Planning on spending an extended period outside and want to know what hat you should put on your head to keep the sun from beating down on your face? These five hat styles offer some of the best protection against UV exposure and direct heat.

Wide-brim straw hat

If you want broad coverage without trapping heat, a wide-brim straw hat is hard to beat. The woven construction lets air move through the crown while the brim, typically four inches or wider, shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

Natural straw like seagrass or toyo is lightweight and breathable. The wider the brim, the more of your face and shoulders stay out of direct sunlight. For outdoor events or beach days, this one does the job without making you feel like you're wearing a helmet.

Bucket hat

Bucket hats have a 360-degree brim that wraps all the way around the crown, so sun hits the hat instead of your skin from any angle. The brim is shorter than a wide-brim straw, but the all-around coverage makes up for it.

Nylon and polyester versions dry fast and pack down flat, which is useful if you're hiking or traveling. UPF-rated fabric is worth looking for here because the tight weave blocks a higher percentage of UV rays than a standard cotton version would.

Baseball cap

A baseball cap won't shade your ears or neck, but it does a solid job protecting your forehead and eyes from direct glare. If you're pairing it with sunscreen or spending time in partial shade, it's a practical everyday option.

Look for a longer brim, around three inches, and a UPF rating if sun protection is your priority. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps the inside from getting uncomfortable when the temperature climbs.

Cowboy hat

Cowboy hats are another style to consider. While leather hats can heat up under the hot sun, there are felt and straw options that perform better under prolonged exposure. Felt hats in particular are deeply popular in western culture, in part due to their durability and how they hold their shape through wind and weather.

The tall crown on a cowboy hat creates a small air pocket between the hat and your head, which adds some insulation from heat above. The wide, structured brim shades your face and neck without requiring any adjustment as you move.

Sun hat with chin strap

A dedicated sun hat with a chin strap is built specifically for high-exposure situations. The brim typically runs five inches or more, covering your face, ears, and shoulders more completely than most other styles.

The chin strap keeps the hat in place when wind picks up, which matters when you're on a boat, at a festival, or hiking an exposed trail. Many of these hats are also foldable, so they pack into a bag without losing their shape.

Pick the brim that fits the day

The hat you choose comes down to how long you'll be outside and how much direct sun you're dealing with. A baseball cap works for a quick errand. A five-inch sun hat is what you want for a full afternoon with no shade. Whatever style you land on, a hat for keeping the sun off your face should fit well enough to stay put and cover enough surface area to actually do the job.