A while back, when I had a facelift & laser, my husband gently told me that wearing a hat was “protecting my investment.” I’m an accountant, so I heard that loud and clear. I tried all kinds of hats and finally found the Eric Javits Daphne for style, and Hemlock lifeguard hats for everyday. EJ has great visors for sitting around the pool. I look dumb in a ball cap which I guess is a blessing in disguise! Thanks for a great read!
I received a hat from San Diego Hat Co. as a gift before my honeymoon over 10 years ago, and that hat has seen it all! Ocean and pool water, gardens, sports games, and so many play dates! It gives great coverage, and paired with sunnies it gives me so much protection. Mine is of course no longer available, but I highly recommend anything with a 6” brim. It’s plenty big enough, and yet not so big that it feels unwieldy. They have lots of options at many price points, and some hats are on sale! Thank you for nagging us all to take care of ourselves, Elizabeth. Skin cancer definitely runs in my family, and even I have trouble putting on sunscreen every day. Now, when I don’t, I remember that you would chastise me and I reach for it anyway 🥰 Thank you!
I'm obsessed with the Lanzom Women Wide Bring Straw Panama Roll up Hat Fedora UPF 50+ on Amazon. I bought it twice! Looks fancy, but super affordable and it is packable!
I went shopping in my Mom’s closet for hats before we went to the beach. I’m a convert too. Found the most perfect wide brim hat that I know I’ll wear for years to come!
I too had skin cancer removed from my forehead - i know that a full wide brim is the best - but for being out around town and in/out of cars and out walking I just wasn’t always wearing one. This year I decided to splurge on an Eric Javits hat
It fits similar to a baseball hat but has a very wide front brim. After it arrived I went back and bought one in the other color. I have been much more consistent on wearing this one than others. The elastic in the back keeps it on even in the wind without needing a chin strap. They are currently on sale.
I have a UPF hat from San Diego Hat Co. and it has been life changing! I wish more hats were made with UPF fabric. Bonus points because it also rolls up to more easily fit in your suitcase.
I have two kids graduating this year and the commencements are outside. What hat do we wear with a dress? I have a wide brimmed hat but worry it’s too beachy. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Ann, I think the key is 1) the finish and 2) the shape, Ann. My straw hat from Janessa Leone (the last one here) works very well with dresses. It's a very smooth straw, which makes it feel dressier. And the defined fedora shape, with a sturdy brim, makes it feel dressier, too. Also, a color that is either lighter or darker than the usual "natural" straw is another way to make it seem less beachy. Cuyana options linked above could be great. Congrats to your graduates! How exciting.
Love Coolibar’s straw hats (recommended by my derm). They are straw, so a summery look, but with a wicking fabric lining so even the tiny openings in the weave don’t leave you exposed. Also love Sunshine Tienda for their colorful and fun ribbon bands. I’ve had recurring skin cancers since childhood (age 12), so hats are truly vital to my health.
I also highly recommend a “buff” for neck coverage. Many brands, many colors available at outdoor stores like REI, but these are vital for neck coverage without overheating. I never hike or boat without one. They make baseball hats a more doable and safe option (the combo I’m wearing in my profile pic!).
I like the look of straw fedoras but I can’t stand not being able to lean back in a chair, so I usually do a baseball cap. I also think it’s ok to get a little sun!
My husband and I each have our own hat collections. The hats hang by the front door ready for us to grab when we go out on our daily walks with the dog. We even have hats in the car lest we forget to take one when we travel. I like the very broad brimmed hats the best, and the ones that are made with SPF protection as well. Thanks!
I love Coolibar hats for my kids when we go on vacation. I also usually have a coolibar shawl in my crossbody over the summer to drape over my legs, shoulders or kids. Can't say I love all of their fashion, but we all have one of their thin jackets, a hoodie, a shawl and a hat. They are perfect for wearing when you don't know how long you are going to be outside, as you know you have protection. :-)
While we are on the topic, I am my nephew’s guardian for baseball tournaments this summer. Any suggestions on cool (style + heat) sun protective clothing? Thank you!
Hi Laura! Check out Coolibar! We have loved them, though only for basics. :-) (Tshirts, zip up hoodies, etc.) Most of their fashion isn't what I'd consider "stylish," but we each have one of their arcadian packable jackets and a few of their sanibel everyday beach shawls, which can be layered over more stylish clothing from other brands. :-)
A while back, when I had a facelift & laser, my husband gently told me that wearing a hat was “protecting my investment.” I’m an accountant, so I heard that loud and clear. I tried all kinds of hats and finally found the Eric Javits Daphne for style, and Hemlock lifeguard hats for everyday. EJ has great visors for sitting around the pool. I look dumb in a ball cap which I guess is a blessing in disguise! Thanks for a great read!
