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8 Best Gardening Hats for Men and Women – Stay Cool!

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No matter how many hours you plan on spending outside in your garden, you need the best and most comfortable gardening hat possible.

A proper gardening hat can help keep your head and neck protected from the sun, and it can also offer some comfort during the long summer days. 

That way – you can relax in your backyard, with a tall glass of ice water in your hand – without worrying (as much) about the hot sun breathing down your neck!

Our Top Pick

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

  • Excellent UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Awesome range of colors
  • 7.5” back veil neck flap with lift-up tab
  • Ultra-lightweight, breathable, water repellent, and stain resistant

I also advise you to seek a gardening hat that’s lightweight and breathable. Because if you’re out back gardening or pulling weeds – you need the best garden hat material to help deal with the sweating and exertion! 

But how do you choose the best gardening hat for your situation?

Read our list of the best gardening hats for 2021 to find out more!

Our Top 8 Best Gardening Hat – Ranked!

  1. Best gardening hat overall: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
  2. Best value: Einskey Sun Hat
  3. Best straw gardening hat: Men’s Crushed Safari Straw Sun Hat
  4. Best quality: Coolibar Men’s Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat
  5. Best UV protection: Lenikis Sun Hat with Neck Flap
  6. Best cooling hat: Ontel Arctic Air Hat
  7. Best convertible hat: Simplicity Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat
  8. Rayward Apparel Sun OPS UPF 50+ Bucket Hat

#1 – Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat, Blue Moon/Charcoal, Medium
$55.91
  • 31/2" down-sloping front brim and 33/4" sides with floatable foam core and Poly brim wire
  • 71/2 inch back veil neck flap with lift-up tab
  • UPF 50+ Certified breathable sun Rating (mesh vents not rated)
  • Strategic mesh ventilation
  • Water repellent/stain resistant
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03/14/2024 12:39 am GMT

This gardening hat has a unique combination of fabrics, from 88% nylon and 12% polyester

The Sunday Afternoons hat also scores a solid UPF rating of 50+, so it helps offer protection from harmful UV rays. 

The length of the hat’s bill is 3.25 inches, so your face will have plenty of cover when you wear it. 

The hat also rocks for outdoor activities such as paddling in the river or hiking on a trail. 

Are you concerned about protecting your neck from the sun?

This hat has got you covered with its 6-inch long neck cape. Rest assured this neck cape won’t anchor you down because the Adventure Hat is lightweight. 

Maybe you’re stressed about your sweat penetrating the hat? Then consider the wicking sweatband that manages the moisture – nice touch.

I also love the sunglass lock, which firmly keeps your favorite sunglasses in place. 

The vents on the sides of the hat also give your head the breathing room it needs.

Sizes Available: 21.25 to 24.625 inches (Adjustable)

#2 – Einskey Sun Hat

EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women, Waterproof Wide Birm Bucket Hat UV Protection Boonie Hat for Fishing Hiking Garden Beach
$16.99 $12.99
  • ADJUSTABLE & UNISEX: Rear elastic drawstring design, one size fits men's and women's head...
  • SUN PROTECTION & WATER REPELLENT: Wide brim 3.9 inches keeps your face and neck safe from...
  • COMFORABLE & BREATHABLE: The mesh panels design allows for moisture and heat to easily...
  • PACKABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: The bucket hat can be folded in half, easily carried inside your...
  • NOTE: Due to different lighting effects between computer monitors, cell phone, the color...
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03/13/2024 04:34 am GMT

If you are looking for a soft material to offer comfort during the summer heat, then you’ve just found one of our favorite lightweight gardening hats.

The Einskey Sun Hat!

The Einskey Sun Hat sports a handy one-size-fits-most model. The sizes range from 22 to 24 inches for head circumference.

When you put on this 100% polyester hat, you will have a casual style fitting for your backyard – it also looks great, even for a garden hat!

This Einskey hat offers sun protection, having a wide brim of 3.7 to 2.9 inches. The wide brim helps keep your face and neck safe from the harmful ultraviolet rays. 

Polyester is a go-to material if you value clothing with decent water repellence – so I appreciate the attention to detail in this hat. That way – if it suddenly rains during the day, no worries! (Well, fewer worries.)

I love the drawstring closure that helps keep the hat secured on your head. The hat is also lightweight and packable. You can fold this hat and carry it in a bag.

Plus, it only costs around $18 – making it one of the best value garden hats on this list! 

Cha-ching!

