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15 Best Sun Hats for Women: Stylish Protection for Every Summer Adventure

From wide-brim classics to trendy bucket hats, discover the best sun hats of 2024 for beach days, travel, and all your sunny adventures.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

From wide-brim classics to trendy bucket hats, discover the best sun hats of 2024 for beach days, travel, and all your sunny adventures.

15 Best Sun Hats for Women in 2024

There’s nothing quite like spending your brightest days outdoors—lounging on the beach, wandering through a sunny city, or simply enjoying an alfresco brunch. While sunscreen is a must, sun hats offer the ideal extra layer of protection, blending fashion-forward style with essential sun safety. For 2024, the best sun hats range from oversized straw statement pieces to packable bucket hats that transition seamlessly from beach to street.

We’ve curated 15 top-rated sun hats that score high for UV protection, packability, and standout style, featuring trusted labels like Free People, Madewell, Eugenia Kim, Monday Swimwear, and Amazon favorites. Whether you favor a floppy hat for shade, a chic visor for your next vacation, or a casual crochet bucket hat, you’ll find your new sunny-day staple here.

Why You Need a Great Sun Hat This Summer

Sun hats protect your face and neck from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and premature aging.
Stylish options mean you never have to compromise on fashion for functionality.
Modern designs offer packable features, adjustable sizing, and breathable materials that keep you cool and comfortable all day.
The right hat can instantly elevate your vacation or summer day outfit.

Our Top Picks for the Best Sun Hats in 2024

Browse through the most-loved picks of the season—tested for performance and style and perfect for every summer plan.

1. Free People Seashell Cove Bucket Hat

Material: 100% cotton
Colors: Neutral
Sizes: One-size

This seashell-embellished bucket hat epitomizes beachside vacation chic. With a wide brim for optimal shade and a soft cotton knit fabric, it’s ultra-comfy and breathable for all-day wear. The whimsical seashell accents add a fun, mermaid-inspired flair, pairing effortlessly with natural waves or sun-bleached hair.

2. FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat

Material: Paper straw with UPF 50 protection
Colors: 9 color options
Sizes: Medium/Large, Large/X-Large

This Amazon best-seller is adored for its adjustability, sturdy design, and impressive UPF 50+ protection. Reviewers rave about the comfortable fit, travel-ready structure, and how it stays in shape through countless vacations. The inner adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit for every head size.

Reviewer insight: “Worked well to keep the sun off my face. Hat is sturdy and traveled well. Great packaging—I will store it on the form and in the bag.”

3. Monday Swimwear Bondi Hat

Material: 100% straw
Colors: Neutral straw
Sizes: One-size (with wider brim version available)

Don’t overlook Monday Swimwear’s hats—the Bondi Hat boasts a frayed edge wide brim for casual drama. Its packable straw construction means you’ll have a wrinkle-free look from suitcase to sandy shore. For those who crave more coverage, the extra-wide brim variant offers even bolder sun protection.

4. DRIONO Wide Brim Bucket Hat (UPF 50+)

Material: Linen/cotton/viscose/polyester blend
Colors: Black, Wheat, Navy
Sizes: Medium-Large

An under-$25 travel essential, this sun hat is lauded for being lightweight, easily packable, and delivering extensive coverage with a wide, shapeable brim. Its chin strap keeps the hat secure for outdoor activities, and the breathable fabric blend features certified UPF 50+ sun defense.

Reviewer: “Great hat with amazing sun coverage… I loved that I could make a small bun and the hat was tall enough to fit my bun.”

5. Eugenia Kim Mirabel Hat

Material: Natural straw, ribbon tie
Colors: Light straw with contrasting ribbon
Sizes: Adjustable fit

Known for their exquisitely crafted hats, Eugenia Kim’s Mirabel brings vintage-inspired sophistication. With its oversized silhouette and elegant ribbon chin tie, it’s an elevated choice for vacations, garden parties, or summer weddings. The broad brim shields your face while the statement bow brings a dose of glamour.

6. Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat

Material: Braided straw
Colors: Classic tan, black
Sizes: S/M, M/L

Madewell delivers effortless cool with this packable straw hat. The slightly tapered crown and flexible brim flatter all face shapes, while the hat’s soft structure allows it to spring back after being folded in travel bags. It’s an excellent staple for sunny errands or low-key outdoor brunches.

7. Eric Javits Hampton Sun Hat

Material: Squishee synthetic fiber (packable, UPF 50+ certified)
Colors: A variety of neutrals and pastels
Sizes: One-size (with inner adjustment)

The Eric Javits Hampton is the gold standard for luxury sun protection. It features a resilient “Squishee” material that holds up to repeated folding and travel. The broad brim and upturned edge convey timeless, retro-inspired style—a favorite among celebrities for both function and fashion statement.

8. Lack of Color Wave Bucket Hat

Material: Terrycloth cotton
Colors: Cobalt, Pink, Sage, Cream
Sizes: S, M, L

This plush take on the classic bucket hat trend is made from soft terrycloth, perfect for rinse-and-wear ease near the pool or beach. Choose from bold summer-ready hues. The trendy silhouette works well with athleisure or modern resort wear.

