Start by looking at what the hat actually covers. A brim that circles your head can shade the sides of your face, ears, and neck as well as your forehead. The CDC’s Yellow Book recommends an all-around brim at least three inches wide. Use that as a starting point, then try the hat on and check where its shadow falls.
A hat that fits comfortably and stays put is easier to wear regularly. Think about where you will use it most. The best fit for a quiet walk may feel different when you are gardening, carrying a shoulder bag, or walking into a breeze.
Check the brim from the front, sides, and back
Measure from where the brim meets the crown to its outer edge. A wide front section can look generous in a product photo while the sides are much shorter. Check several points if the brim is asymmetric. If you are shopping online, look for a side view and a rear view before deciding how much coverage to expect.
Try the hat in daylight and turn your head. Notice what happens when you look down at a garden bed, turn to talk to someone, or tilt your chin up to see a street sign. A flexible brim can be comfortable, but if it folds back at the sides while you walk, it may provide less shade where you wanted it. Check that you can see comfortably around you, especially near traffic.
Compare the weave as well as the shape
The CDC recommends tightly woven fabric and advises avoiding straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. Look for obvious gaps in the material, particularly at the crown and around any decorative panels. A solid-looking brim and an open mesh crown cover different areas, so examine both parts of the hat.
When you try on two otherwise similar hats, hold each up to a light to see visible gaps in the weave. This is a practical comparison, not a measurement of UV protection. If the manufacturer gives a UV protection rating, read the label and check which parts of the hat it describes. Coverage still matters even if the material carries a rating.
Choose a fit you will actually use
Wear the hat with the glasses and hairstyle you usually take outdoors. Check whether it presses on the arms of your glasses or lifts when you tie your hair back. If a stiff brim bumps into the back of your seat, try a shape that sits comfortably for the activities you do most often.
For windy walks, an adjustable band or strap can help keep a suitable brim in place. For travel, check whether the brim regains its shape after being packed. If it stays creased upward on one side, the shade you get may differ from the shade it gave when you first tried it on. Leave the hat with your outdoor shoes or bag so it is easy to remember.
Pair your hat with sunscreen and shade
Even a broad brim leaves areas exposed, and the angle of the sun changes while you are outside. The CDC recommends combining protective clothing with other measures, including shade and sunscreen. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed to exposed areas, including the ears and neck if they are uncovered. For guidance on pairing a brim with eyewear, see our guide to UV400 sunglasses.
If you prefer a baseball cap for an activity, recognize what its front bill covers and add protection for the ears and back of the neck. For an everyday sun hat, the simplest comparison is to try on two options and see which one gives better coverage while letting you move comfortably.
Sources
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