Sizes Available: 22 to 24 inches

#3 – Men’s Crushed Safari Straw Sun Hat

Men's Crushed Safari Straw Sun Hat,Life Guard Hat,Gardening,Out Door
$32.99
  • Elastic closure
  • Made of 100% straw.
  • ONE SIZE fits most men with an adjustable chin cord, fitting up to XL.
  • Fitted with an inner elastic hatband. Adult/Men/Women
  • Crown measures 5.5 inches deep.
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03/12/2024 10:05 pm GMT

Let’s talk about this epic safari straw hat that makes for an excellent gardening hat – and it also looks like one of the most comfortable gardening hats on this entire list!

Any concerns of this hat not fitting your head can hit the road because it’s one-size-fits-most. No matter your hat size, this hat is capable of accomodating while still offering maximum comfort.

The hat also rocks an adjustable drawstring chin cord that keeps the hat on your head, and it has an inner elastic hatband. The straw hat seems well constructed and durable, and it is ideal for those hot summer days when the sun is out in full force. 

For around $34, you could have yourself an adequate (and rustic-looking) straw hat that will protect your head and neck area from the sun – and it looks fun to wear!

Sizes Available: 23 inches (One-Size-Fits-Most)

#4 – Coolibar Men’s Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat

Coolibar UPF 50+ Men's Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat - Sun Protective
$59.00
  • UPF 50+ - blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays
  • FABRIC: Lite fabric is ultra-soft with a cotton like feel, lightweight, breathable, quick...
  • FEATURES: Approx. circumference: 22 1/2 inch (S/M); 23 1/2 inch (L/XL); 24 1/2 inch (XXL);...
  • RECOMMENDED FOR: everyday leisure, gardening, running errands, outdoor events like...
  • NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: swimming, not chlorine and salt water resistant or water repellent
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03/13/2024 03:20 am GMT

Polyester is one of the best fabric materials if you are looking to protect your head from UV rays. 

Made out of 100% polyester, this wide brim hat made by Coolibar blocks out 98% of harmful UV radiation, scoring an excellent 50+ UPF rating

The fabric used in making this hat is lightweight and gives off the feel of cotton. It’s also breathable and has a quick-drying performance should it get wet. 

Having an adjustable chin cord that will keep the hat on your head. You can also adjust the hat’s crown to make it fit your head circumference. 

You’ll also notice screen grommets in the crown that promote sufficient airflow, which is a nice touch. 

There is also an internal moisture-wicking sweatband. The crown is crushable, so you can easily pack the hat for traveling. 

You can easily wash and dry the hat on a line. Old fashioned washing is cool – yet again, folks!

Sizes Available: 21 1/8 to 24 3/4 inches

#5 – Lenikis Sun Hat with Neck Flap

lenikis Unisex Outdoor Activities UV Protecting Sun Hats with Neck Flap
$14.99
  • Full Protection: features 50+ UPF fabric which block 98% of UV rays. This flap hats will...
  • Light Wearing: made of quality polyester which is lightweight, quick-drying, foldable,...
  • Breathable Mesh: the mesh side panels allow ventilation which makes your head breathable...
  • One Fits All: adjustable back band (22-24inches) and chin strap provide a comfortable fit...
  • FUNctional: whether you are out walking, hiking, fishing, playing golf, gardening,...
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03/13/2024 10:30 pm GMT

Maybe you’re not in the mood for a bucket hat that gives your head circular cover? 

If that’s you, then check out this magnificent sun hat! 

Now, at first glance, you may think this looks like a beekeeper’s veil – but look closer.

The hat has a breathable mesh for its side panels. The mesh promotes ventilation which will give your head some comfort. 

Excellent protection from UV rays dominates with this polyester fabric hat which scores a 50+ UPF rating. 

The hat can help block 98% of harmful UV rays – which gardener or homesteader could say no to that? 

The neck flap is also handy because you can easily cover your ears, neck, and the back of your head from UV rays by pulling the flap forward.  

Overall, this one-size-fits-all hat is fully functional regardless of the activities you perform. 

Activities include gardening, walking, hiking, playing golf, or fishing. 

Also – the neck flap is a perfect fishing attachment, in my opinion!

