Sun Hats: Expectation vs Reality

Are you missing out on the benefits of sun hats because of an outdated set of expectations and misconceptions? For instance, we often hear that sun hats cost too much or are uncomfortable, bulky and not as good as sunscreen. Well, if you haven’t worn a sun hat before (or in a while), then it’s time to reconsider sun hats because a lot has changed. In addition to fabric and design improvements making sun hats safer and more comfortable, you now also have many more design options to match your personal style. All of this creates a disconnect between the expectation and reality of consumers and their sun hats, so let’s dig a little deeper to uncover what you should really expect from sun hats for men and women.

Cost of Sun Hats

• Expectation: Sun hats cost too much.
• Reality: In the long run, sun hats will save you money.

Sun hats will require a greater upfront investment (although many quality sun hats for men and women are available for less than $40, including one from Rayward Apparel), but they’ll save you money in the long run. How? We’re so glad you asked! Wearing a men’s or women’s sun hat will mean you need less sunscreen for your head, and it could also save you on costly medical visits to treat sun spots, skin damage and, worst of call, cancer.

Comfort and Sun Hats

• Expectation: Sun hats are hot and uncomfortable.
• Reality: New fabrics allow for lightweight, breathable sun hats.

The expectation of hot, heavy sun hats may have been true back in the olden days, but modern apparel fabrics have changed the game. It’s now possible to create lightweight hats that are still protective, yet breathable and moisture-wicking. Of course, not every sun hat is equally comfortable, which is why we prefer our sun hats for women and men over the typically heavier straw-style sun hats.

Convenience of Sun Hats

• Expectation: Sun hats are too big and bulky.
• Reality: Modern sun hats come in lightweight, packable and machine-washable styles.

If weight and size are a factor in choosing your sun hat, then consider that modern sun hats come in a variety of styles, including lightweight, easily packable fabrics with foldable brims. With Rayward Apparel’s Sun Ops bucket sun hats for men and women, you can even throw your hat in the washing machine for easy-care cleaning!

Sun Hat Styles for Women & Men

• Expectation: All sun hats look like straw-style beach hats.
• Reality: There are countless styles of sun hats.

In choosing a sun hat, you’ll discover countless styles of sun hats for women and men. Whether you prefer a bucket hat (our personal favorite), baseball-style headwear, wide-brimmed beach hats, Panama hats or something more formal, the good news is that you have plenty of options!

Effectiveness of Sun Hats

• Expectation: Sun hats aren’t as effective as sunscreen.
• Reality: Sunscreen is safer if worn WITH a sun hat.

As long as your sun hat features a UPF 30+ rating, which means over 97% of UV rays are blocked, then you can trust the protection of your hat. The real question, however, is how much of your head, face and neck is your hat protecting? A baseball hat, even one with a UPF rating, offers little to no protection for your ears and neck. A wide-brimmed hat, on the other hand, is much more likely to provide effective protection for your ears and face. Just remember to also wear sunscreen to block those pesky indirect UV rays that bounce upwards from reflective surfaces like water and sand.

This Harvard Health article does a nice job outlining proper sun protection, and goes so far as to say that you should “always wear appropriate protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, and pants when possible.” It’s easy to compare sunscreen and sun hats as an either or, but the reality is you should be wearing broad spectrum sunscreen AND sun hats for men and women.

Has your reluctance about wearing a sun hat ever led to a sunburn? If so, relax. If you’re currently sunburned, check the advice below for the best treatment of a sunburn. Next, consider if your sunburn could have been prevented by wearing one of our sun hats for women or men. Either way, learn what you need to do differently to avoid repeating this mistake:

Great news! There are plenty of sun hats to choose from, including brand new UPF 50+ bucket sun hats for men and women from Rayward Apparel.