What to Look for When Choosing a Sun Hat

When you're out living life and getting amongst it, whether it's out bush or somewhere in the city, you always need a hat to protect you (and your family!) against the sun's increasingly harsh UV - no ifs, no buts. Coming from a country notorious for sunburn, we at Kakadu Traders Australia take our headwear seriously. There are many options out there, but in our opinion,  nothing tops  a wide brim hat!

We have compiled a list of some basic facts to consider when you're purchasing a hat.

UPF Rating:

Look for a hat that has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. UPF 50+ means that the hat will block 98% of UV radiation, which is the highest level of protection available.

Wide Brim:

A wide-brimmed hat should be at least 7cm wide (approx 3 inches) so that it can keep your face, neck, and shoulders shaded. Pro tip: Look for a hat with a brim that is stiff enough to hold its shape in windy conditions. There’s a reason why Australians have always found protection with the wide brims.

Material:

Choose a hat made from tightly woven fabrics like cotton, nylon, or polyester. These materials offer better sun protection than hats made from straw or loosely woven materials which generally have a much lower UPF due to the holes between the weave. Less holes, less sunlight. Simple right?

Coverage:

Look for a hat that covers your forehead, ears, and the back of your neck. A hat with a chin strap can also help keep it in place during windy conditions. There’s nothing worse than your hat taking off unannounced!

Our aim is to make hats in a variety of shapes, sizes and fabrication so you always have options for the best sun protection because, ultimately, the best sun hat for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs!

Explore Kakadu Traders Australia has an extensive range of hats for any climate, job or occasion.