Are Straw Hats Good For Sun Protection? A Handy Guide
Click Tracker | April 01, 2024
How do straw hats protect you from the sun?
Discover the dual role of straw hats as stylish accessories and powerful shields against the sun's harmful rays. This guide explores the science of sun protection and how the right straw hat can prevent skin damage.
Understanding UV rays and skin health
The sun releases UVA and UVB rays, both harmful to skin health. UVA rays penetrate deeply, accelerating aging and increasing skin cancer risk, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Effective sun protection is crucial for mitigating these risks.
Does a hat protect you from the sun?
Do hats block UV rays? Yes, to a certain extent and depending on the hat’s material, weave and brim size. For optimal UV protection, look for hats with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. For more coverage, choose straw hats with a tighter weave. The use of superior quality materials, combined with meticulous craftsmanship, enhances a hat's protective power.
At KIN THE LABEL, most of our straw hats feature more than 40 UPF, with our Sun Hat collection reaching up to 50 UPF. Moreover, each hat is a product of centuries-old craftsmanship made only with the finest materials.
Choosing the right straw hat for sun protection
For maximum defense against the sun, opt for hats with a wide brim. These hats shield your face and provide additional shade to your neck and shoulders, areas that are often overlooked but vulnerable to UV damage. Ensure the hat fits snugly; an ill-fitting hat, whether too tight or loose, can compromise its ability to provide good sun protection.
Additional sun safety measures
A protective hat is vital but should be part of a broader sun safety strategy. Here are some other ways to protect yourself from the sun:
- Wear protective clothing: Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. For an eco-friendly option, consider using reef-safe sunscreens when swimming in oceans or natural water bodies.
- Seek shade: Stay out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Don’t forget your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes.
Do straw hats protect you from the sun?
Straw hats can shield you against UV rays. However, the level of protection they can give greatly relies on weave density, quality of materials and overall craftsmanship. Pairing a high-UPF straw hat with other sun safety practices is a significant and fashionable-forward step toward long-term skin health.
A straw sun hat with a high UPF rating is an indispensable accessory for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about sun damage to the skin. Explore KIN THE LABEL for hats that offer both supreme sun protection and timeless style.
Size Guide
How to measure your head
We prefer that you measure your head in centimeters because it tends to be more accurate than inches. Measure several times to ensure accuracy.
step 1
To measure your head size where your hat will sit, gather a cloth measuring tape or a simple string.
step 2
Start at the back of your head by gently wrapping the measuring tape or string towards your forehead a half inch (temple area) above your ears. Meet both ends of the measuring tape or string at the center of your forehead above the eyebrows.
step 3
Mark where those two points meet and measure the distance between the start and end points. If using a string, measure the start and end points against a ruler to find your hat size. Use this measurement to determine your hat size. Hat sizes vary by style, so be sure to check the unique fit for each.