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From protecting your face and neck from harmful UV rays to keeping you cool and comfortable, a sailing hat is an essential accessory for an enjoyable day on the water. The best sailing hat should provide UPF 50 sun protection and feature a wide brim to provide adequate coverage for your face and neck. It should also fit comfortably and stay on even when gusts of wind blow. In this article, we take a closer look at the ten best sailing hats on the market.
OUR TOP PICK
Tilley Airflo Broad Brim Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Fabric and wide brim provide UPF 50 sun protection
- Dark under-brim shields your eyes from glare
- Airflow mesh and perspiration band keeps you cool
- Closed-cell foam in the top makes hat float
- Tough Supplex nylon and lock stitched seams
Sizes: 6-7/8 to 8
Brim Width: 3.25 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: Supplex Nylon
EDITORS CHOICE
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Dark under-brim absorbs reflective light, reducing glare
- Extra-large brim and neck flap provide full coverage
- Provides the ultimate UPF 50+ sun protection
- Foam-filled brim makes the hat buoyant
- Mesh ventilation and sweatband provide cool comfort
Size/Head Circumference: M/21 – 22.75in, L/22.75 – 24in
Brim Width: 4 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Materials: Nylon and Polyester
BEST VALUE
Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Textured nylon fabric provides UPF 50 protection
- Wide brim provides protection for face and neck
- Breathable fabric and mesh interior for comfort
- Draw cord and toggle for adjusting the fit
Sizes: Kids, S, M, L, XL
Brim Width: 3 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Materials: Nylon and Polyester
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Cotton fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection
- Wide 3inch brim provides sufficient coverage
- Polyester side vents and sweatband provide cool comfort
- Brass snaps allow you to snap the brim up
Size/Head Circumference: S/56cm, M/57cm, L/59 cm, XL/59cm
Brim Width: 3 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: Cotton and Polyester
ICOLOR Neck Flap Face Mask Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Provides UPF 50 and 360° sun protection
- Versatile sailing cap with removable side flaps and face mask
- Folds down into a pocket-size package
- Lightweight and breathable mesh for comfort
- Elastic fast buckle and adjustable chin strap
Head Circumference: 21- 24 inches
Flaps Coverage: 360°
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: 100% Nylon
EINSKEY Waterproof Boonie Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- All-around sailing hat suitable for any weather
- Polyester fabric and wide brim provide UPF 50 sun protection
- Waterproof polyester material for rain protection
- Mesh vents, air top, and sweatband for cool comfort
- Packable hat with a foldable semi-rigid brim
Head Circumference: 22-24 inches
Brim Width: 3.7-3.9 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: 100% Polyester
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Provides UPF 50 protection from the intense sun
- Wide sombrero-style hat provides plenty of cool shade
- Foam-stiffened brim makes the hat floatable
- External draw cord provides a custom fit
- Breathable, moisture wicking, and water resistant
Sizes: S, M, L, Xl
Brim Width: 4 3/4 and 3 1/2 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: Nylon/Polyester
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Sailing Hat
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Incredibly lightweight (3.8oz) and comfortable
- Vents, moisture-wicking and breathable panels
- Double-weave fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection
- Extra-wide brim shades the entire face and neck
Sizes: M, L, XL
Brim Width: 18 inches
UPF Rating: 50+
Material: Supplex Nylon
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- Stylish men’s sailing hat complete with a decorative band
- Hat fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection
- Wide fedora brim shields your head and face from the sun
- Breathable fabric and wicking sweatband keep you cool
Head Circumference: 23 inches
Brim Width: 2.5 inches
Material: Nylon
Material: 90% Paper/10% polyester
- What Makes This Sailing Hat Stand Out
- 8.5inch back flap protects the neck and back
- Wide brim provides excellent coverage and protection
- Mesh panels and sweat band keep you cool and dry
- Foldable brim makes it easy to pack and carry
- Windproof fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection
Head Circumference: 24 inches
Brim Width: 4 inch
Material: Nylon
Material: Micro Fiber
How To Choose A Sailing Hat – Buying Guide
Style
From bucket hats to fedora hats, sailing hats come in a variety of styles. Besides personal preference, the style to opt for comes down to the level of protection you need. Sailing bucket hats, like our number one pick the Tilley hat for sailing, provide excellent coverage and protection from the sun.
