For some people, photography is a hobby but it is also a great occupation. A Photographer spends lots of time outdoors and tries to get the perfect photos.
The main purpose of a sun hat for photographers apart from sun protection is to block stray light from entering the viewfinder so that you can see your subject and your exposure settings. It must have a wide brim and can be used in both summer and winter.
A perfectly designed sun hat has a broad brim that protects the face, ears & neck from the sun. It is very functional for working behind a camera. When a photographer tries to capture a photo stray light prevents them from getting the perfect shot. At that time a wide-brim sun protection hat will block the stray light and allow the perfect shot.
We have compiled this article with the best sun hat for photographers. You can get the best functional sun hats here. These best hats for photographers are perfect for all weather conditions.
Best Sun Hat for Photographers Reviews in 2022
1. Columbia 1447091 Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney (Best sun protection hats for photographers)
Columbia Sportswear Company has been making gear for people for more than 80 years. Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney hat is made from 100% comfortable Textured Nylon Poplin that feels lightweight and soft on the skin. This is an advanced technology.
It features the company’s signature wicking fabric with sweat-wicking capabilities. This hat offers UPF 50 sun protection and it helps to protect you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney hat is designed with High-quality materials and renowned technologies that provide ultimate sun shielding and a great moisture-wicker.
This is a high-performance sun hat that features a mesh breeze-inducing vent, it keeps you cool and protected during long hours outside in the sun. It comes in multiple staple colors and sizes. This sun hat is perfect for photographers and fishermen.
It is decorated with an adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back for an adjustable and comfortable fit. This hat has a wide and protective brim and it is essential for any sunny day outside. This ultimate moisture management technology quickly moves moisture from the skin into the fabric and spreads across the surface to quickly evaporate. Finally, it keeps you cool and dry.
2. Outdoor Research 243441 Sombriolet Sun Hat (Best sun hat for photographers and hikers)
When a photographer goes out for a photo shoot, there are some common things that he/she must carry with him/her. A camera with a camera kit bag, water bottle, maps, and a sun hat. A sun hat is a very essential item for a photographer.
They need sun hats that prevent sunlight, protect them from harmful UV rays, and have enough breathability. But not all types of sun hats offer these features. Some brands provide those features. Outdoor Research is a popular brand for sun hats.
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat is one of them and one of the best sun protection hats. 86% nylon and 14% polyester materials are used to make this sun hat. These materials provide the best functionality for the prevention of sunlight. So, keep your head and face protected out on a summer hike or the water.
There is no alternative to sunscreen lotion for your skin. These Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat offer UPF 50+ protection for your head and face. It is water-resistant and a wicking headband prevents sweat from your brow and your eyes. It has strategically placed vents and wicking fabric in the crown to keep you cool and dry. It is a fantastic hat for outdoor photography.
3. Tilley LTM6 Broad Brim Extra Ventilation Sun Protection Airflo Bucket Sun Hat (Best Tilley Sun hat for photographers)
Tilley Endurables is a Canadian hat company founded in 1980 by Alex Tilley. Tilley makes a proper durable hat that is suitable for any outdoor activities on any sunny day. Tilley Men’s Women’s LTM6 comes with a wide Broad Brim with extra ventilation. It is a Sun Protection Airflo Bucket Sun Hat.
This durable hat is made from 100% Supplex nylon materials. Tilley Hats are now recognized as the most practical and best hats of their type in the world. Every Tilley hat is designed for nature and built for Life. The Anatomy of the Tilley Hat is a Secret pocket in the Crown which is Velcro-sealed.
You can easily store your cash, credit card, hotel key, and fishing license. It incorporates mesh into the crown that allows for coolness and comfort. All Tilley Hats have a UPF +50 protection ability. It is also water-repellent.
The brim channels keep away the water and improve weather protection. It also features a non-absorbent foam liner in the crown, adding buoyancy and noggin protection. These hats do not cause any painful pressure around your head and are designed for a loose fit.
4. Tropic Hats Summer Wide Brim Mesh Safari/Outback W/Neck Flap & Snap Up Sides (Best sun hat for photographers with a brim)
Tropic Hats are great for summer and sunny days and outdoor activities such as photography, hiking, fishing, etc. It comes with a wide brim and Mesh Safari/Outback. It is also decorated with a Neck Flap and snap-up Sides. 60% Cotton, and 40% Polyester materials are used to make this durable and stylish hat.
