Besides using sunscreen, using a UPF 50+ sun hat is the next best thing you can do to protect your skin and decrease your melanoma risk. However, it’s also important to select the right kind of sun hat that will provide you the best protection. If that’s what you are looking for, then we have you covered.
Sun hats are not created equal. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has established a sun protection standard that rates clothing based on its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
The higher the UPF rating for clothing, the better sun protection it provides.
For excellent protection from the sun, choose sun hats with UPF of 50+, in accordance with ARPANSA guidelines for Australia and New Zealand. On top of this rating, there are body coverage guidelines to consider. For example, the best sun hats should “shade the face, head, ears and neck [to] provide optimal protection.” 1
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up five of the best UPF 50+ sun hats online to help you. Of course, there are many more options out there to suit your budget — especially with online retailers. Just remember to check the UPF rating before you buy. Happy shopping!
A well-known retailer of UV protected outdoor clothing, Solbari also has an extensive collection of UPF 50 hats for both men and women. Take a look at some of their most popular and highly reviewed hats below:
This item is available in multiple colours and sizes. Its brim is also flexible from internal wire, making the shape fully customisable.
This men’s sun hat provides excellent coverage for the face, ears and the back of the neck. Plus, it’s made out of nylon so it’s fully resistant to water and stains.
A skin cancer survivor herself, Deborah Hutton has launched a stylish range of UPF50+ maximum sun protection headwear under her label, Canopy Bay. While these hats may be a little on the pricier side, they are ideal for anyone who wants a true statement piece that will match their style and last the test of time. Plus, the hats are proudly made in Australia. Here are a few of our top picks:
This hat is described as a “showstopper” — and rightfully so! Made from natural straw, it is handmade and manufactured in Australia. Want to get the perfect fit? Simply use the internal adjustor to suit your head size.
This chic Fedora sun hat is made out of natural raffia braid. Simple and understated, it’s the perfect hat to take you from lazy days at the beach to Sunday afternoon cocktails, and everything in between.
The Cancer Council Shop provides a range of sun protective products such as sunscreen, sun glasses, swimwear, and of course — sun hats. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase as all profits from sun protection products sold in their stores are donated to cancer research and services.
Made from a combination of both crocheted and braided Madagascan raffia, this cowboy hat will bring a cool and casual vibe to any outfit. The brim also has a special wire so you can choose whether you want a straight or upturned look. It is also adjustable to fit many sizes.
Looking for travel-friendly sun hat? The stylish Selena hat is made from Flexibraid, meaning you can easily pack it down to fit inside your bag. The hat also features a scarf trim, giving it a feminine and fashionable look.
Since its launch in 2021, Blue Bungalow’s mission has been to bring Queensland’s vibrant beach lifestyle to the rest of Australia and the world. They offer a gorgeous range of clothing on their website, including a collection of quality headwear for you to choose from! And even better, they ship to both Australia and New Zealand. Check out a few of their most popular sun hats:
Go for a look of classic elegance with this ivory hat, featuring a black band with natural stitching. Made from deluxe Flexibraid material, this UPF 50+ sun hat is crush resistant and can maintain its shape after being rolled or crushed.
Totally on-trend and perfect all-year round, this black 100% Australian wool felt hat is sure to make a statement. Plus, you can find your perfect fit using the adjustable inner band.
Akubra hats are a true Aussie icon. From being proudly worn by the armed forces in WWI to adorning the heads of Australian Olympians to becoming a fashion piece today, the Akubra hat has a long and rich history. Handmade in Australia, Akubra hats are certainly an investment but they are a timeless classic that you will wear for years to come. Here are a few of our top picks:
Named after the Australian town known as the “opal capital of the world”, the Coober Pedy hat features a Kangaroo Tail band with an authentic Australian Opal Triplet, eyelet vents and satin lining. A classy Aussie style hat that both men and women will love.
If you’d like to rock a regency-era inspired look, this is the hat for you! Chocolate brown with a bonded leather band, this unisex hat is designed to suit both casual and formal wear. Plus, it’s even got a feather insert in the strap if you’re wanting to add some extra flair.
For unparalleled expertise in sun protection and meticulous skin examinations, consider visiting specialised skin cancer clinics. Your skin's well-being deserves the utmost attention, and these clinics offer comprehensive services tailored to your individual needs, including thorough skin check and mole check to detect any abnormalities early on.
