Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. However, it's important to protect your skin from the sun's rays. One way to do this is by wearing the best sun hat for protection available. But with so many different varieties on the market, how do you know which one is the perfect sun hat for you?Sun Protection: Why Do You Need ItBefore we dive into the factors you should consider whether you're purchasing a UPF straw hat, bucket hats, baseball caps, or legionnaire-style hats, let's first talk about why maximum sun protection is important as choosing the best sun protection hats.The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin in a number of ways. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, cause premature aging of the skin, and lead to other skin problems such as sunburns, eye damage, and immunosuppression.Protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays is important for maintaining your health and preventing skin problems down the road. And one of the best ways to do this is by wearing UPF clothing, including UPF hats.What is UPF?UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF is a rating system that measures how well a fabric protects your skin from the sun's UV rays. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection. UPF 50+ is the highest UPF rating possible and means that the fabric blocks out at least 98% of the sun's UV rays.The Difference Between UPF and SPFIt's important not to confuse UPF with SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. UPF is a rating system for clothing, while SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from the sun. Both UPF and SPF are important for protecting your skin from the sun, but they serve different purposes.Benefits of UPF Sun Hat ClothingWearing UPF clothing, including UPF hats, is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun. UPF clothing offers a number of benefits over traditional sunscreen such as:UPF clothing protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays more effectively than sunscreenAccording to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UPF clothing blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays, while sunscreen only blocks out about 50%.UPF clothing is more convenient than sunscreenYou don't have to worry about reapplying UPF clothing throughout the day as you do with sunscreen. Once you put on your UPF hat or UPF shirt, you're good to go for the rest of the day.UPF clothing is less likely to cause skin irritationMany people are sensitive to the chemicals in sunscreen and experience skin irritation when they wear it. UPF clothing is made from breathable fabrics that are less likely to cause skin irritation.UPF clothing protects your skin even when wetWhile sunscreen needs to be reapplied more often when you're sweating or swimming, UPF clothing continues to protect your skin even when it's wet.UPF clothing offers protection even if you miss a spotIt's easy to miss a spot when applying sunscreen, but UPF clothing offers complete coverage so you don't have to worry about missing a spot.Factors to Consider When Buying Sun Protection HatsNow that we've talked about the importance of UPF and sun-protective clothing, let's dive into the factors you should consider when purchasing a UPF hat.Wide brim hatsOne of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a UPF hat is the brim size. A full-brim hat should be at least 3 inches wide in order to effectively protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun.UPF RatingAs we mentioned earlier, UPF is a rating system that measures how well a fabric protects your skin from the sun's UV rays. When purchasing a UPF hat, you should look for a hat with a UPF rating of 50+. This means that the hat will block out 98% of the sun's harmful UV rays.FabricThe fabric of the UPF hat is also important to consider. You want to look for a light hat that is made from UPF-rated fabric such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics are effective at blocking out the sun's UV rays.Chin StrapA UPF hat with a chin strap is a good choice if you'll be wearing the hat for extended periods of time or in windy conditions. The chin strap helps to keep the hat in place so that it can continue to protect your face from the sun making them the biggest factor to be the best sun hats of all time.SizeThe size of the UPF hat is also important to consider. You want to make sure that the hat is large enough to effectively cover your head, face, and neck. But you also don't want the hat to be so large that it's uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear.ColourThe colour of the UPF hat can also be important. A darker-coloured UPF hat will do a better job of blocking out the sun's rays.Sun hats styleUPF hats come in a variety of styles, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs. If you're looking for a UPF hat to wear during outdoor activities, then a baseball cap or visor might be a good option. If you're looking for stylish hats to wear for everyday use, then a wide-brimmed will be the best sun hat for you.FitAnother important factor to consider when purchasing a UPF hat is the fit. You want to make sure that the UPF hat fits snugly on your head so that it doesn't blow off in the wind. If you're purchasing a UPF hat for someone else, then you should measure their head circumference before making your purchase.PriceUPF hats range in price depending on the style, material, and UPF rating. You can find UPF hats for as little as $10 or $20, but they typically range in price from $30 to $50.WarrantyWhen purchasing a UPF hat, you should also look for one that comes with a warranty. This will protect you in case the UPF hat is defective or doesn't meet your expectations.Return PolicyYou should also consider the return policy before purchasing a UPF hat. Many UPF hats can be returned if they don't meet your expectations, but some cannot be returned at all. It's important to know the return policy before making your purchase.Company's ReputationWhen purchasing a UPF hat, you should also research the company's reputation. Read online reviews from other customers to see what their experience was like with the UPF hat and the company. You can also check the Better Business Bureau's website to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.Customer ServiceFinally, you should also consider customer service when purchasing a UPF hat. You want to make sure that you're dealing with a company that is responsive and helpful. Read online reviews to see what other customers have said about the company's customer service.These are just a few of the things to look for when purchasing a UPF hat. UPF hats are an important part of sun protection, so you want to make sure that you choose the right one for your needs. Visit our website today to learn more!Thanks for reading!