The Case for a Good Sun Hat
Why a Hat Does What Sunscreen Cannot
The scalp, part line, ears, and back of the neck are some of the most commonly missed areas when applying sunscreen. They are also common places where dermatologists see sun damage and skin cancer develop later. A wide-brim hat helps address this in one simple step by covering all of those areas at once without needing to be reapplied every two hours.
A few reasons a hat earns a permanent place in a beach bag:
- It covers the face, ears, and neck in a single layer, which helps reduce missed spots.
- It does not wear off with sweat or water the way sunscreen can.
- It reduces glare and eye strain in addition to providing sun protection.
- UPF-rated fabric offers consistent protection for the life of the hat, not just the first few hours of a day outside.
Not all hats provide the same level of protection. Straw hats and loosely woven fabrics can allow UV rays to pass through the gaps.
For Everyday Sun Protection: A Wide-Brim Beach Hat
For Time in the Water: A Chlorine-Resistant Hat
Regular sun hats are not designed to handle repeated exposure to chlorine or salt water. Over time, the fabric can break down more quickly and lose its shape. A dedicated water-ready hat helps solve that problem.
Many people may find it useful to have both: one for dry-land coverage and another designed to hold up to repeated water exposure.
Updated July 2026
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