Whether you are stepping out in the sun or heading to the beach, you undoubtedly need protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This is because too much exposure to the harmful rays can cause damage to your skin cells and also lead to skin cancer. So what do you do to protect your skin while also basking in the sun?
Simple! Opt for a sun hat! Yes, hats can provide you with maximum protection while also adding to your fashion statement. But you don’t just go about buying the one which you find appealing. So how do you know which is the best sun hat for you? You will find out about it in this article.
Before delving into the main topic, let’s get to know the types of UV rays and how it can affect your skin.
The UV radiation is a natural energy which the sun produces. The naked eye cannot see it, but it can have a drastic effect on the skin. There are two main types of UV rays- Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B. The former is linked with the ageing of the skin and the latter is linked with the burning of the skin. Although these two rays differ when it comes to affecting the skin, they equally harm the skin.
With maximum exposure and limited protection, these rays can cause damage to the skin cells’ DNA which can lead to mutations, genetic defects and skin cancer. Not only these, but they can also damage the eyes, cause cataracts and even eyelid cancers.
Things to consider when buying a sun hat
Now that you know how crucial it is to protect yourself from the sun, here are some factors you need to keep in mind before choosing a sun hat:
1. Material
You need to make sure that the sun hat you opt for is of considerably good material. Otherwise, the chances are that the hat will not allow for good ventilation. Usually, these are made of natural materials like hemp, cotton, and straw, and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. If you consider buying a straw hat, remember that you need to hand-wash it with cold water. For the other hats like cotton hats, you can wash it in a machine itself!
You must also ensure that the material of the hat comes with ultraviolet protection. In most cases, high-quality hats can provide maximum protection from the harmful UV rays. So, before making your purchase, consider looking at the label for any information.
2. Brim
Choosing a sun hat with a brim size of minimum 3 inches is essential. This will give protection to your face, neck and ears while also looking awesome! Another thing you need to remember is that the sun’s intensity changes with time. This means that your hat, while providing maximum protection at noon, will not do the same in the evening. For this, it is recommendable to go for a hat with a minimum brim that’s 4 inches in size.
There are two choices of sun hats while considering the brim- a floppy brim and stiff brim. A floppy brim is easier to pack but can get unstable and even block your view when it’s windy. The latter, on the other hand, is not easy to pack along with your other belongings. However, you will not have the tension of it getting unstable when a strong wind blows.
3. Color
It is a known fact that darker colors absorb more light in comparison to lighter colors. Therefore, you need to consider the color of the sun hat before making your purchase. One thing you also need to remember is that the brim should ideally be dark in color. This way, the sun’s harmful UV rays will not be reflected on to your face.
Yes, lighter colors can get very difficult to maintain. If available, you can always opt for an off white color or beige. This way, you’ll get maximum sun protection while maintaining your hat efficiently! At the end of the day, make sure to keep in mind the occasion to which you will be sporting your sun hat.
4. Shape
The shape of the sun hat is also another factor you need to consider while choosing one. Whether you’re going to the beach or a snowy place, the sun’s UV radiation scatters differently according to the surface area. In such cases, the rays will bounce underneath the hat’s brim, thus exposing your face to harm.
Getting a sun hat with the brim curving down to your face is considered to provide maximum protection. All in all, you need to consider the shape of the hat according to where you’re headed. Whether you’re going to play some sports, go fishing, or heading to the beach- the shape of your hat matters accordingly.
5. Price and design
The last factor to keep in mind while purchasing a sun hat is its price and design. Investing a good amount of money for a high-quality sun hat will definitely last longer. Especially if you plan on wearing it for a long time! What’s more, you can also rest assured that the color will not fade easily even after washing it several times.
Now, sun hats come in different designs- from fedora hats to boater hats and baseball hats. If you’re planning to sport a hat to enhance your look and not just for sun protection, make sure it fits you perfectly. Irrespective of the design, the hat should be able to provide you with maximum comfort and confidence!
Conclusion
