Women's boating hats are not only a fashion statement but also essential for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays while enjoying your time on the water.
I personally always bring two hats with me when I go boating. I find that a baseball cap works best when going at high speeds and a large wide-brim hat is better suited for when you are hanging out on the boat cruising.
Therefore, boating hats combine style and functionality, making them a must-have accessory for anyone who loves boating and water activities.
In this post, I'll go over different factors to consider when choosing a women's boating hat, material choices, style options, and my top picks for boating hats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Women's Boating Hats
Sun protection: UPF ratings and wide brims
When selecting a boating hat, it's important to consider its sun protection capabilities. Look for hats with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating (usually 50+), as they provide better defense against the sun's harmful UV rays.
Wide-brimmed hats are particularly effective in shielding your face, neck, and shoulders from direct sunlight, ensuring maximum sun protection. This is definitely true if you tend to burn on your shoulders. I find wide-brimmed hats help with this.
Material: Lightweight and breathable fabrics
To stay comfortable during boating trips, opt for hats made from lightweight and breathable materials. Fabrics like cotton, polyester, nylon, and straw are popular choices.
Cotton offers breathability and comfort, while polyester provides durability and quick-drying properties.
Nylon is lightweight and water-resistant, making it ideal for water activities.
Straw hats, on the other hand, offer a classic and stylish option with natural sun protection. It's best to avoid getting straw hats wet since they can lose their shape.
Although I have had a few hats completely submerged in the pool and they are both still okay.
Style: Different hat styles to suit individual preferences
Women's boating hats come in various styles to cater to individual preferences. Some popular styles include wide-brimmed hats, bucket hats, visors, and caps. Each style offers a unique look and features, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personal style and comfort.
Comfort and fit: Adjustable closures and sweatbands
Comfort and fit are essential when selecting a boating hat. Look for hats with adjustable closures, such as Velcro or drawstrings on wider hats, as they allow you to customize the fit according to your head size.
Additionally, hats with sweatbands or moisture-wicking liners help keep you comfortable by absorbing moisture and preventing it from running into your eyes.
This is a good feature to have when out in the hot sun. I have seen some ladies wear a scarf under their wide-brim hat which might help with keeping sweat off of their nice straw hat.
Styling Tips for Women's Boating Hats
Hat coordination with boating attire
To create a stylish ensemble, coordinate your hat with your boating attire. Consider matching hat colors and patterns with your outfit for a cohesive look. Additionally, choose a hat style that complements your outfit choices, whether it's a wide-brimmed hat for a glamorous appeal or a sporty cap for a more casual look.
Hair management with hats
Oh my goodness, this one is big. Sometimes your hair gets all matted under a sweaty hat while boating, but that comes with the territory.
I usually keep my hair in a low bun while boating, so I can easily switch between wearing a baseball cap and a wide-brim hat.
This seems to work for me. If you have beautiful long locks that never get tangled while boating then more power to you. (protip: always keep extra hair ties in your boating bag).
Top Women's Boating Hat Styles
Wide-brimmed hats are a popular choice among women who prioritize sun protection. The wide brim offers ample coverage, shielding your face, neck, and shoulders from the sun's rays.
These hats are available in various designs and features, including different brim widths, decorative accents like ribbons, and adjustable chin straps for added security for when it's windy.
Bucket hats have gained popularity for their casual and trendy appeal. They feature a downward-sloping brim that offers shade and a relaxed look.
For a sporty and minimalist look, visors are an excellent choice. These hats leave the top of your head open, allowing for better ventilation and a cooler feel which is awesome in hotter climates.
Caps (baseball hats) are a good option for women's boating hats. With their curved brims and structured crowns, caps provide both style and functionality.
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Top Women's Boating Hats Quick List
San Diego Hat Company Women's Rush Straw Lifeguard Hat with Fabric Band
Simplicity Hats for Women UPF 50+ UV Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat
Wallaroo Hat Company Women's Elise Sun Hat - UPF 50+
Features and specifications:
Wide-brimmed fedora
Drawstring closure
UPF 50+ sun protection
Reviews from Amazon: 5/5 star rating
Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Monterey Fedora
Features and specifications:
Fedora style
Drawstring Closure
UPF 50+ sun protection
Personal review: I love this hat! I've had it for 3+ years and it still looks brand new. I reach for this hat more than any other because it goes with any outfit and you instantly look more stylish. I take this hat boating with me and it holds up really well!
San Diego Hat Company Women's Rush Straw Lifeguard Hat with Fabric Band
Features and specifications:
Straw hat with 4" inch brim
Adjustable string
Different fabric colors
Personal review: This is a great straw hat from the San Diego Hat Company! I have this exact hat and it's great to have on the water. I like to bring this hat when the conditions are windier because it has a drawstring closure to help keep the hat on your head. It offers great shade too.
Under Armour Women's Launch Run Hat
Features and specifications:
100% polyester
Machine washable
Comes in different colors
Reviews from Amazon: "lightweight, good quality".
Roxy Women's Tomboy Straw Hat
Features and specifications:
Wide brim
Adjustable toggle closure
Reviews from Amazon: "good quality, cute, large brim".
Simplicity Hats for Women UPF 50+ UV Sun Protective Convertible Beach Visor Hat
Features and specifications:
Convertible beach visor with large brim
65% Cotton, 35% Polyester
Different color options
Reviews from Amazon: "lightweight, dries quickly, large brim".
Sun Visor Hats Women Large Brim
Features and specifications:
Visor
Cotton
Velcro closure
Wide brim visor
Reviews from Amazon: "highly recommend, well made, large brim"
Joywant Sun Visor Hats for Women
Features and specifications:
Visor
Paper straw and polyester with tight braiding
Adjustable
Foldable
Reviews from Amazon: "easy to pack, lightweight, good quality, good for ponytails"
How to Care for Women's Boating Hats
Cleaning and washing instructions
Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity of your women's boating hat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and washing. Handwashing is often recommended, but some hats may be machine washable. Be sure to use appropriate cleaning agents and follow specific care considerations based on the hat's material.
Storage and packing tips
To protect your hat from damage during storage, store it in a cool and dry place. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the hat, as it can cause deformation or loss of shape.
Some hats come with specific storage solutions, such as boxes or hat racks, to maintain their structure and quality.
When traveling with your boating hat, pack it in a suitcase upside down and fill the inside of the headspace with lightweight material like bathing suits and pajamas. This will help keep the hat form. I watched a lady on Instagram pack her hat like this and it was genius!
Popular Women's Boating Hat Accessories
Hat clips and cords
Have you all seen the convenient hat clips that people attach to their purses? I've been watching waaayyy too many YouTube videos on European travel and I've seen a lot of influencers carrying their large straw hats on their purse while they are walking around museums and other cool places. Something I definitely need.
In conclusion, women's boating hats are essential accessories that combine style and functionality.
When choosing a boating hat, consider factors such as sun protection, material, style, comfort, and fit.
Wide-brimmed hats, bucket hats, visors, and caps are popular styles to explore. Various materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and straw, offer unique benefits.
I hope you found this article helpful as you look for the perfect boating hat!
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Hello! I'm Tiffany, a creative travel writer, mother to three awesome kids, and Floridian. We like to visit beautiful Florida resorts and beaches, Florida State Parks, and explore destinations by boat. I like to write about our travel adventures and provide Florida lifestyle tips to other families traveling or living in the Sunshine State.