Sizes Available: 22 to 24 inches (One-Size-Fits-All)

#6 – Ontel Arctic Air Hat

Ontel Arctic Air Hat, Evaporative Cooling Hat with UV Protection, Beige, One Size
$19.99 $14.70
  • Arctic hat: Stay cool & protected with The Arctic Hat. This evaporative cooling cap has a...
  • Stay cool: Features hydro-chill technology—an evaporative lining that holds & gradually...
  • Great for travel: Perfect for the beach, travel & vacation. The Arctic Hat will help you...
  • As seen on TV: Explore our variety of fun & helpful products for everyday life including:...
  • Consumer driven: Ontel offers some of the most innovative consumer products on the market...
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03/12/2024 10:54 pm GMT

Now, if you are looking for something quirky and unconventional when it comes to cooling down your head, then you should look at this guy. 

Here’s an evaporated cooling hat with a built-in barrier that reflects the heat of the sun and UV rays. 

One catch here is that you have to wet the hat first to achieve its ultimate cooling effect – that sounds quirky to me!

Hydro-chill technology is this hat’s middle name (if it had one). It’s an evaporative lining that holds and gradually releases water for a continuous flow of cooling. I wouldn’t say that you would be wearing an icebox on your head, but that is the desired effect!

With the Ontel Arctic Air Hat, you will stay cool for hours. It’s adjustable, and it comes in one-size-fits-all. 

The hat only weighs 5.61 ounces and gives you relief while you are busy tidying up your garden!

Sizes Available: 14.17 x 16.14 x 3.74 inches (Adjustable, One-Size-Fits-All)

#7 – Simplicity Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat

Simplicity Hats for Women UPF 50+ UV Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat
$19.99
  • 👒[2 in 1 Sun Hat ] - Features a zipper that removes the top part of the hat away from...
  • 👒[Size Fit Most Person ] - Outdoor hiking hats head circumference: 22.8", Height:5",...
  • 👒[Light Weight & Breathable Material] - lightweight breathable design allows great air...
  • 👒[Easy to Pack to Travel] - This Practical and beautiful, foldable beach hat for Women...
  • 👒[Reliable Protection] - This gardening hats for women provides extra UV protection...
Amazon
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03/12/2024 06:34 pm GMT

I have to include this hat because I often think about gifts to give my mother

Not only is this visor hat cheap at around $17, but it is also very functional for multiple purposes. 

It’s a 2-in-1 sun hat, which means that you can remove the top part of the hat away from its visor section with the help of a zipper. 

Want to wear this hat as just a sun hat? Go for it!

Want to wear it as a wide brim visor? Go for it!

This hat provides extra UV protection by shielding your eyes and face with the long visor bill, and you will be able to stay chill as you enjoy outdoor activities in the summer heat like gardening, hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking. 

This hat is both wonderful to look at and practical for use. It is foldable, crushable, and packable, so it can fit inside any purse, backpack, or carry bag – perfect for traveling purposes.

Sizes Available: 6 7/8 to 7 5/8 (21 5/8 to 24 inches)

#8 – Rayward Apparel Sun OPS UPF 50+ Bucket Hat

A lightweight gardening hat is always preferred, and this bucket hat qualifies as a lightweight gardening hat option – for sure!

It has a shapeable 3-inch brim, and the under-brim looks darkened to reduce the amount of sun glare. 

The sleek-looking bucket hat also has an elastic drawcord so you can customize the crown fit. 

It scores an excellent UPF rating of 50+ and also helps absorb moisture. It will also dry relatively quickly once you put the hat aside. 

The bucket hat is also foldable, crushable, and portable. Made with 92% polyester and 8% spandex – so it’s light and surprisingly flexible. 

Being lightweight at 2.6 ounces, you will feel comfortable wearing this hat. The adjustable chin strap makes sure that you will stay relaxed. 

After all, we don’t like our hats being blown away by the wind, do we? 

The hat is also 360° breathable, so your head will benefit from all the extra air it wouldn’t get from other hats. 

Overall – the hat from Rayward Apparel is well worth the $35 price. 

Sizes Available: 22.83 to 24.4 inches

Best Gardening Hat Buyer’s Guide

easter-daffodil-with-straw-gardening-hat
Nothing completes a straw gardening hat like a yellow daffodil!

Make no mistake! 

It doesn’t take many steps to find the best gardening hat for you. However, it isn’t as easy as getting a sombrero and putting it on your head. That wouldn’t look right (unless you were throwing a fiesta!), so don’t do that. 

Depending on the gardener’s preferences, a gardening hat can vary in size, shape, and design. When buying a gardening hat, you need to stick to some vital points.

Does a Gardening Hat Need to Block Out UV Rays?

On most summer days and without a hat – you’ll go head-to-head against the sun. That means your head and neck area will be instantly exposed if you don’t wear a hat! 

You may be able to handle the sun for some time, but after a while, the heat takes its toll. 

