You’re never fully dressed without a protective sun hat

Make headway on your seasonal sun safety with this list of summer hats that help block damaging UV rays.

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Everyone’s familiar with SPF, but what about UPF? UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, which indicates how many UVA and UVB rays a fabric allows to reach your skin. Most of the hats we recommend for sun protection have a rating of UPF 50, indicating the fabric they’re made with blocks 98 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays. Grab your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat of your choice and enjoy the good weather ahead!

Tilley Men's Women's Broad Brim Sun Hat

Amazon, Tilley, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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This unisex hat from classic Canadian-based brand Tilley comes in 12 colours and a variety of sizes. It has an adjustable wind cord, anti-glare under brim, wired brim binding, extra ventilation, and a foam liner containing a secret pocket where you can stash any small valuables while you're spending a day outdoors.

What we like:

  • UPF 50+ protection with a water repellent finish

  • Stays afloat in water, making it ideal to wear on fishing or boat trips

  • Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews

San Diego Hat Company Men’s Wide Brim Natural Straw Hat

Amazon, San Diego Hat Co, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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Make a splash this season with a lifeguard-style hat for men. This 100 per cent straw hat allows for ventilation, which will help keep you cool. It has a black fabric brim that acts as a glare shield as well as a built-in sweatband to wick moisture away. If you don’t want to invest a lot into a trendy straw hat, this is good value for the price.

What we like:

  • UPF 50+ protection

  • Adjustable chin strap for a secure fit at the beach or pool

  • Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews


Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.


Unisex Foldable Quick Dry Baseball Cap

Amazon, baseball cap, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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This unisex, quick-drying cap with an adjustable strap is available in 12 colours to suit your style. It has an unstructured design, which means it’s completely foldable and can fit into any pocket, backpack, or bag. Remember, if you are opting for a ball cap, it’s important to apply and reapply sunscreen to your ears when you’re out in the sun.

What we like:

  • UPF 50+ protection

  • Breathable and moisture-wicking material to keep you cool wherever adventure takes you

  • Rated 4.3 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews

READ MORE: Our recommendations for the best sunscreens to keep you protected

Arctic Hat As Seen on TV

Amazon, Arctic Hat, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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Sometimes it’s best to put function over fashion. This unisex hat stays 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature because it features an evaporative cooling liner that you can wet with water for the ultimate chill down. It’s perfect for yard work, gardening, fishing, hiking, golf, and beach days!

What we like:

  • UV barrier that deflects and blocks 99 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays

  • Reflects 80 per cent of the sun’s heat to keep you cool on hot days

  • Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews

Columbia Women’s Global Adventure Packable Hat

Amazon, Columbia women's hat, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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You’ll be made in the shade with this sun hat from reputable brand Columbia. One of the best features: this hat doesn’t need to stay protected when you travel. You can fold it, roll it, or stuff it into your carry-on so you’ll be ready to step off the plane and immediately into the sunshine at your destination.

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What we like:

  • UPF 50 protection

  • Rolls up for easy packing

  • Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews

READ MORE: Our recommendations about packing for a weekend getaway

Jan & Jul Boys GRO-with-me Sun Hat and Girls GRO-with-me Sun Hat

Amazon, kids hats, CANVA, sun hats

Amazon.ca

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Based in Vancouver, Canada, Jan & Jul make more than 30 hats for rain or shine. The GRO-with-me style includes a quick toggle adjustment so you can easily size the hat as your child grows. Other features to note are a wide brim and long neck flap for full protection and a completely foldable design for easy packing.

What we like:

  • UPF 50+ protection

  • Chin strap helps secure hat in windy beach conditions

  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on Amazon.ca reviews

Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.

Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Thumbnail image courtesy Dima Moga/Unsplash