The sun's rays can be unforgiving, especially for golfers who spend hours on the course. With over 9,500 Americans diagnosed with skin cancer daily, sun protection is crucial. As you plan your golfing adventures this season, be sure to include a reliable sun-blocking golf hat in your gear.
Hats can shield you from harmful UV rays and keep you cool and comfortable. Whether you're a casual weekend golfer or a passionate pro, investing in a golf hat is a wise choice. As you tee off into the sunshine, here are the best golf hats for sun protection to keep you stylishly safe.
Sport UV Protection Hats: Protect Your Scalp From the Sun
With skin cancer on the rise, it's more important than ever to take precautions when spending time in the sun. An often overlooked but essential item for sun protection is a good hat. Not just any hat will do, though -- you need one specifically designed to shield your face and neck from the sun's harmful UV rays.
While traditional baseball caps or visors may offer some protection, they often leave these critical areas exposed. That's why choosing a hat with a wide brim that will cast shade over these sensitive areas, including the often-neglected scalp is crucial.
The scalp deserves special attention in your sun protection routine. It's one of the most sun-exposed parts of your body, yet frequently overlooked. Skin cancers on the scalp can be particularly dangerous for several reasons:
- They often go undetected longer, as they're hidden by hair
- Scalp melanomas tend to be more aggressive than those on other body parts
- Treatment can be more challenging due to the limited tissue in the area
Research suggests that scalp and neck melanomas account for only 10-25% of all melanomas. This statistic underscores the critical importance of protecting your scalp.
UV protection is particularly a must-have for golf players. The course may be a sea of polo shirts and khakis but don't forget to top off your look with a hat that provides both style and function. A proper golf hat shields your face and neck and offers crucial protection for your scalp.
Remember, while your hair may offer some protection, it's often not enough, especially for those with thinning hair or bald spots. A good golf hat is your first line of defense against harmful UV rays, helping to prevent skin damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer, particularly on the vulnerable scalp area.
Brim Size Matters
Another crucial factor when comparing top hats for sun hats for golf is the brim size. The wider the brim, the more shade it casts, and consequently, the better the protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.
The Wider the Brim, the Better the Shield
So, how wide should the brim be on your golfing hat? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend opting for a brim width of at least 3-4 inches. This length provides ample coverage for your face, shielding your nose, cheeks, and neck from direct sunlight.
If you're looking for even more comprehensive protection, consider a hat with a slightly curved brim that extends further at the sides. This style will offer additional shade for your ears and the back of your neck.
While a hat with such a wide brim may feel heavy and might not give you the 'slick' golfer look, it's unparalleled in terms of sun protection.
Finding Your Perfect Brim: Style Meets Function
If you're seeking a hat that strikes a balance between style and function, there are options with slightly narrower brims that still offer adequate protection.
Many have a brim size in the range of 2.5 to 3 inches. Ultimately, the ideal brim size depends on your personal preferences and the level of sun exposure you typically experience during a round of golf. If you often play in intensely sunny conditions, a wider brim will be more beneficial.
However, a slightly narrower brim can provide sufficient protection while offering a more streamlined look in mild conditions.
Types of Hats With Neck Coverage Ears
When spending a day out on the golf course during the summer, it's crucial to shield your neck and ears from the sun's harmful UV rays. Fortunately, there are several types of golfing hats designed specifically with this purpose in mind.
Bucket Hats
These golfing hats for summer are a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive protection. Their distinctive feature is the downward-sloping brim that encircles the entire hat, providing 360 degrees of shade. Bucket hats are often made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, ensuring you stay cool under the summer sun.
Wide-Brim Golf Hats
As the name suggests, these golfing hats boast a wider brim than traditional designs. This extra width extends coverage over your neck and ears, offering enhanced protection. Many wide-brim golf hats also feature a slight curve or a downward slope at the back, ensuring that your neck is shielded from multiple angles.
Fishing Hats
While designed for a different sport, fishing hats can also be excellent for golfing during the summer. They often feature a wide brim and a removable neck flap that provides extra coverage for your neck and ears. The flaps are typically made from breathable, lightweight fabric, ensuring comfort and ventilation even in hot weather.
Cowboy Hats
If you're looking to make a style statement while protecting your neck and ears, consider a cowboy hat. Made from straw or synthetic materials, these hats offer ample coverage and ensure your head stays cool. The wide brim and high crown provide shade not just for your face but also for your neck and ears.
Fabric Choices for Optimal Sun Protection
The fabric of the hat plays a crucial role in blocking harmful UV rays. Here's a guide to help you choose the best fabric for your next golfing hat.
UPF-Rated Fabrics
Look for hats made with fabrics that have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. A UPF rating of 30 to 50+ indicates excellent protection, blocking out most UV rays. Examples of UPF-rated fabrics include polyester, nylon, and specialized performance fabrics like Coolmax.
