The Best Beach Hats for Men

Buying Guide for Beach Hats for Men

Why buy a beach hat?

A beach hat should be essential to your warm-weather wardrobe. Even if you’re not a guy that often updates your wardrobe, you should be adding one to your cart if you don’t already own a beach hat. Whether you’re low-maintenance and want to keep sweaty hair out of your face, want to avoid squinting so much on sunny days, or are concerned with protecting against sunburns and skin cancer, a beach hat can help.

What should you consider when buying a beach hat?

• Material: Straw and polyester are the two main players in the beach hat material game. A straw hat is lightweight and allows for excellent protection from the sun. However, it can’t get wet without suffering some consequences. If you’re looking for a hat just for dry, hot days, a straw hat can be a great option for blocking rays and staying cool. On the other hand, polyester is another popular material for protecting against UV rays. This type of hat can get wet and help wick moisture away, helping you feel cool on even the hottest days.
• Brim Size: Depending on what activities you’re planning to do, you’ll want to consider what size brim will be best for sun protection. While a smaller brim may be more fashion-forward, it will only add a little bit of shade. A hat with an extra-wide brim and panels protecting all neck angles may provide the most protection but may best be suited for specialized activities like fishing. Consider which type of activities you’re planning to use the hat for to choose the best one.
• Additional Features: Some hats will have drawstring chinstraps to help the hat stay on even when it’s windy. Others may have mesh paneling or laser cuts for extra airflow and breathability. Removable paneling may also be included for complete coverage, like fishing or other outdoor activities.

Why can’t a straw beach hat get wet?

Many beach hats are made out of straw because of how lightweight they are, they don’t fade when exposed to sunlight the way textiles tend to, and they’re often easy to fold down and stash away without losing their shape. But if you’re not familiar with hat care, a straw hat is not supposed to get wet. When straw gets wet, it swells, causing a straw hat to lose its shape. In addition to losing its form, the straw will likely rot if it gets very wet without drying properly. Some straw models have been treated to withstand exposure to water without damaging the hat, making them an ideal choice for a beach hat; even if you don’t plan to wear your hat in the water, accidental splashes are always a risk at the pool or beach.

Our Picks for the Best Beach Hats for Men

Pros: This classic beach hat is made of soft straw, making it a comfortable and breathable option. The wide, floppy brim will help protect your eyes and skin from strong UV rays. Since the wide brim provides some shade, it will also help keep you cooler. In addition to these comforts, the hat is foldable, making it easy to bring along in a beach bag or suitcase. It can be folded into a smaller size, but it goes back to its shape easily. The hat can also get wet without it affecting its color or shape. This classic beach hat comes in 12 neutral colors, and it has two sizes to accommodate most head sizes. The hat is adjustable on the inside to get the most comfortable fit, all while being discreet.

Cons: A floppy-brim hat can be a stylish and trendy accessory for any outfit. However, it is important to note that this style may not be for everyone. The floppy brim can sometimes obstruct vision and may not provide as much sun protection as other hat styles with a wider or more structured brim. If you are looking for a hat with optimal sun protection, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a beach hat that has a classic look, travels easily, and still protects you from the hot sun, this is a great option. Its wide brim provides shade for your face; however, wearing sunscreen and seeking shade is also recommended.

 

Pros: This straw Panama hat is an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish and functional beach hat. It is UPF 50+ certified, providing superior sun protection, and it has been tested for breathability to ensure comfort on even the hottest of days. The packable, crushable design makes it ideal for travel, whether you’re heading to the pool, beach, or on a cruise. With an inner size-adjustable system and a detachable chin cord strap, it can be customized for a secure and comfortable fit for both men and women. It is made of ultra-premium fine paper straw and polyester for durability. Overall, this hat offers a great combination of style, comfort, and functionality, making it a must-have for any beach or outdoor enthusiast.

Cons: You may have some trouble getting the hat to pop into shape, especially after it’s been folded down. It’s also possible you’ll find that this hat has a tendency to slide around and does not stay in place well, especially if the chin strap doesn’t attach properly.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a stylish hat with superior sun protection, look no further. This fedora-style hat comes in 11 colors and three sizes to help you find the perfect fit and style, whether you want to stay cool during a sweaty workout, when spending a day on the boat or at the beach, or just while running around town.

 

Pros: If you’re in need of a classic and durable summer hat, the Pierside hat might be a good option to consider. Constructed of 100% raffia straw, this wide-brim hat will protect your face and neck from the hot sun whether you’re working in the yard, fishing, or lounging on the beach. It has a lined headband for greater comfort and an adjustable pull-tie to help it stay in place. This hat comes in three sizes and three colors.

Cons: Since the hat is made 100% of straw, it should not get wet, and it should not be folded. This can be difficult in a beach setting and may require special care. Some found the hat to be larger than expected, so it may be best to consult the sizing guide or try it on before purchasing.

Bottom Line: A straw hat can keep you cool and sheltered from the sun, and this one has a wide brim for even more protection. The lined headband and toggle pull-tie add to the comfortable function of this classic straw hat.

 

Pros: This isn’t your standard beach hat. The wide brim is only the start of how this hat protects your face and neck from the sun’s rays. Removable panels protect your face and all sides of your neck. In addition to the rest of the hat, the panels are made of breathable material, so even with extra coverage, your heat can escape, helping you stay cool and comfortable. Not only can this protection keep your skin safe from the sun, but in a buggy environment, you can keep annoying and harmful pests away as well. It also comes with an elastic drawcord and adjustable chin strap to make the hat stay in place and fit just right. This hat comes in six neutral colors and travels well, thanks to its folding ability.

Cons: The only colors this hat comes in are neutral instead of bright colors or designs. Some found that it did not fit larger sizes well, so it is best to follow the sizing guide when purchasing. It is very difficult to wear glasses with the attached face shield, which is something to keep in mind.

Bottom Line: If you’re planning on a sunny day on the boat or an excursion through the woods, this hat can give you the added protection and cooling comfort you’re looking for. In addition to the wide brim, the hat comes with breathable removable panels but still protects you from the sun’s rays and annoying bugs.

 

Pros: If you want the classic design of the bucket hat with water-repellent and breathable material, this is an exciting option. Water drips off the 100% polyester fabric Instead of seeping in to get you wet. Plus, the mesh panels keep this hat cool and breathable. A built-in sweatband keeps sweat from falling down your brow. The hat has an adjustable strap in the back and an adjustable drawstring chin strap to keep it secure. This hat is foldable and easily fits in your bag when traveling. It’s available in 15 colors, so find the one that suits your personality the best.

Cons: The brim does not completely cover the neck from the back. Some mentioned that the vent strap does not allow for airflow and that this hat is not waterproof. In addition, it should be noted that this is hand wash only.

Bottom Line: The functionality and classic design make this hat perfect for vacation or daily use. Whether you want to wear it for a long day of yard work, on the water for fishing, or for lounging on the beach, this high-performance hat is a comfortable choice.

Final Thoughts

A beach hat can be worn and appreciated in various settings, not just on the beach. These different hats are all about staying cool and comfortable while protecting your eyes and skin from the sun. The hats all have a diverse range of protection, but you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities with some extra shade no matter which one you choose.