9. Brixton Joanna Straw Hat

Material: Wheat straw
Colors: Natural, Honey, Black, Tan
Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Brixton’s bestselling Joanna features a well-defined fedora crown and a swooping wide brim, blending urban chic with traditional straw hat aesthetics. The leather band adds a refined finish. Reviewers commend its durability and classic look that complements nearly any outfit.

10. Solbari Ultra-Wide Brim Sun Hat

Material: Technical sun-protective fabric (UPF 50+)
Colors: Sand, Navy, Olive
Sizes: Adjustable

Solbari specializes in sun-safe solutions; their Ultra-Wide Brim Hat offers maximum face, neck, and shoulder coverage with featherlight fabric. Perfect for those spending extended hours outdoors or with heightened sun sensitivity. Adjustable under-chin drawstrings ensure a secure fit even on windy days.

11. Janessa Leone Gloria Visor

Material: Woven straw, leather trim
Colors: Camel, Tan
Sizes: One-size, adjustable

Sporty yet polished, the Gloria blends Old Hollywood with modern minimalism. The open crown ventilates the scalp while the oversized brim protects face and eyes. The plush leather closure at the back ensures comfort all day—great for pool, tennis, or sightseeing.

12. J.Crew Packable Raffia Hat

Material: Raffia straw
Colors: Natural, Navy stripe
Sizes: One-size

J.Crew’s raffia sun hat offers a vintage-inspired look with a crushable, foldable build that bounces back into shape. The clean lines and subtle stripes evoke classic Riviera style, making it ideal for seaside escapes or city strolls.

13. San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid XL Brim Sun Hat

Material: Ultrabraid synthetic fiber
Colors: Toast, Black, Wasabi
Sizes: One-size, fits most

For maximum drama and sun coverage, this XL-brim hat is a summer showstopper. Its flexible, moisture-wicking fabric is great for intense heat, and the broad circular brim shades not just your face, but shoulders as well. Despite its size, it packs flat for convenient travel.

14. Adidas Originals Washed Bucket Hat

Material: Washed cotton
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Khaki, more
Sizes: S/M, M/L

The Adidas Originals bucket hat is a go-to for casual days, hikes, or city hangouts. The soft, packable construction and iconic logo embroidery offer subtle style for sporty or streetwear-minded dressers. Its all-around shade is perfect for on-the-go sun protection.

15. Loeffler Randall Willa Scallop Brim Hat

Material: Raffia straw
Colors: Natural straw with black contrast
Sizes: One-size, adjustable inner band

Loeffler Randall’s scalloped-edge hat brings a romantic, feminine update to the classic straw sun hat. The oversized brim offers serious shade, while the scalloped design adds delicate, eye-catching detail—ideal for picnics, brides-to-be, or any occasion where you want to make a statement.

Features to Consider When Buying a Sun Hat

UPF Rating: Check for hats labeled UPF 40–50+ for maximum ultraviolet protection.
Brim Size: Wider brims (3″ or more) offer greater coverage for face, ears, and neck.
Material: Straw, cotton, polyester, and technical fibers each offer specific breathability, packability, and feel.
Packing Flexibility: Consider foldable or crushable hats if you travel frequently.
Adjustable Sizing: Interior bands or drawstrings ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
Chin Straps: Useful for active days, windy settings, or boating.

Sun Hat Styles: Which One Matches Your Vibe?

Style	Best For	Key Features
Wide-Brim Straw	Beach, pool, outdoor events	Maximum coverage, timeless look
Bucket Hat	Active days, casual outings	Trendy, packable, all-over shade
Visor	Sports, poolside lounging	Open crown for ventilation, face shade
Packable/Crushable	Travel, road trips	Flexible, retains shape, portable
Fedora/Panama	Versatile style for city and resort	Structured crown, subtle brim, stylish

Expert Tips for Styling Your Sun Hat

Pair with oversized sunglasses and a flowy dress for classic beach goddess appeal.
Add a silk scarf tied under the chin or around the band for retro flair.
Wear a bucket hat with sporty separates or a ribbed tank for an effortlessly cool daytime look.
Complement a wide-brim hat with a high-waist swimsuit for main-character vacation energy.
Match neutral hats with bold beach bags and accessories for a balanced look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is UPF and how does it differ from SPF?

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. Sun hats with UPF 40–50+ offer strong protection, while SPF (Sun Protection Factor) relates to sunscreen for skin.

Can you travel with these sun hats?

Most featured hats are packable or crushable, making them perfect for travel. Fold or roll them gently and store in a suitcase or tote—many will spring back to shape after unpacking.

How do you clean and care for a sun hat?

Check the label—straw hats should be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth, while fabric hats may be hand-washed. Avoid submerging straw or structured hats in water. Store hats away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Which brim size is best for sun protection?

A brim of at least 3 inches offers effective coverage for the face, and wider brims (4+ inches) extend shade to your neck and shoulders as well.

Do I still need sunscreen if I wear a sun hat?

Yes. While a sun hat gives added protection, it doesn’t fully block UV rays reflected off water, sand, or pavement. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF to exposed skin for best results.

Find Your Perfect Sun Hat

Whether you crave a statement-making wide-brim, a practical packable option, or a trendy crochet bucket, there’s a sun hat for every summer adventure this year. Prioritize your protection, chase the sunshine, and make every sunny day your best yet with a hat that matches your unique style.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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