This hat is not only stylish but also its 2 3/4″ Wide Brim gives you complete shade for protection from the sun. The top mesh part of the hat allows enough ventilation and helps to keep your head cool. It features an 8″ long Neck Flap Which Also Provides neck and Ear Protection.
It is an awesome hat and it will keep you safe with its functionality. It keeps you safe from harmful UV rays and provides enough ventilation on any hottest day. It is great outdoor gear for photographers.
This sun hat features an Adjustable Chin Strap that allows you to hold the hat tightly and keep your hat safe from the heavy wind. Tropic Hats are exactly what you need for a sunny day. You will get a perfect fit that won’t slip from your head.
5. Tilley LTM5 Endurables Airflo Unisex Hat (Tilley Airflo hat is a great Tilley style hat for photographers)
Tilley Endurables is a Canadian hat company. They make Tilley-style hats. Their Tilley hats are most popular all over the world. The Tilley Airflo hat collection is designed for versatility and function in every outdoor adventure. Every hat is hand-crafted to be breathable, lightweight, protective from sun, rain, and wind, and easily packable.
All Tilley-style hats are perfect for photographers and those are one of the best sun hats for photographers. The crown of Airflo styles is made slightly higher so that the top of the hat does not sit against the top of the head. The mesh part of the hat allows enough ventilation to your head.
It will allow warm air to escape and allow cool breezes back through the mesh. Tilley Endurables LTM5 Airflo Unisex Hat is made from lightweight fabric, that’s why it sits comfortably on the head all day. Tilley Endurables LTM5 Airflo Unisex Hat is a certified UPF 50+ that can block up to 98% of harmful UVA/UVB radiation.
This hat is a part of Tilley’s best-selling Airflo Family of Hats. This Tilley Airflo hat is designed with a medium brim and is ever-popular amongst photographers, travelers sportsmen, and golfers. This lightweight construction and infinite versatility hats feature superior sun protection and superb ventilation.
6. MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat- UPF 50 (This men’s sun protection hat is one of the Best Sun Hat for photographers)
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat has a 3″ Wide Brim. It provides UPF 50 protection from harmful rays. It can cool instantly. It cools within 30 seconds at 30 degrees to below-average body temperature when activated with water. You can activate it quickly in 3 steps, wet it, wring it out, and wave it.
After drying if you want to reactivate it, just re-wet and wave and it will keep you cool for hours. These bucket hats can stay cool for up to 2 hours and you can comfortably stay active for longer. MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat is lightweight, portable, and adjustable.
It is made of lightweight fabric and it has a soft structure that makes it easy to fold into a small size for packing or sticking in your back pocket. The brim does not flop down on your face because it is reinforced with quilted stitching, making it more durable.
It features an adjustable elastic cord chin strap and brass pin snaps on either side to pin the brim up which provides optimum comfort and function. The MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat is engineered to allow you to stay active and comfortable for longer, whether you are exploring and capturing photos in a new tropical country or your backyard.
Whether you are exploring a new tropical country or your backyard, the MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat is engineered to allow you to stay active and comfortable for longer. Heat might slow you down or deter you from enjoying the outdoors, but a well-engineered hat like this will keep you cool all day.
7. Lisianthus BSM0189 Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Hat with Belt Buckle (Best women’s sun hat for photographers)
Lisianthus Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Sun Hat comes with a Belt Buckle. This is a clothing accessory that can look great with a dress or simply a T-shirt and jeans. The unique and exquisite belt buckle decoration makes it more special and fashionable.
These unisex hats are perfect for all formal events or daily wear on a sunny day. Lisianthus Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Hat is made from high quality, lightweight, breathable, and durable 65% cotton, and 35% polyester materials.
It is designed with an adjustable strap inside that allows fitting most women, ladies, and girls by tightening the string. These stylish hats are great for any outdoor activities such as photography, beach walking, camping, hiking, fishing, etc. These wonderful hats feature an Interior sweatband that will keep sweat out of your eyes.
This hard-felt wide-brim style hat is soft and comfortable to wear. It won’t cause any discomfort on your head so it is also perfect for casual everyday wear with great comfort. Classic fedora hats will make you more elegant and charming all day long.
8. Muryobao Women’s Outdoor UV Protection Foldable Mesh Wide Brim (best sun hat for women photographers)
Muryobao Women’s Outdoor hats provide a good range of UV Protection. This hat is specially designed for outdoor activities in the heavy sun. These casual-style bucket hats are perfect for those women who want to engage in outdoor recreation such as traveling, camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, beach, pool, safari, or any other outdoor activity.
