Summer Hats: Bigger (Really) is Better

Picture proof — for myself — of how much more coverage you can get.

Since my skin cancer diagnosis and treatment two years ago, I have become a hat enthusiast. Sunscreen, yes, always — but a hat, too, when possible.

Early on in my hat journey, I came across a Reel (from a dermatologist, I think?) making the case against baseball caps for the scant coverage they offer. My reaction was admittedly strong. My skin cancer spot was on my forehead, which this style certainly covers. A baseball cap is better than no hat at all! I thought.

I stand by that assertion, but the criticism stuck with me — and my thinking has evolved. Any hat is better than no hat, but some hats are better than others.

My family and I kicked off the (unofficial) start of summer last holiday weekend in Palm Springs, spending three days in the bright desert sunshine. I brought four hats with me. After one morning in the pool, I found myself wondering: What is the difference in coverage? So I jumped out and snapped a few selfies. Even as someone who wears these hats all the time, I was surprised at the range.

Below, an anecdotal (not scientific!) case for a large hat. Which we all knew, right? A bigger hat would of course provide more coverage. Still, seeing these pictures was a very helpful reminder of just how much more shade one can offer.

PS: You still need sunscreen! For my face, my go-to brand is Supergoop. (New customers can use ELIZABETH10 for 10% off.)

My Skin Cancer Story

Nudge Your Summer Style Forward

Note: I used commissionable links, which means if you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no cost to you — thank you for supporting SMT!

The Case for a Big Hat

Before we dive in, a bit of a disclaimer. I initially intended these pictures to be for myself only, answering my own questions about coverage. But I was so swayed by the proof that I decided to share! This impromptu selfie experiment was done after a morning swimming with my kids — hence the wet, sweaty vibe of my skin and hair here. 🙃 I tested all four hats within a few minutes of each other, snapping these photos around 11am when the sun was climbing high in the desert sky. And then I promptly hid in the shade for the heat of the day.

Baseball cap

First up: The hat style we all have. This trusty Athleta black nylon cap has been with me for years. I wear it often, especially when with my kids. It can get splashed on (and sweated in) with no issues. However! Look at how little coverage it offers. My jawline, neck, and shoulders are totally exposed. Better than nothing? Yes. But plenty of room for improvement.

Baseball caps to consider: Athleta (closest to what I’m wearing), Lands’ End (on sale + with SPF)

Visor

Another option I reach for all the time is this visor by Abby Arad of Your Stylist Says. It is easy to pack and easy to wear, as it accommodates any/all attempts to pile my hair on top of my head. The large brim is KEY here, it shades the entirety of the front of my face as well as much of my chest in a very welcome way. But, as you can see here, my shoulders and back are excluded. So! Perhaps better for outdoor days in the sun when wearing more clothing.

Wide-brimmed visors to consider: Your Stylist Says (the one I’m wearing), Nordstrom (the elastic back looks comfy), Ann Taylor (how cute is that bow!)

Bucket hat

My hat of the summer last year was a raffia bucket hat from J.Crew. The portability was everything — so easy to throw in a tote or a suitcase without worrying about the shape. This spring, I upgraded to the wide-brimmed version, which has been a huge improvement. Look at all that coverage! I was delighted to see the side and back views here, that even a hat this malleable could offer significant shade around my neck and shoulders.

Wide-brimmed straw bucket hats to consider: J.Crew (the one I’m wearing), Janessa Leone (for more structure), Cuyana (intrigued by the adjustable band to get the fit just right)

PS: The speckles on my face here did make me think that perhaps I should try a more opaque option? Some fabric bucket hats to consider: J.Crew (on sale), Uniqlo (tried this on in the store and it has some weight to it), Lands’ End (on super sale), Lack of Color (found this brand via Tuckernuck and I am intrigued).

Large straw hat

The bigger, the better! The gold standard in this category is the Best Hat by Abby Arad, which I have and wear and love. It’s perfect for long days in the sun — my go-to hat for baseball games. But, if I’m being super honest, it’s so large I find it a bit cumbersome when lounging poolside. So I did not bring it to Palm Springs (though I absolutely wish I had so I could have included it in this impromptu experiment). Instead, I packed what I think is the most stylish hat in my collection: Janessa Leone’s Sherman hat. This lightweight fedora is worth the splurge, a more polished option than the bucket hat. And yet, as versatile! This one works as well with dresses as it does with T-shirts and swimsuits. I was delighted that the more structured brim offered such a circle of shade around my face, neck, and shoulders.

Large straw hats to consider: Janessa Leone ‘Sherman’ (the one I’m wearing), Your Stylist Says (which I also have), Madewell (on sale)

PS: Shoutout to the Duchess of Sussex, who has been a wearer of large hats for quite some time now, including in her recent With Love press photos. Meghan’s large hats to consider: Sarah Bray ‘Wildflower’ (worn without the ribbon on the cover of People), Janessa Leone ‘Tinsley’ (seen on Instagram), Cuyana ‘Ecuador’ (she has both the natural and the chocolate brown colors).

TLDR: Wear a hat! And if you can, a bigger hat is best.

Do you have a favorite style of hat or specific one to recommend? I am always on the hunt. Let me know in the comments.

Psst: This fun new swimsuit was a gift from Left on Friday. I have been side-eying all the solid colors in swimwear as of late, but I will set that thought aside for this extremely fun color called Zinc Neon Pink. I was delighted by the sturdiness of these, too. I’m wearing the Reef top and Hi Tide bottom.