Slip, slop, slap – there has never been a more crucial time in history to be sun safe. We know we should slip on a top, slop on that sunscreen and slap on a sun hat, but it’s okay if you, you know, want to look stylish while doing it.
Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful sun hats in the market so you don’t have to compromise on style while protecting your skin from harsh UV rays.
WHAT KIND OF SUN HAT SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The two most important factors to consider when picking a sun hat are 1. does it cover your entire face? and 2. does it stop sunlight from creeping through? You want to invest in a sun hat that has a wide brim and is made of dense material - straw hats can sometimes allow a lot of sunlight through if the weave isn’t tight enough, so it’s best to check if they’re at least lined or tightly woven.
It’s important that you’re always applying SPF50+ sunscreen on your face and body, sitting in the shade, and covering up with a light shirt or tee during the summer as a sun hat alone can’t protect you from UV damage.
RELATED: The 10 best sunscreens for your face
RELATED: Best beach bags for summer
WHAT HAIRSTYLES LOOK GOOD WITH A SUN HAT?
While you might think you can only wear your hair out with a sun hat on, you’re wrong! A braid is a lovely hair style that sits well under sun hats, and also keeps your hair out of your face at the beach. A low, tight bun is also a chic way to style your hair if you plan on wearing a sun hat at the beach or pool. If you’re wearing a visor, a high ponytail or bun works perfectly - especially if you’re playing beach volleyball.
BEST STRAW SUN HATS FOR WOMEN
Brie Leon The Sol Straw Hat, The Iconic, on sale for $97
Go from a casual summer day stroll to a beachside brunch with Brie Leon’s The Sol Straw Hat. This stylish and minimal sun hat is made from 100 per cent wheat straw and lined with a cotton-blend fabric. It has an adjustable inner band and a 19cm wide brim - ideal for providing shade for your face.
Lorna Murray Island Capri Hat, The Iconic, $155
Add a minimalist touch to your summer style with Lorna Murray’s Island Capri Hat. As seen all over your Instagram feed, this chic hat is woven from 100 per cent certified UPF 50+ natural grass fibres and it has a unique collapsible design thanks to its sunray pleats. For those windy days out, the hat offers optional ties at the base to keep it anchored and in place. A statement in and of itself, this sun hat looks stunning when paired with everything from your minimalist bikini to a crisp white summer dress.
Khoko Collection Frayed Floppy Hat, Harris Scarfe, $10
A floppy sun hat is a must if you love spending time outdoors - they roll up well in a beach bag without losing shape and shade your face from harmful UV rays. This one from Khoko Collection is also available in black, and it features a rounded crown, textured woven finish and a wide brim with fraying on the edges.
Kimberley Crochet Bucket Hat, Cotton On, on sale for $9.99
The Kimberley Bucket Hat from Cotton On is a winner for the summer. With a 4.6 out of five star rating and 60 reviews, this sun hat is made from 100 per cent paper and has a rounded crown, wide brim with a built-in wire for easy adjustment and a cute bucket hat design. It’s a “good quality hat and looks so stylish” and it’s “so compact and practical” one reviewer wrote. Available in a variety of colourways, this straw hat is a definite must-have for those warm weather outings.
Khoko Collection Plait Brimmed Hat, Harris Scarfe, on sale for $29.97
Chic and practical is the Khoko Collection Plait Brimmed Hat. This sun hat features a rounded crown, wide brim, contrast woven design and a plait detail around the base. It’s stylish, timeless and perfect for those street-to-beach days.
BEST VISOR STYLE SUN HATS FOR WOMEN
Arms Of Eve Sunray Roll-Up Sun Visor, THE ICONIC, $45
Sun visors don’t have to be all sporty - take the Arms Of Eve Sunray Roll-Up Sun Visor for example. Made of 100% natural fibres and a rayon sweatband, this timeless goodie is the perfect definition of stylish and practical. It’s designed in a way that it’s oh-so easy to roll up and pop into your bag, and it has an adjustable velcro fastening.
Calvin Klein Resort Visor, Myer, on sale for $55.96
The Calvin Klein Resort Visor Hat is an elevated take on the regular visor. Made with braided paper straw, this sleek hat features an elasticated strap on the back, contrast edges and Calvin Klein branding. Wear it with your favourite bikini or a floaty maxi dress for a chic finish.
BEST MATERIAL SUN HATS FOR WOMEN
Cotton On Alice Wide Brim Sun Hat, on sale for $15
The Cotton On Alice Wide Brim Sun Hat is the perfect finishing touch for any summer outfit. It has a cute yellow stripe pattern, two removable ties and a wide flexible brim with structural wire. Made from 100 per cent polyester with a polyester-cotton blend lining, it's perfect for protecting your face and it fits comfortably on your head or in your bag. Check out the other colourways here.
Sportsgirl Sunny Ecru Oversized Bucket Hat, $29.95
Made from 100 per cent cotton, this stylish sun hat from Sportsgirl is the laid-back accessory you want in your beach bag. It features a wide brim with raw edges, an oversized shape and a sleek ecru colour. Perfect for the beach and beyond, this sun hat will be your go-to sunny weather companion.
Aere Linen Sun Hat, THE ICONIC, $70
What’s a summer outfit without a lil floral? The Linen Sun Hat by Aere is a dreamy hat made for park strolls, beachside hangs and beyond. Made from 100 per cent linen, this cute hat features an extra wide quilted brim for maximum face shade and a blue floral print. It’s a cute way to incorporate colour and prints into your OOTD but if prints aren’t your thing, this hat is available in other colourways.
Looking for more great ways to protect your skin? Check out our roundups of the best vitamin C serums, and our favourite anti-ageing moisturisers.
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Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Frequent reapplication or use of sunscreen in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
Originally published as 10 best sun hats for women to buy for summer 2023
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