Golf for many is an enjoyable sport but it can also be dangerous.
Exposure to UV rays can have harmful effects on the skin. Although some may be oblivious to these effects, equipping yourself with the necessary sun protection before taking to the course is crucial.
A golf sun hat plays a crucial role in preventing skin cancers by protecting your head, ears, face, and neck, but they can be a stylish addition to your attire too.
With a variety of different styles available, we have browsed the market and selected our top five picks of the best golf sun hats.
You will also find a buyer’s guide below that outlines all of our top tips for choosing the best hat for you.
Are you in a hurry? If so, we have selected our top pick for you below.
Top 5 Best Golf Sun Hats
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
Coolibar UPF 50+ Matchplay Golf Hat
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
EINSKEY Bucket Sun Hat
With raving reviews, the EINSKEY Sun hat is casually designed and is suitable for male and female golfers. Available in multiple colors you can choose your favorite option.
This hat is only available in one size and is suited to those with a head circumference measuring 22-24 “, however it features an elasticated drawstring which allows for convenient adjustments if needed.
Additionally, this drawstring helps to secure the hat in place should you be confronted with unexpected wind or rain.
With a wide brim measuring 3.7 – 3.9”, this hat offers enhanced protection to your face and neck against UV rays. The polyester material is also water repellant which is ideal should you be caught in the rain.
Something we are particularly impressed with is the breathable design. The placement of mesh vents at the sides keep your head cool by allowing the air to circulate freely.
It also features a built-in sweatband that keeps your eyes and face free of sweat.
Pros
- This hat is excellent value for money retailing at an affordable price.
- Backed with a quality warranty, there is support available should you require it.
- The lightweight and packable design allow for easy portability.
- Not only is this hat great for golf but it can also be worn for many other sporting activities.
- The chin cord allows you to secure the hat in place.
Cons
- The quality of the brim could be improved.
EDITORS CHOICE
Coolibar UPF 50+ Matchplay Golf Hat
The Coolibar Matchplay Golf Hat has 50+ UPF protection which protects its wearers from 98% of UV radiation. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for additional protection from the sun or those with sensitive skin.
Made using polyester material and Lite™ fabric this is a soft and lightweight hat that isn’t going to feel heavy when it’s on your head. The back of the hat also features an elasticated closure which enables you to secure the hat to a comfortable fit.
Available in a range of sizes you can select the best option for your head. The brim measures 4” at the front and 3” at the side so your head, face, and ears are going to be sufficiently protected from the sunlight.
Impressively, this hat incorporates an internal sweatband and foam brim which works to keep the sweat out of your eyes as you play.
Pros
- This hat is available in four different colors so you can select your preferred option.
- The lightweight material makes it comfortable to wear for prolonged periods.
- Designed with an elasticated drawstring you can secure the hat to a precise fit.
- The brim is firm and offers effective protection against the sun.
- The UPF protects you against 98% of UV radiation.
Cons
- Some may feel that the sizes run a little large.
BEST VALUE
Nike Golf UV Sun Bucket Hat
Designed with a wide brim, this Nike Golf Bucket hat works to keep the sun out of your eyes whilst protecting your head, face, and ears from the sunlight.
Courtesy of the semi-rigid brim this hat is going to maintain its shape even when subject to regular wear.
The crown of the heat features a stretchable fabric for improved comfort. This allows for a great and secure fit. Breathability is accounted for courtesy of the mesh lining and perforations at the side of the hat. This allows the air to travel freely preventing a build-up of sweat.
Golf can be hard work, especially in the warm weather. The dri-fit technology means that you don’t have to worry about your hat becoming wet due to sweat. Instead, the material will dry quickly so you can continue playing golf comfortably.
This hat is available in four different sizes from small to extra large and also features a toggle that allows for easy adjustment and a secure fit.
Pros
- Nike is renowned as a reliable sportswear company so you can be confident in the quality of your purchase.
- The brim of the hat is firm and not floppy so it is going to be effective in protecting you from the sun.
- This hat is available in three different colors; black, grey, and white.
- This hat remains secure even on occasions when you are caught in the wind.
- The ventilation allows the air to travel through easily.
Cons
- The larger sizes are rather expensive which may be off-putting to some.
RUNNER UP
Addidas Men’s UPF Golf Sun Hat
This Adidas golf hat may be simply designed but it is going to be effective in protecting you from the sun. Courtesy of the wide brim, your eyes will be protected from the glare and your head will be shielded from the sunlight, benefitted further by the UPF treatment.
Made with 100% polyester material this hat is soft and lightweight feeling comfortable against your skin. Additionally, this material is double woven which accounts for excellent durability against frequent wear.
Available in a range of sizes from small to extra large you can select the best fit according to the size of your head. It also features a drawstring closure which allows you to alter the hat to a secure and precise fit.
If your attire is important to you, you will be pleased to know that this hat is available in two colors; white and grey. This allows you to select the color that will complement the rest of your attire.