I received a hat from San Diego Hat Co. as a gift before my honeymoon over 10 years ago, and that hat has seen it all! Ocean and pool water, gardens, sports games, and so many play dates! It gives great coverage, and paired with sunnies it gives me so much protection. Mine is of course no longer available, but I highly recommend anything with a 6” brim. It’s plenty big enough, and yet not so big that it feels unwieldy. They have lots of options at many price points, and some hats are on sale! Thank you for nagging us all to take care of ourselves, Elizabeth. Skin cancer definitely runs in my family, and even I have trouble putting on sunscreen every day. Now, when I don’t, I remember that you would chastise me and I reach for it anyway 🥰 Thank you!
Glad to be *that* girl, Elaine! :)
I'm obsessed with the Lanzom Women Wide Bring Straw Panama Roll up Hat Fedora UPF 50+ on Amazon. I bought it twice! Looks fancy, but super affordable and it is packable!
I went shopping in my Mom’s closet for hats before we went to the beach. I’m a convert too. Found the most perfect wide brim hat that I know I’ll wear for years to come!
I too had skin cancer removed from my forehead - i know that a full wide brim is the best - but for being out around town and in/out of cars and out walking I just wasn’t always wearing one. This year I decided to splurge on an Eric Javits hat
https://ericjavits.com/products/jav?variant=51793290690926
It fits similar to a baseball hat but has a very wide front brim. After it arrived I went back and bought one in the other color. I have been much more consistent on wearing this one than others. The elastic in the back keeps it on even in the wind without needing a chin strap. They are currently on sale.
Oh! It's like a hybrid, visor + baseball cap. Thank you for sharing, Christie.
Highly recommend Eric Javits hats that are rated 50+ UPF, like the Bella style. Spendy, but worth it!
https://ericjavits.com/products/bella-floppy-hat?variant=42067289276574
I have a UPF hat from San Diego Hat Co. and it has been life changing! I wish more hats were made with UPF fabric. Bonus points because it also rolls up to more easily fit in your suitcase.
I have two kids graduating this year and the commencements are outside. What hat do we wear with a dress? I have a wide brimmed hat but worry it’s too beachy. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Ann, I think the key is 1) the finish and 2) the shape, Ann. My straw hat from Janessa Leone (the last one here) works very well with dresses. It's a very smooth straw, which makes it feel dressier. And the defined fedora shape, with a sturdy brim, makes it feel dressier, too. Also, a color that is either lighter or darker than the usual "natural" straw is another way to make it seem less beachy. Cuyana options linked above could be great. Congrats to your graduates! How exciting.
Thank you! This is helpful!!
Look at San Diego Hat Co. I don’t think wide brim has to read beachy! Get one with a stiffer structure (nothing labeled floppy) and you’ll be ready!
Thank you!
Love Coolibar’s straw hats (recommended by my derm). They are straw, so a summery look, but with a wicking fabric lining so even the tiny openings in the weave don’t leave you exposed. Also love Sunshine Tienda for their colorful and fun ribbon bands. I’ve had recurring skin cancers since childhood (age 12), so hats are truly vital to my health.
I also highly recommend a “buff” for neck coverage. Many brands, many colors available at outdoor stores like REI, but these are vital for neck coverage without overheating. I never hike or boat without one. They make baseball hats a more doable and safe option (the combo I’m wearing in my profile pic!).
I like the look of straw fedoras but I can’t stand not being able to lean back in a chair, so I usually do a baseball cap. I also think it’s ok to get a little sun!
Ok, fiiiinne — you’ve convinced me! Just bought myself a wide brimmed hat. Thank you for the nudge, Elizabeth!
My husband and I each have our own hat collections. The hats hang by the front door ready for us to grab when we go out on our daily walks with the dog. We even have hats in the car lest we forget to take one when we travel. I like the very broad brimmed hats the best, and the ones that are made with SPF protection as well. Thanks!
I love Coolibar hats for my kids when we go on vacation. I also usually have a coolibar shawl in my crossbody over the summer to drape over my legs, shoulders or kids. Can't say I love all of their fashion, but we all have one of their thin jackets, a hoodie, a shawl and a hat. They are perfect for wearing when you don't know how long you are going to be outside, as you know you have protection. :-)
Hi Neha, I hadn't heard of this brand — thank you for flagging. Some cute options here!
While we are on the topic, I am my nephew’s guardian for baseball tournaments this summer. Any suggestions on cool (style + heat) sun protective clothing? Thank you!
Hi Laura! Check out Coolibar! We have loved them, though only for basics. :-) (Tshirts, zip up hoodies, etc.) Most of their fashion isn't what I'd consider "stylish," but we each have one of their arcadian packable jackets and a few of their sanibel everyday beach shawls, which can be layered over more stylish clothing from other brands. :-)
I bought some coolibar! A sun shawl & jacket. Thank you!
I am typically a baseball hat gal, but wow-not much coverage at all. Definitely going to look into bigger hats for sure! You look cute in them all! 😍