, mesh
UPF Rating
50+
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You probably already know that Lululemon makes some of the most popular activewear on the planet, but did you know they have a UPF 40+ sun hat? Well, now you do. Designed for hiking and made from recycled nylon, this wide-brim hat is moisture-wicking and water-resistant, and its longer back panel makes sure the back of your neck is protected, too.
Colors
White, black
Sizes
S/M, M/L, L/XL
Materials
Recycled nylon, elastane
UPF Rating
40+
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Canadian brand Tilley is no stranger to the outdoors, as it focuses solely on outdoor apparel and specializes in hats. Needless to say, we had to get a Tilley hat in the mix here. We love this broad-brimmed option with some hidden features, like the closed-cell foam in the top that makes the hat natant (and a great choice for sailing days) and a hidden hook-and-loop pocket in the crown for storing small items you need to have on you. Pretty clever, eh?
Colors
4
Sizes
6.875-8
Materials
Nylon
UPF Rating
50
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Esquire’s digital design director, Mike Kim, spends a lot of time on the golf course, so, naturally, he had quite a few suggestions for sun hats. Also being a sneakerhead, Mike is a big fan of Nike, which happens to make a pretty great bucket hat as part of its ACG line. This one is made of lightweight, recycled nylon, which is the product of many recycled materials like carpet and fish nets, so it’s a good environmentally friendly choice.
Colors
Black, orange
Sizes
S, M, L
Materials
Recycled nylon
UPF Rating
Not listed
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Sometimes the weather just can’t make up its mind. One minute it’s nice and sunny, and the next minute the sky opens up and it starts pouring rain. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a water-repellant sun hat, and Weatherman recently launched a great one. The brand is known for its umbrellas and ponchos, so it already has a ton of credibility when it comes to water-resistant apparel—and this hat also has a UPF rating of 50+, so it protects from both rain and sun. I’m thinking of getting the sage green one to match my umbrella and water-resistant backpack…
Colors
Off-white, navy, green
Sizes
XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL
Materials
Recycled polyester
UPF Rating
50+
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It’s important to shield your face from harmful UV rays, but you can’t forget about your neck. The back of your neck is a sensitive spot, but this sun cap from On (one of our favorite running shoe brands) has a lightweight neck gaiter that makes sure it’s protected. It’s also a good choice for running, since the fabric is both breathable and moisture-wicking.
Colors
White
Sizes
S/M, L/XL
Materials
Recycled polyester, elastane
UPF Rating
40+
Listen, we’re known for having pretty amazing style here at Esquire, so we had to toss in a luxury fashion option. Commerce editor Luke Guillory loves Loro Piana’s top-tier cashmere, and the brand also makes a nice straw hat that’s perfect for summertime. Imagine this hat paired with your favorite linen shirt and loafers—perfection.
Colors
Beige
Sizes
56-59
Materials
Straw
UPF Rating
Not listed
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This Boonie hat was made to keep your head protected during any hot outdoor adventure—and to be folded up as small as possible and packed away in your backpack when you’re not wearing it. The mesh crown helps keep it breathable, and it even has built-in sleeves for the arms of your sunglasses to make sure they don’t fall off while you’re climbing a mountain or crossing a river (or whatever outdoor adventure you’re going on).
Colors
4
Sizes
S/M, M/L
Materials
Polyester, mesh
UPF Rating
Not listed
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This runner cap can transform from a regular baseball cap to a full-on head-and-neck protection device with its removable cape. It also has a removable neck strap so it won’t fly off when it gets windy. Basically, if you’re a runner, this is the best way to prepare for multiple kinds of summer weather.
Colors
4
Sizes
S, M, L, XL
Materials
Nylon
UPF Rating
40
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If you’re looking for a classic straw hat for under 30 bucks, look no further than this lifeguard hat from Quiksilver. Whether you’re about to catch some waves, head to the golf course, or go for a hike, a straw hat is a pretty reliable accessory.
Colors
Natural
Sizes
S/M, L/XL, 2XL
Materials
Straw
UPF Rating
Not listed
Now 25% Off
Since I sleep with Brooklinen sheets and wear a Brooklinen bathrobe, personally, I’m stoked about the brand’s newest launch: terrycloth bucket hats. All four colorways are super fun, but I think this blue and brown design is my favorite. It doesn’t have as wide a brim as some of the other options here, so you’ll probably want to combine this funky hat with some sunscreen just to be safe. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to get the matching tote bag and beach towel.
Colors
4
Sizes
One size
Materials
Cotton
UPF Rating
Not listed
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We love a good piece of Loewe apparel, and just look how cute this fisherman hat is. This is another nice luxury option that mixes style with substance.
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