This is one of the best sun hats for photographer women. Photographers spend most of their time outdoors. Perfect hats keep them comfortable and make their job easier while in the hot sun. Muryobao Women’s Outdoor hats are functional and versatile. It has a large brim which is wide enough to shade the forehead.
It features a breathable mesh layer inside the hat. It can greatly improve cooling, comfort, and airflow. It is designed with a ponytail opening in the back. These sun hats also feature buttons on both sides of the hat and that can give you different styles.
It has a snug and cozy fit and one size fits most. This fashion sun hat is made from quick-drying and breathable polyester that provides better UPF protection from the sun’s harmful rays. An adjustable drawstring allows fixing the sun hat, especially on windy days and another drawstring allows you to adjust the hats for a suitable fit.
9. Funky Junque Women’s Bold Cursive Embroidered Adjustable Beach Floppy Sun Hat
Funky Junque Women’s Bold Cursive Embroidered Adjustable Beach Floppy Sun Hat is the perfect accessory to wear all summer long. With this hat, you won’t have to worry about burning your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It provides a great range of UV protection.
One of the great features of this hat is, that it comes with over 40 unique sayings to choose from and 3 different colors. You can find the saying that is perfect for you and maybe perfect for some of your friends too. Funky Junque Women’s Bold Cursive Embroidered Adjustable Beach Floppy Sun Hat has a great look and is perfect for women, teens, and outdoor activities under the sun.
Get this straw hat and instantly be the most stylish person around whatever the occasion. This sun hat is a perfect fashion accessory for the beach. It is suitable with jeans to your favorite swimsuit or a maxi dress to shorts and is great for ladies of all ages. The brim height is 4.5 inches and the width is 4 inches.
One size fits most and it features an internal adjustable drawstring tie to fit a variety of head shapes and sizes. This hat is great for providing shade for your face and eyes from the UV rays of the sun. It is an awesome addition to any spring and summer outfit.
10. Mifulgoo Women Mesh Sun Hats Summer Beach UV Protection UPF Packable Wide Brim Chin Strap
MIFULGOO Women Mesh Sun Hats come with a Wide Brim and Chin Strap. It provides maximum UPF protection from the sun’s harmful rays and protects your face and neck. The upper part of the hat is made of double-layered mesh with vented openings that allow for air to circulate and will keep your head breathable and cool.
The inner part of the hat is decorated with flowers and plant-printed fabric. You can adjust the size by tying the little ribbons with a built-in sweatband and get the best fit. MIFULGOO Women’s bucket hats come with a detachable strap that can be attached to both sides. It prevents the hat from slipping or flying off with a sudden wind.
This sunhat has many useful and nice features for the photographers such as a detachable chin string for watching outdoor sports or the blustery days on the beach, a band adjustment for a snug fit, and it also has a wire in the frame to adjust the brim. This bucket sunhat is very colorful and cute.
It will be part of your summer wardrobe and will work well with your hiking or casual outfits. This hat can easily get folded up in a suitcase or handbag for easy carrying. It is a good investment for anybody who spends most of the time in the sun and doesn’t want to damage their skin from the sun’s rays, especially suitable for photographers.
How to Choose a Sun Hat for Photographers?
While a sun protection face mask will protect the face from the UV rays. A sun hat is a very necessary item for photographers. Without a sun hat, a photographer can’t do his/her job well on a sunny day. But if you are a photographer and can’t choose the right hats for you then you can’t get the actual benefits.
So, it is very important to choose the right hats for your job requirements. Our buying guide will assist you to be able to choose the perfect sun hat. When buying a sun hat consider the factors below.
Size of Hat and Brim
A wide-brim hat is essential for blocking stray light from entering the viewfinder so the photographer can focus on the subject and get the perfect shot. Sun hats come in a variety of sizes with many benefits. Not all sizes of hats are perfect for all people because of the brim sizes.
When you are trying to choose the brim size, think about what you will be using the hat for and where you will go. If you are a photographer then a wide-brim hat is essential.
If you will use your hat for going to the beach and you don’t have a plan to run around then a 3″ size brim will be perfect for you. But for a hiking trip, a narrow brim of less than 3″ will be a perfect choice for you.
However, a wide-brim sun hat offers better protection from the sun and is the best option for a photographer. A wide brim is essential for blocking stray light from entering the viewfinder so a photographer can focus on the subject and exposure settings to get the perfect shot.