On the other end of the spectrum, boating caps cover and protect your head and face but this type of sail hat leaves your neck exposed. Whether you prefer a fedora or cruiser hats, you should be able to find a sailing cap style to your suit your needs.Â
Protection
Not all boating hats offer the same level of coverage and protection. It is, therefore, important to determine what kind of protection you want from your boat hat. Women’s boating caps and mens boating hats boasting UPF 50 protection block at least 98% of harmful UVB and UVA radiation.
Boating caps and cruiser hats shield your face and eyes while still letting you feel the breeze on your neck. For all-around coverage, opt for cruiser hats and sailing bucket hats equipped with a wide brim. The best hat for sailing, regardless of whether it’s a bucket hat or boating cap, should offer UPF 50 UV protection.
Durability Â
Women’s and men’s boating hats should be durable. Hats for boating are constantly exposed to harsh elements including saltwater and UV rays. Sail hats should be able to withstand these elements.
When evaluating hats for boating, one way to find out if a sailing cap or hat is long lasting is to read sailing hat reviews by other sailors and choose a highly rated boat hat. Additionally, the best sailing hat will be made of high-quality nylon and polyester materials, as these materials can withstand harsh elements.
Features and Use
Wind is part and parcel of sailing. For this reason, good boating hats feature an adjustable chin strap that ensure they stay on even when gusts of wind blow. To keep you cool and comfortable, sail hats should also feature a breathable material, vents, and have a sweat-wicking band. All these features ensure a comfortable experience even when spending all day on your sailboat.
Maintenance
Last but not least, a good sailing hat should also be easy to maintain. Besides opting for a top rated hat for sailing, be sure to check the description and instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help you find out the maintenance requirement of the boat hat you’re considering and make the right choice of boat hat when it comes to ease of maintenance.
FAQs
Q:Â Why Do I Need A Sailing Hat?
Sailing hats are essential to protect your head, face, and neck from the sun. The best sailing hats block harmful UV rays and protect your face and neck from sunburn and long-term sun damage. The sun is especially intense on the open water and your face and neck are not only directly exposed to the sun’s rays but also incredibly vulnerable to sun damage.
In addition to applying sunscreen and donning sunglasses, skin experts recommend putting on boating hats as a physical barrier against the sun. A top rated hat for sailing can really reduce the contact you have with the sun and provide you with some shade.
Related Review:Â Sun Hat
Q:Â How Do I Measure The Level Of Protection?
There are two ways to determine the level of protection a sail hat offers: checking the hat’s UPF rating and considering the coverage it offers. A sailing cap or hat boasting a UPF 50+ rating offers maximum sun protection by blocking 98 percent of the sun's rays.
The design of the hat can also tell you how protective hats for sailors are against the sun. Sailing bucket hats with a wide brim and back flaps are more protective than boating caps. Choosing a highly rated hat is also a smart way to ensure you end up with the best hat for sailing you can count on to protect you while sailing.
Globo Surf Overview
From providing sun protection to adding style to your sailing attire, a sailing hat is an essential accessory for a successful day on the water. With a top rated hat for sailing, you will be able to sail without getting sunburnt or worrying about sun damage. Hopefully, our guide and reviews of the best men’s sun hat for sailing will help you find the best sailing hat for your needs.
More Sail Reviews:
- Sailing Boots
- Sailing Anchors
- Sailing Jacket
- Sailing Shorts
- Sailing Bags
- Marine Battery
- Boat Shoes
- Marine Speakers
- Inflatable Boat
- Outboard Motor
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Do you own one of the sailing hats that made it onto our list? Let us know how it has worked for your sailing or boating needs in the comments section below.