Tightly Woven Fabrics
The tightness of the fabric weave significantly contributes to sun protection. Tightly woven fabrics, such as denim and polyester, offer enhanced protection by minimizing the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate the material. The closer the weave, the smaller the gaps between the fibers, resulting in less exposure to UV rays.
Lightweight and Breathable
Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to ensure comfort during hot summer rounds. Moisture-wicking fabrics are an excellent choice, as they help draw sweat away from your head, keeping you cool and dry. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon often provide this feature.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers such as cotton and linen are breathable and comfortable. However, they typically offer lower UPF ratings compared to synthetic options. If you choose a hat made from natural fibers, ensure it has a tight weave and a UPF treatment to enhance its sun protection capabilities.
Additional Features for Comfort and Functionality
When shopping for a golfing hat, there are several additional features you can look for. The following help enhance comfort, ensure a secure fit, and maximize ventilation:
Adjustable Chinstraps
An adjustable chinstrap can be a lifesaver, especially on windy days. It ensures your hat stays securely in place, even during strong gusts. Look for chinstraps that are easily adjustable and detachable, allowing you to customize the fit and feel of your hat.
Moisture-Wicking Sweatbands
A good sweatband can be a game-changer, especially during those hot and humid summer rounds. Moisture-wicking technology in the sweatband helps to draw sweat away from your forehead, preventing it from dripping into your eyes or onto your face. This feature not only keeps you comfortable but also ensures you maintain clear vision as you line up that perfect putt.
Adjustable Fit
A hat that fits well is crucial for both comfort and sun protection. Many golfing hats feature adjustable straps or drawstrings at the back, allowing you to customize the fit to your head. This adjustability ensures the hat stays put and provides optimal coverage, reducing the risk of it sliding up and exposing your neck or forehead to the sun.
Detachable Neck Flaps
Some golfing hats offer the option of detachable neck flaps, providing versatility for different weather conditions. They can be attached when you need extra protection from the sun and removed when the weather cools down, or you want a more streamlined look. This feature is ideal for those who want to have additional coverage without committing to a permanent flap.
Choosing the Right Sun Protection Hat for You
Besides the above features, consider what actually suits your needs. This is especially true when it comes to the level of sun exposure, comfort, style preferences, and compatibility with your swing.
Level of Sun Exposure
Consider the typical weather conditions you encounter during your rounds of golf. If you frequently play in intensely sunny climates or during the peak sun hours of the day, opt for a hat with a wider brim and a higher UPF rating.
A wide-brimmed hat will provide the most coverage for your face, neck, and ears. Look for a UPF rating of 40 or higher to ensure maximum protection from UV rays.
On the other hand, a UPF rating of 30+ will suffice in milder conditions. This will still offer adequate protection while providing a more streamlined look.
Personal Comfort Preferences
Everyone has unique comfort preferences, so it's essential to consider what makes you feel relaxed and confident during your game. If you tend to feel restricted by tight headwear, opt for a hat with an adjustable fit. Many golfing hats feature adjustable straps or drawstrings at the back, allowing you to customize the tightness.
Additionally, consider the breathability of the fabric. If you're prone to overheating, choose a hat that promotes airflow and helps regulate your body temperature. Moisture-wicking sweatbands are another excellent feature, as they keep sweat from dripping into your eyes, ensuring a comfortable and focused game.
Style and Appearance
While sun protection is a priority, you also want a hat that aligns with your sense of style. Golfing hats come in various designs, from the classic and elegant to the modern and sporty. Consider the overall look you want to achieve on the course.
If you prefer a traditional and sophisticated aesthetic, a wide-brimmed straw hat or a classic baseball cap in a neutral color could be a great choice. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement with your headwear, opt for bolder colors, unique patterns, or eye-catching logos.
Compatibility With Your Swing
The last thing you want is for your hat to distract you during your swing. Ensure that your sun protection hat is compatible with your playing style and doesn't hinder your performance. If you have a more aggressive swing or tend to generate a lot of clubhead speed, a hat with an adjustable chinstrap can help secure it in place and prevent any unwanted movement during your downswing.
Additionally, consider the brim width's effect on your swing. While a wide brim offers excellent sun protection, it shouldn't obstruct your peripheral vision or mess up your backswing. You may need to experiment with different brim widths to find the perfect balance between coverage and unobstructed movement.
Best Golf Hats for Sun Protection: Stay Sun-Safe On the Course
Shielding your head is crucial, but don't neglect the rest of your skin when hitting the golf course. Remember to apply sunscreen to exposed areas like your scalp, ears, and neck, especially if your hat doesn't provide full coverage.
Pair the best golf hats for sun protection with sun-protective apparel from BloqUV. Designed for 98% UV protection, our clothing allows you to focus on your game instead of reapplying sunscreen. From moisture-wicking polos to lightweight pants and more, we ensure you're properly shielded from the heat.
Maximize your defense by complementing those top sun hats for golf with our full range of UV protection clothing. Shop our UV protection clothing today!