
12 Packable Sun Hats That Are Stylish and Loved by Dermatologists
May 202212 Packable Sun Hats That Are Stylish and Loved by Dermatologists
May 2022

Whether it's finally warming up where you live or you're heading out to a beach vacation, you need protection if you're spending time in the sun. A good sun hat is "absolutely critical" according to Dr. Melanie D. Palm, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego. "Even on cloudy days, we still are exposed to 80 percent of the UV of a sunny day."
Ideally, your hat will have a UPF factor of 50+ and at least a 4-inch brim to guarantee you're getting enough coverage from damaging UV rays. We also looked for hats specifically designated as packable or travel-friendly to make sure they're easy to toss into a suitcase or beach bag and then pop on at your destination with no structural damage.
"Sun-protective clothing is one of the easiest and most important tools we can use to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun and allow us to enjoy the outdoors safely," says Pasadena-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ivy Lee. A crucial factor, though? Making sure you like it enough to actually wear it. "I've seen many expensive UPF 50+ hats that sit lonely on a closet shelf," says Lee.
These are the best packable sun hats to shop:
Best for Hiking: Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat
Why We Love It: A removable chin strap and water-resistant fabric keep the Wanderer fit for wherever your adventure may lead.
What to Consider:
Since the fabric is designed to be light and breathable, the brim may blow around a bit in the wind.
A more adventure-friendly option from dermatologist-recommended Solbari, the Wanderer Sun Hat works for both trail or teatime afterward. It has a removable chin strap to make sure your hat doesn't fly off on a windy boat ride, then you can switch over to a more chic look when it's time for afternoon cocktails. It's also water- and stain-resistant, so any drops in puddles or unexpected showers won't be a problem. The soft, stretchy fabric comes in five colours, but we're especially fond of the stylish mulberry shade. It's available in three sizes and also includes an adjustable drawcord at the back to fine-tune your fit.
Best Active, Men's: Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat
Why We Love It:
The Traveller will stay on and keep you out of the sun even in the choppiest waters.
What to Consider:
The brim is shorter than dermatologists recommend, but the high UPF helps make up for it.
This straightforward men's hat is one of the most popular designs from Solibari. It has just a 3-inch brim, but it still maintains a UPF of 50 in the fabric. The water- and stain-resistant nylon should hold up to the even intense hiking or water activities; if the seas get rough, the chin strap and its locking toggle, as well as the drawstring at the back of the hat to adjust the fit, make sure it will stay on. There's also an integrated sweatband and mesh paneling on both sides to stay breezy. Choose from white or beige with navy accent, or go full navy.
Best Bucket Hat: Solbari Getaway Reversible Sun Hat
Why We Love It:
Bucket hats are coming back in style, and the longer brim on this reversible option keeps it on-trend and protective.
What to Consider:
This brim is a little shorter than the dermatologist recommendation.
If bucket hats are more your style, go for the Getaway. This reversible option sneaks in at a 3.75-inch brim that's also shapeable, so you can adjust it over the course of the day. Choose from the neutral black-and-white option or three ice cream hues that will have you ready to hit the boardwalk; just pop up the brim to show off your colour selection. Sun protection doesn't mean sacrificing breathability; the hat is 100% cotton to help keep air flowing and prevent sweat buildup. That cotton build also means rolling it up and throwing it in your luggage won't be a problem.
Tips for Buying Packable Sun Hats
Look for UPF
The first qualification to look for in a good sun hat is its UPF, or UV protection factor, grading. As the name implies, this system indicates the item's level of protection against ultraviolet energy, taking into account colour, weave density, and fabric. Lee cites a UPF factor of 50 as the general dermatologist recommendation, which means it will protect your skin from 98 percent of UV radiation.
Think about brim size and material
The next thing you want to look for is the structure of the hat itself. Ideally you want a brim of at least 4 inches and not too many openings in the structure for sun to sneak through. "Because a broad-brim hat also provides you with your own shade structure, the hat may protect your eyes from UV rays," says Lee. "A broad-brim hat is an easy, effective, and fashionable way to keep our skin safe and healthy."
Materials themselves can vary, as long as they have sufficient UPF. "Tighter weaves, darker colours, and believe it or not, washed fabrics (which shrink the weave) are more advantageous," says Palm. If a hat doesn't have a UPF rating, you can try holding it up to the light and seeing how much light gets through.