Dermatologists most often find basal and squamous cell skin cancers on the head and neck. That includes the face, neck, scalp and ears. So, all of those areas need to be protected equally from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. 

But what should you look for when choosing a hat specifically for sun protection? How wide should the brim be? And, are some fabrics or materials better than others? 

Here’s what I tell the patients who seek my advice. 

Choose a hat with a brim at least 2”-3” wide

No standard definition exists as to what constitutes a “wide” brim. But, generally speaking, it should: 

• extend at least 2 to 3 inches away from your head and 
• stretch all the way around the crown of the hat. 

Sun visors don’t do any good. They might cut down on glare a bit because they shade your eyes, but they still leave the top of your head, ears and back of your neck exposed — and vulnerable to sunburn.  

Baseball caps are not ideal either. They only protect a portion of your face. If you absolutely must wear a baseball cap, though, be sure to wear sunglasses, too, and use sunscreen to cover your neck, ears, face and any other exposed skin. Many of these products can be used together to give you the greatest protection. 

Pick a hat that you can’t see through

A hat will not provide enough sun protection if you can hold it up to a bright light source and still see its rays shining through. The same is true of clothing.  

Straw hats especially tend to have large gaps in the weave. And while that might make them cooler or more comfortable to wear, they’re not very protective. So, avoid hats with holes in them. 

Instead, look for materials with a tight weave and a UPF rating. UPF 50+ is considered the gold standard, but anything in the UPF 30-49 range is still considered good. 

Stay cool with vents or lighter colors 

One reason people give for not wearing UPF clothing — and hats in general — is that they can be hot. That is especially true here in Texas. Unfortunately, tightly woven fabrics are not known for being breathable.  

One thing that can help is to play around a bit with color. Hats in dark or very bright colors, for instance, tend to absorb light rays, making them feel hotter. But hats in lighter colors — especially if they’re shiny or metallic — reflect these rays away from you. So, if you can find a light-colored hat with a UPF 50+ rating, you can maximize both your sun protection and your comfort level.  

Some sun hats are made with built-in vents that allow heat to escape, too. But if there’s any doubt that a hat will protect you, go with another option. Ideally, you want to choose something lightweight, with a UPF rating, that completely blocks the sun and protects your ears, face and neck. 

Other features to consider

Some hats are crushable for easy packing or have a wire around the brim so you can play with their shape. Others have chin straps to keep them securely attached to your head under windy conditions. None of these features is strictly necessary from a protection standpoint, but they can still be useful. So, select those features based on your personal preferences. 

Personally, I find a lot of my most functional hats at sporting goods stores. Those retailers cater specifically to people who are heavily engaged in outdoor activities, so they tend to give you the most bang for your buck. You can normally find a wide selection of hats there made from lightweight, breathable materials that are meant for outdoor use and will look good.  

Shop for MD Anderson-branded UPF gear.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.