The best gardening hats offer protection from the sun that goes beyond just providing a little bit of shade. They protect your eyes. Moreover, they help regulate your body heat. Plus they have other great features such as protection from rain or insects. Of course, you might as well be stylish while in the garden (or anywhere!) Therefore, you’ll want to explore the best gardening hats that fit your style.
What to Look For In Choosing Among the Best Gardening Hats
When choosing the best gardening hat, it’s essential to consider various features to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. Here are some important features to look for:
Wide Brim
Opt for a hat with a wide brim. You usually want one that’s at least 3 inches wide. This will provide ample shade and sun protection for your face, neck, and shoulders.
UPF Rating
Look for a gardening hat with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating to ensure it effectively blocks harmful UV rays from the sun.
Material
Consider the material of the hat. Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, nylon, or polyester are good choices for warm weather. For cooler seasons, choose a hat with insulating properties.
Adjustable Fit
Hats with adjustable features like drawstrings, chin straps, or elastic bands provide a customizable and secure fit, especially on windy days.
Ventilation
A gardening hat with ventilation holes or a mesh crown can help keep your head cool and prevent overheating.
Water Resistance
If you often garden in wet conditions, choose a hat with water-resistant or waterproof material to keep your head dry.
Neck Flap
Some gardening hats come with a detachable or built-in neck flap that offers additional sun protection for the neck and ears.
Insect Protection
If you’re in an area with a lot of insects, consider a hat that has built-in insect repellent or mosquito netting to keep bugs at bay.
Durability
Look for well-constructed hats with reinforced seams and sturdy materials to ensure they can withstand the rigors of gardening.
Washability
Check if the hat is easy to clean and maintain, as gardening hats can get dirty from soil and sweat.
Best Gardening Hats for Ultimate Sun Protection and Style
Here are some of our recommendations for finding the best gardening hats with many of the aforementioned features:
FURTALK Women Wide Brim Sun Hat with Wind Lanyard
This hat has over 12,000 reviews on Amazon and more than three-quarters of them are five-star reviews. It’s a unique eco-friendly hat made from recycled paper. It comes in two sizes, and it has a velcro strap that helps adjust either size to better fit you. The brim is over three inches wide. And it has a UPF of 50+. At just $25 on Amazon, this is a solid choice.
Leotruny Women Super Wide Brim Sun Hat UPF50+ Waterproof Bucket Hat
Although designed for fishing and camping, this is actually a great gardening hat. The brim is nearly 6″ so you’re going to have your own shade while you work. Other great features include UPF 50+, mesh panels for ventilation, an adjustable chin strap, and five different color options. If you want to make a style statement, this hat is a great choice. It’s also priced at $25 on Amazon.
EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women
This is a unisex hat that comes in eighteen different colors/prints so you can choose one (or more) that really suits your personal style. The brim is nearly 4″ wide. It has mesh panels and a built-in sweatband, perfect for staying comfortable while working in the sun. However, if it happens to rain, you’re covered because it’s a waterproof hat.
Home Prefer Men’s Sun Hat with Neck Flap
This is a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying hat that includes a flap to protect your neck. It has 50+ UPF. It comes in twenty different colors to suit your style. Although labeled for men, this hat works well for anyone. Note that it is a one-size-only hat, though, so if you have a small head then it might not be the right fit for you. However, check the brand for other hats that might work as they have a wide range of options. And, at under $20, this is one of the best gardening hats on the list in terms of affordability.
Tibeha Mosquito Net Hat – Bug Cap UPF 50+ Sun Protection
If you’re looking for insect protection in addition to sun protection then try a hat like this one. It includes a mesh face veil to protect you from bugs while you work in the garden. The brim is almost 3″, it has UPF 50+, and it costs under $20.
Palmyth Head Net Hat
This is another good choice if you’re looking for a hat with an insect veil option. It’s versatile because you can choose to snap the veil up when you don’t want to use it plus you have the option of a removable neck flap. The brim is 3.2″, UPF 50+, sweatband and mesh for ventilation, water-repellent, and easy to wash.
Philights 100% Cotton Women Sun Hat
If you want a hat that works in the garden as well as in your daily life, then take a look at this one. It’s great because the brim has wire built into it that allows you to change the shape. Therefore, you can have a cute rolled-up brim when you’re out and about but more shade when you’re in the garden.
Kool Breeze Solar Hat
This one is for those people who might want to splurge a little on cost to get something really special. This is a lightweight breathable straw hat with a super wide brim and UPF 50+. What makes it really special is that it has. built-in fan, powered with solar power, to keep you cool as you garden. It comes in many different styles and will cost you about $60.
GearTOP Kids’ Bucket Hats
Do your kids hang out in the garden with you? If so, you’ll also want good sun protection for them. GearTOP has some of the best gardening hats for kids. They’re lightweight, breathable, UPF 50+, and easy to adjust to the child’s head size.
Read More:
- Top 5 Women’s Gardening Overalls Ranked by Price
- My Favorite Gardening Products
- Gift Exchange Ideas with Fellow Gardeners
Kathryn Vercillo is a long time writer, crafter and author of several books. A resident of San Francisco, she is committed to helping others explore, articulate and share their own individuals stories. When she’s not evaluating investing opportunities Kathryn is an avid knitter, researcher, and blogger.
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