Sun Protection
A photographer buys a sun hat, sunscreen, and sun protection face mask for protection from the sun. A good sun hat provides adequate protection for both your face and neck from the sun. So, before buying a sun hat make sure that your sun hat provides an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50 or more. This amount of rating can block 97.5%+ of the UV rays. So, it is a must.
Color
Color is not a simple thing. It has an impact on the sun. Darker colors will absorb the sun’s rays and transmit more heat to your head such as black, dark brown, camo, navy, etc. A light color will reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool. So, it is another important factor to consider before buying a sun hat.
Brands
A brandable product will come with many benefits. So always try to get the best brands before buying any products. Before buying a sun hat try to find popular brands. You do not need to do hard work to find the best sun hat brands because we already have done this for you. This article is full of the best sun hats from the best brands.
Style
It is the most important part of a sun hat. Typically sun hats come in 4 styles. Below are some ideas about this.
- Cap: A cap has a brim in the front just like a simple snapback hat or baseball cap. It cannot protect your back from the sun but it can protect your face well. But, some cap comes with a hidden flap that can be extended to the neck.
- Bucket style: A bucket hat comes with a wide brim around the entire hat. That brim provides complete protection for your eyes from the sun. It can save your face from harmful UV rays.
- Flap: The flap sun hat is designed for ultimate protection. It covers both the face and neck. A flap hat is highly useful for preventing sun exposure for prolonged periods such as traversing deserts and other intense environments.
- Fedora: The Fedora hat is similar to the bucket hat in size and shape. But it has a moderately sized brim that wraps around the hat. Fedora hats are popular for styling and they can be easily dressed up.
Material
When buying a sun hat it is important to know about the materials. If you want the best sun hat for photographers then you should take a look at the materials before buying it. The materials have an important impact on washability, breathability, as well as styling. Here are some ideas of common materials used to make a variety of hats that provide functionality.
- Nylon/Polyester: These are synthetic materials, it is the most common and durable materials for making a sun hat. Both of them are moisture-wicking and natural water-repellant. But it is not as breathable as cotton. While some nylon/polyester sun hats are designed to have ventilation throughout the hat.
- Straw: Straw is stylish and lightweight. It is often handmade in South American countries such as Ecuador, Panama, etc. These straw sun hats are great for pool parties, beach parties, or semi-formal outdoor gatherings. These materials can’t fold and are not good for traveling.
- Linen/ Cotton: Cotton or line is a natural and breathable fabric. It will feel great against your head. But those are slow-drying materials and the possibility of tearing.
Other Additional Features
Here are some additional features that are useful and offered by some good companies.
- Mesh and vent holes: Mesh or holes increase the circulation of air inside the hat and allow for lower temperatures inside the hat. Ultimately it will increase comfort and breathability.
- Sweatband: A sweatband will absorb the sweat. Not all hats offer this feature. Some good brands offer this additional feature. An internal sweatband will help to prevent sweat from soaking through to the exterior and prevent sweat from dripping down your face or neck.
- Drawstring: A drawstring will keep your hat tight and secure the hat from blowing off your head with a sudden gust of wind. It is a standard on all sun hats and also a useful feature.
- Earflaps: A sun hat with foldable earflaps will provide extra protection to the sides of your head from the sun and water. These features are often found on cap-style sun hats.
- Waterproof: A photographer faces all types of weather. A sudden rainstorm will make them wet. A waterproof-treated sun hat ensures that the hat remains strong and doesn’t droop down when wet. It will allow the droplets to roll off the brim.
Price
Price is another important factor. It depends on the materials, workmanship, style, design, and additional features. Normally, a good quality sun hat starts at $15. If you want a high-quality sun hat then you need to pay more.
Why Are Tilley Hats So Expensive?
Every Tilley Hat comes with a wonderful design and shape. It sits lower on the head comfortably. I like its flat-top design that has 1/2″ to 1″ air space that allows for a good ventilation system above your head. They maintain perfect quality and standards.
The main thing is that Tilley hats meet the Canadian Cancer Society’s requirements, which is one of the main reasons for the higher price.
So, What Should You Buy
After reading our buying guide, now you will be able to choose the right sun hats for your photography needs. Our recommendation is the Columbia Unisex-Adult Bora Bora Booney hat for men and the Lisianthus Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Sun Hat for women.
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