Pros
- The semi-rigid brim provides effective protection against the sunlight.
- The breathable design creates a ventilated hat that isn’t going to suffer from the unwanted build-up of sweat.
- Impressively, this hat maintains its shape even when worn regularly.
- It is lightweight which makes it comfortable to wear but also easy to transport.
- The different size options allow you to select the best fit.
Cons
- The hat doesn’t state the UPF protection rating so wearers are unaware of the level of protection.
RUNNER UP
Callaway 2016 Bucket Hat
Callaway is a dominant brand within the golfing industry and so the 2016 bucket hat isn’t going to disappoint. It has a UV protection 50+ rating which is going to protect your head, face, and ears against harsh sunlight.
It is lightweight and breathable and the fabric is moisture-wicking so you aren’t going to be subject to a buildup of sweat which is likely to become uncomfortable. Additionally, it is also available in two different colors so you can select your preferred option.
Designed with an adjustable closure you can customize the fit of this hat to suit your head shape and size. This also helps to secure the hat in place should you be confronted with unexpected winds.
Pros
- Affordably priced this is a great choice for golfers on a budget.
- Callaway is renowned for being a top producer of quality golf equipment.
- The multiple size options allow you to select the best option for your head size.
- The material offers enhanced comfort for prolonged wear.
- This hat is sleekly designed and comes in two different colors.
Cons
- Some may find the sizing of this hat to be a little small.
Golf Sun Hats Buying Guide
With many styles available, each differing in cost, material, and quality, finding the best golf sun hat can be a challenge.
Below, we have outlined some important factors to consider before making your purchase.
UV protection
Selecting a hat with UV protection is crucial. A hat can help to protect your head, ears, and face from the sun. Different materials are going to be more effective than others in terms of the protection that they provide.
A hat isn’t going to stop you from getting sunburnt completely but they can offer effective sun protection, particularly when used along with other varieties of sun protection.
The Type of Hat
The market offers different styles of golf hats so you will need to consider which style you would prefer whilst also ensuring that it offers sufficient UV protection. Bucket hats are particularly popular.
With a simple cylindrical shape and rim, this style of hat helps to protect the areas that are exposed to the sun. Another popular choice is a baseball hat. Although baseball hats tend to be an affordable choice they tend to lack the sufficient sun protection that you require.
While these tend to be the most popular options, you can also get wide-brimmed hats that have the additional length to provide you with great protection from the sun.
A sports visor is another option. This type of hat is crownless and whilst it offers protection to your eyes, nose, and face, your head is going to be exposed to the sun. A bucket hat offers the most effective protection against the sun.
The Size
Golf hats tend to be available in a range of sizes to accommodate different individuals. Your hat should fit comfortably without obstructing your view, otherwise, this could make the game a little tricky.
Of course, your hat needs to be secure on your head but one that is too tight is likely to be too uncomfortable for prolonged wear.
On the other hand, opting for a hat that is too big is likely to result in a challenge in trying to keep the hat on your head as you play your game.
The Material
The most common materials used to make golf hats are cotton or polyester.
You may have a preference for a particular type of material. Some are going to be thicker than others. A thicker hat is likely to maintain its shape over time. However, thinner material is likely to be lighter and so some people may find this more comfortable.
Those made using lighter materials are also likely to be the preferred option rather than having a heavy hat on your head.
Breathability
The breathability of your hat is paramount, particularly if you are likely to be playing for prolonged periods.
You don’t want to be progressing around the course only to feel the sweat building up on your head due to the poorly ventilated design of your hat. A breathable hat is likely to be made with a mesh interior or small holes that allow the air to circulate.
The effective circulation of air eliminates a build-up of sweat ultimately making the hat more pleasant for you to wear.
The Brim
As we have mentioned previously, the length of the brim is going to determine how effective the hat is in protecting your head from the sunlight.
A larger brim is preferable as this is going to provide enhanced protection to your face and ears.
The Durability
If you are a frequent golfer, your hat is likely to be accompanying you on many golf trips.
For this reason, your hat should be made to offer long-lasting durability. This will ensure that it is not going to become easily damaged when subject to frequent use.
Hats that are made using wrinkle-resistant materials are likely to maintain their quality for longer. Your hat should also maintain its shape.
The Cost
Golf hats can retail at various prices, some more expensive than others.
It is beneficial to have a budget in mind as you can cater your purchase to this. The quality and durability of your hat are often reflected in the price. If you are a professional golfer that is going to require regular use from a golf sun hat, you may wish to invest in a pricer option.
However, if you are a casual golfer who is going to be wearing this hat on an occasional basis, a more affordable choice may be the preferred option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best color for a sun hat?
Clothing with the best sun protection qualities tends to be darker in color.
This is because darker colors absorb the sun which prevents it from reaching your skin. However, white is one of the most reflective colors, and rather than absorbing the rays, it reflects them.
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