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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 every day, 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.
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.
This easily packable and crushable hat has adjustable sizing and a drawstring to keep it in place on windy days. It's a great option for travel—especially if you're headed on a boat or cruise.
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.
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.
Coolibar is known for its quality gear made with UPF50+ fabrics that block 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. What could be easier than this chambray beach hat? It's travel-ready and features an interior sweatband with adjustable fit.
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.
With an asymmetrical brim and sweet bow, this sustainable palm style is not only rated UPF 50+ but also features a foam interior band for comfort.
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.
It's hard to go wrong with a straw hat—especially one with such elegant details. The wide brim and adjustable strap add an effortless vibe to everything from denim to cover-ups.
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.
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.
Madewell's Small Lot collections are focused on creating sustainable, vegan accessories with artisans. This beautiful wide-brim hat is made by hand from undyed cotton canvas. It's fully lined, and the large brim is easily shaped and styled.
From natural and white to green and brown, Free People's bestselling wide-brim hat comes in five different hues. This chic, oversize sun hat is crafted from a straw that can be easily packed away for traveling.
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.
Oprah donned a marigold felted wool version of this fedora on the cover of O magazine in November 2018 and loved it so much, 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.
Lululemon's wide-brim hat is made from an abrasion-resistant and water-resistant fabric that wicks moisture to keep you dry. Whether you choose olive, black, or off-white, the flat, structured brim keeps your vision clear, while a longer back panel provides extra coverage.
Offered in a slew of neutral hues, this utilitarian bucket will carry you through activities from hiking and gardening to beach sports. Breathable and durable, 100 percent cotton offers UPF50+ sun protection, and it even has a hidden pocket and wind cord.
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.
This woven raffia hat has a wide brim that shades the face, but it's not all about function. The stylish hat features a tonal fabric band that elevates the look.
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.
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