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You know you should apply (and reapply!) sunscreen every day, but experts say a beach hat is an important accessory, too. It's a simple and effective way to cover up your face and neck, possibly preventing age spots and other skin damage—plus, it'll complete your stylish summer ensemble.
“Hats definitely work when it comes to sun protection,” says DiAnne Davis, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “It's important to cover up as much of your skin as possible if you are going to be spending time outdoors,” adds Davis, who also suggests wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Look for a wide-brimmed hat that covers not only your face but also your ears and neck, she says. It's a good idea to avoid straw hats with looser weaves, which don’t provide adequate protection. Think of it this way: If you can see through the construction, UV rays can also filter through.
With that in mind, whether you're on the hunt for a wide-brim straw hat to go with your new swimsuit, a trendy bucket design for everyday, a packable style for travel, or a sporty version with UPF50+ for hiking, boating, or gardening, we selected the best beach hats to sport—including options that are just like Oprah's go-to from The Salting—as we head into warm weather season.
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With a full, bendable rim and high UPF sun protection, this is a great floppy hat to fold up and pack in your beach bag or weekender. You can choose from eight timeless straw and ribbon combos, from black and white to tan and brown.
Made from a durable ripstop fabric with SolarShield UPF 50 sun protection, Outdoor Research's ultra wide-brim hat is ideal for your outdoor activities. Thanks to a longer brim in the back, this "sun sombrero" offers optimal coverage for both your face and neck.
Boasting Solbari's "widest-brim sun hat yet" this hat gives a wide coverage of face, neck, and shoulders, thanks to the 6" brim length. Made of durable yet soft cotton fabric, the hat's UPF50+ gives you protection from UVA and UVB rays. With a detachable chin strap and an adjustable tie inside, you can customize the fit.
Timeless menswear-inspired fedora silhouettes are flattering for most face shapes. This one is constructed in a paper-straw-and-poly blend for a packable style that also has an inner adjustable band and detachable chin cord.
Oprah donned a marigold felted wool version of this fedora on the cover of O magazine in November 2018 (pictured in the lead of this roundup) and loved it so much, that she had a straw one custom-made for warm weather. Constructed in Pennsylvania at the oldest hat manufacturer in the country, it’s a timeless style that will endure for many summers to come.
The design (which is available in a plethora of colors) offers the sun protection you're looking for, while the hidden inner drawstring allows for an adjustable fit. Plus, it's made from 100 percent cotton that's crushable and packable.
Free People's popular Shoreline style has been referred to as "the best bucket hat ever." Crafted from soft but sturdy 100 percent cotton, this oversize hat features a slouchy silhouette, a wide brim, and removable ties.
This cute yet unassuming raffia number (available in two other colors) goes with everything from your city outfits to seaside looks. Even better: It folds up for convenience.
Give sunny yellow a whirl with this lightweight, packable, and washable hat that features a slightly upturned brim. But don't worry if yellow isn't your color—the hat comes in an impressive array of 21 shades.
Designed t0 easily roll up in your suitcase, this visor has an adjustable bow closure to work with an array of hairstyles. Bonus: It comes in over a dozen different shades.
J.Crew's bestselling raffia bucket hat is equally as stylish in natural or black straw. It's packable and travel-ready for wherever your adventures take you.
It's hard to go wrong with a straw hat—especially one with such pretty details. The chic hat has a wide lantern-style wide brim an is totally packable, making it perfect for day trips and vacation wear.
Not only does an oversize hat look glam on the beach, but the extra-wide brim will protect your face and neck from harmful rays. Opt for the bright pink, yellow, or royal blue color for added flare.
Made from 100 percent cotton mesh, this hat is super breathable and you won't get too hot in the sun. The smart chin strap prevents your hat from flying away in the breeze. It also goes up to a 3X for extended sizes.
Protect your neck with this wide brim that is also rated UPF50+. Reversible with a wired brim for adjustability, this packable style offers an array of options. The slot at the back of the hat for your ponytail is an added bonus.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
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