When people think about sun protection, sunscreen is usually the first thing to come to mind. It’s not the only option, though. It functions best in combination with other sun protection methods—like hats! Granville Island Hat Shop offers a wide selection of hats with UPF protection, including stylish options from safety-conscious brands like Tilley, Wallaroo, and Gottmann.
Shop Hat Brands with UPF Protection
A UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) describes how much harmful solar radiation a beach hat blocks. That includes both UVA and UVB radiation; many sun protection options only block one. UVA radiation contributes to signs of aging, like wrinkles and sun spots, while UVB contributes more to sunburns. Both can lead to skin cancer—the most common cancer in the U.S. About 20% of Americans eventually get it, usually from UV exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing protective hats even when you’ve already applied sunscreen.
Beach Hats With Impressive UPF Ratings
Which sun hat should you choose? How do you make sure the rating is right? And what do the ratings even mean?
Answering those questions can feel complicated, but it’s not. A 50+ UPF rating is the most effective. It means that a hat only lets 1/50th (2%) of the sun’s UV radiation through. Luckily, you don’t have to do calculations in your head. Just check a hat’s label to determine the percentage of solar radiation it blocks.
Though experts recommend choosing high-rated hats, moderate protection is better than nothing. Anything with a UPF rating of 15 (blocking about 93% of UV radiation) or above helps a lot. If a hat label doesn’t list a UPF rating or percentage, it’s safe to assume the hat provides no protection.
A Men’s Beach Hat for Safety and Style
The best beach hats for men are both practical and attractive. They’re lightweight to keep you cool, and they come in styles like fedoras, bucket hats, ranchers, and more. Some have vents to allow a light breeze through and prevent sweat build-up. The wider the brim on your beach hat, the better the sun protection—and not just for your skin. Broad brims also keep sunbeams from heading straight for your eyes, which is particularly important on white, sandy beaches with water reflecting sunlight into the environment.
Beach Hats for Women
Women’s beach hats come in numerous styles, too. The options are so varied that you can find one to match any swimsuit, cover-up, or other summery clothing. A wide-brimmed beach hat is always in fashion, which is convenient since they offer so much protection. Dermatologists recommend them since they go beyond blocking sunlight from the face; they also protect the ears and neck. A women’s beach hat is one of the simplest tools for preventing health problems down the line.
Not all sun hats are built the same. We can help you choose functional hats with a UPF rating that reliably blocks the sun for your summer adventures.
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