Best Sun Protection Hats for Gardeners

Gardening is an excellent excuse to get outdoors and get some fresh air. During the warmer months, this can mean a fair amount of sun exposure. In moderation, that can be a good mood boost and a great source of Vitamin D. Still, too much sun can lead to sunburn, heatstroke, and more. A quality sun protection hat, when paired with other sun protection gear, can go a long way towards making your time outside much more enjoyable and safe.

If you’re in the market for a new sun protection hat, read on for a few recommendations.

8 of the Best Sun Protection Hats for Gardeners

8. Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer

Henschel Hats Aussie Breezer

Check Amazon Price*Classic 3” brim and chin cord

This mesh hat from Henschel Hats has a three-inch brim that helps provide a bit of shade for your face and shoulders. It is available in a variety of colors, as well, including Earth, khaki, and even neon green. The chin cord helps keep the hat firmly affixed to your head, even in windy conditions, and with sizes ranging from small to 3X-large, you will have no problem finding the perfect fit. The hat itself is made from a polyester-cotton blend in a mesh pattern that allows your head to breathe, even on the hottest of days. The interior also features a sweatband to help wick the sweat from your head away from your eyes.

7. Tru-Spec Camo Boonie Hat

Tru-Spec Camo Boonie Hat

Check Amazon Price*Comfortable and tough

This high-performance hat from Tru-Spec is both stylish and functional. It comes in a variety of different shades of camo and is made from nylon-cotton ripstop, making it extra durable as well as versatile. The chin strap is easy to adjust and there is even an internal map pocket, in case your day takes you out of the garden and out on an adventure. There is also an internal vent to help air circulation and prevent overheating. It has built-in loops that can be used to hook on small items. The Boonie is available in sizes ranging from 6¾ to 7¾.

6. Ushake Safari Sun Hat

Ushake Safari Sun Hat

Check Amazon Price*Hidden net face mesh

Ushake’s hat offers UPF50 protection from the sun, making it perfect for the gardener who finds themselves frequently outdoors midday. It is available in khaki, dark green, and grey, and is made from 100% nylon with a polyester interior mesh. Even better, the mesh can be pulled down over your face for bug protection– no more swatting away mosquitos while you’re trying to care for your plants. The hat features one-size-fits-most sizing and can be secured to your head using the adjustable chin strap. If you are looking for sun protection that can also keep the bugs away, consider this option from Ushake.

5. Sun Cube Wide Brim Sun Hat

Sun Cube Wide Brim Sun Hat

Check Amazon Price*Protection for face, ears and neck

This UPF50+ sun hat from Sun Cube has a four-inch-wide brim to help keep the sun off your face and body. It also features a neck flap that goes down around the back of your neck, helping keep the area safe from sunburn. The hat is one-size-fits-most and can easily be adjusted using both the chin strap and back adjustment cord. There are side mesh panels to provide for breathability and the hat can easily fold up to be packed away. You can also purchase the hat in a variety of colors, including white with a decorative ribbon, beige, light blue, camo, black, and pink.

4. Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

Check Amazon Price*Breathable and water repellent

The Adventure Hat from Sunday Afternoons is breathable and water repellent, making it ideal for days with full sun as well as a bit of rain. The mesh panels help with breathability and the 7.5-inch neck flap protects from sunburn. You can secure the hat to your head with the adjustable chin strap and the available sizes range from small to extra-large, so you can easily find the right fit for your head. You can also find this hat in several different colors, including cream, iris, blossom, black, and quarry. The hat’s brim is four inches in the front and 3.75 inches around the sides and the material is UPF50+.

3. Gelwhu Women’s Ponytail Sunshade Hat

Gelwhu Women’s Ponytail Sunshade Hat

Check Amazon Price*Pack of 3 different colored hats

If you’re looking for a bit of variety, look no further than this pack from Gelwhu. Their ponytail safari hat comes in a three-piece set, so you essentially receive three different hats for the price of one. There are three different sets available: red, pink, sky blue; pink, purple, sky blue; and pink, purple, and grey. This hat is designed especially for a woman’s head and you can easily adjust the back strap for a tighter fit if necessary. The material is UPF50+ and the hat itself features side mesh pockets for breathability, an adjustable chin strap, and a 3.35-inch brim.

2. Sun Cube Fishing Hat With Neck Flap

Sun Cube Fishing Hat with Neck Flap

Check Amazon Price*One size fits most

While Sun Cube advertises this hat as a fishing hat, it is perfect for any outdoor activity, including gardening. The quick-dry polyester material can protect you from both rain and sun exposure and the back neck flap helps keep your entire head and neck protected. The universal fit can be adjusted using the back strap and chin cord and you can purchase the hat in several different colors, including grey, camo, and olive. The neck flap also features a zipper pocket that is just big enough for a key or a couple of credit cards. The interior sweatband is also useful for keeping sweat out of your eyes.

1. Kpwin Foldable Sun Protection Hat

Kpwin Foldable Sun Protection Hat

Check Amazon Price*Foldable and packable – perfect for travel

This foldable hat from Kpwin features an adjustable back opening that is ideal for accommodating a ponytail. The 3.35-inch brim can be fastened up at the sides if you feel you don’t need it and the waterproof material is great for both sun and rain. The hat is foldable and features side mesh pockets to help promote airflow. You can find this sun hat in colors ranging from purple to watermelon and even pink.

Sun Protection Tips

• Avoid working during peak sunny hours. Without a doubt, the best times to work in the garden are the early morning hours as well as in the evening. Avoid doing too much work outside midday when the sun is high in the sky. This is when temperatures are the hottest and your risk of sunburn is highest.
• Find shade whenever possible. If parts of your garden are in the shade, take advantage of that. You can get away with gardening during peak sun hours if you find a good shady patch to do your work. You can also make artificial shade with an umbrella.
• Apply sunscreen. A good sunblock is key for any exposed areas of skin such as your face, ears, and hands. Read the directions on your sunscreen and re-apply as needed– most require applications every two hours or so, but the exact time may vary.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants. It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your skin covered in breathable clothes is actually better than baking in a tank top and shorts. Find UV protective layers that are made from breathable materials.
• Take frequent breaks. If you start to overheat, it’s time to step indoors and cool down. Don’t hesitate to stop working and take frequent water breaks, either. The more breaks you take, the less likely you are to overheat.

In Conclusion

A sun protection hat is a powerful tool in a gardener’s arsenal. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors in the summer, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. A hat is an excellent way to do that.