If you wear a gardening hat, look for a design capable of blocking out harmful UV rays.

Otherwise, you can’t be sure that the gardening hat offers sufficient protection to help protect against sunlight shining in your face.

Also, read the descriptions – and the reviews – carefully!

What do other customers say about how the gardening hat protects them against the sun? Are there any positive reviews?

Food for thought!

Did you know?

Be careful when working under the sun! I was reading an article over on the University of Utah’s healthcare blog. I read that some of the experts working at HCI (Huntsman Cancer Institute) recommended avoiding the sun as much as possible – period!

The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM – so try to avoid long stretches in the sun during these times. Good to know. Please travel safely, my fellow homesteaders!

Does a Gardening Hat Need a Wide-Brim?

While not having a wide-brim wouldn’t be a deal-breaker, it would help a gardening hat remain functional – and sturdy!

I encourage you to seek gardening hats with a brim circumference of a range between 3 and 4.5 inches wide. 

Anything less than that range, and you may find yourself struggling to avoid getting hit by UV rays. 

How Important Is Ventilation in a Gardening Hat?

Ventilation in a gardening hat is super important!

When you’re hustling hard in your garden, the last thing you need is a hat that doesn’t allow your head (and skin) to breathe! 

If a gardening hat doesn’t have ventilation holes or mesh guards, I’d typically look elsewhere.

Some hats can get away without having ventilation holes or mesh guards. But, preferably, you should look for a hat that has adequate ventilation. 

Can I Wear a Hat Instead of Sunscreen?

I think in a perfect world – you should use as much protection against the sun as possible.

From the editor:

Wearing both is ideal. I’ll sometimes duck out into the garden with just a hat on – to grab some salad for dinner.

But, if you’re going to do a solid hour’s (or day’s!) work out there, wearing both is best. That gives you optimum protection from the sun – and if you find the right sunscreen, it keeps your skin protected and moisturized, too!

I’m always on the hunt for the best natural sunscreen out there – it’s not an easy quest! I’m currently trialing Australian Gold’s SPF50 and despite being a bit thick (a common issue with mineral sunscreens), it’s working well.

Safety first!

Can Your Face Get a Tan with a Hat On?

It isn’t impossible to have your face get a tan even if you are wearing a hat. If you look up into the sky – even when wearing a hat, then, of course, the sun will come in and shine on you. 

But – everyone’s different! And, there are other considerations.

It also depends on how you angle your face when you look around outside. 

It also depends on the hat! Most hats do a great job of protecting your face from the sun. The wide brims are mainly responsible for your face not getting sunburnt. 

So – I think there are a lot of variables to this question. Your results may vary!

Did you know?

Here’s one of my favorite articles on how to protect your skin from the sun published on the University of Kentucky HealthCare blog.

They suggest for you to wear sunscreen – but also remind you that sunscreen wears off! Please read more of their safety tips so you can keep cool while homesteading!

Are Baseball Caps Good for Sun Protection?

The short answer is yes – baseball caps probably offer some level of sun protection. I think they’re definitely better than nothing!

Are they the best option to wear? That is up to you to decide. 

For most of my life, I have worn only baseball hats. I have always felt comfortable wearing baseball hats, but the truth is they may not always be the best to take on UV rays. 

Instead, I recommend getting a gardening hat or a Boonie hat. (If you are curious about what the best Boonie hat is, then check out our best Boonie hat review article!)

The Best Gardening Hats of All Shapes and Sizes!

A gardening hat is a simple but effective tool that can help to keep you cool when working and homesteading in the summer heat.

Our top pick is Sunday Afternoons’ Adventure Hat. It offers amazing sun protection with its neck flap, and if you don’t want the neck flap down, you can pin it up with the lift-tab.

It’s a great style for men and women, and it comes in an amazing range of colors – something to suit everyone!

Aside from that – the right gardening hat can also add a stylish flair to your arsenal of hats

(Bear with me. I’m still talking about hats, not military vehicles!) 

When you know you will be working in your garden for hours on a hot summer day, you need relief from the sun so that you can accomplish your gardening tasks. 

A gardening hat can give you that relief!

The unique features of all these hats are tremendously helpful in their unique ways – my favorites being strategically placed vent holes in the sides and a clever neck flap design

We realize that choosing the perfect gardening hat is an epic venture! We hope this gardening hat review makes your decision easier.

Also – please let us know which gardening hat you like the most?

Thanks so much for reading!

Read More Gardening Gear Guides!

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