Dermatologists point shoppers to UPF hats for added sun protection
NBC Selected says UPF-rated hats can help block ultraviolet rays where sunscreen application may fall short.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
NBC Selected identified several UPF-rated sun hats for 2026, citing dermatologist guidance that clothing can add protection against ultraviolet exposure. The recommendations matter for people spending long periods outdoors because hats can cover areas where sunscreen may be uneven, delayed or rubbed away.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist, told NBC Selected that topical sunscreen has limits: chemical formulas need time to absorb, while mineral sunscreen may fail to protect if applied inconsistently or removed from the skin. NBC Selected said UPF apparel, including hats, can serve as an additional barrier against UVA and UVB rays.
UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, measures how much ultraviolet radiation passes through fabric, NBC Selected reported. The outlet said it limited its picks to hats rated UPF 50 or UPF 50+, meaning UPF 50 fabric allows about 2% of UV transmission, while UPF 50+ allows less than that.
Recommended hats
NBC Selected named the GearTop Wide Brim Sun Hat its best overall pick. According to the brand information cited by NBC Selected, the unisex safari-style hat has UPF 50+ protection, a 3.7-inch brim, breathable mesh, an interior pocket and an adjustable chin strap.
For fishing, NBC Selected chose the Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat. The guide said the UPF 50 hat has a 3-inch brim, vented sides, fast-drying textured nylon, an adjustable chin strap and toggle, and comes in 32 colors; NBC Selected noted it is hand wash only.
NBC Selected selected the Simplicity Women’s Wide Brim Hat as a women’s wide-brim option. The guide said the braided straw fedora has UPF 50+ protection, a 3.9-inch brim, a removable drawstring, adjustable sizing and a foldable design, while noting that it is dry clean only.
Dr. Mohiba Tareen, a board-certified dermatologist at Tareen Dermatology, recommended the Eric Javits Hampton Squishee Sun Hat to NBC Selected. The guide described it as a lightweight faux-straw option with UPF 50+ protection, a 4.5-inch brim, four color choices and a foldable construction; NBC Selected noted it requires spot cleaning.
For neck coverage, NBC Selected picked the Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat. The guide said the UPF 50+ hat has a 4-inch brim, foam in the brim to help it hold shape, a dark underside intended to reduce glare, a sweatband and an extended back panel to cover the neck.
NBC Selected also highlighted two baseball-style or cap-adjacent choices. It said the Mission Cooling UPF Performance Hat has UPF 50+ protection, a 4-inch brim, an adjustable strap, breathable material and machine-washable construction, while the Ponyflo Sunblocker Wide-Brim Hat has UPF 50+ material, folds flat and includes an adjustable ponytail opening.
What shoppers should check
Tareen told NBC Selected that UPF 50+ offers the strongest protection level among the ratings discussed, although the Skin Cancer Foundation endorses UPF 30 and higher. NBC Selected said shoppers should also look at fabric density, color, material and coverage.
According to NBC Selected, denser weaves block more rays, and Tareen suggested holding a hat up to sunlight to see how transparent it is. The dermatologists consulted by NBC Selected said dark or bright colors such as red, black and navy generally protect better than whites and pastels.
NBC Selected reported that material also affects protection. It said natural fibers such as unbleached cotton, rayon, flax and hemp absorb UV rays, while shiny polyester, nylon and lightweight satin silk deflect rays and dry quickly; the outlet cited a National Center for Biotechnology Information study indicating wet fabric appears less protective against UV radiation.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends, according to NBC Selected, sun hats with at least a 3-inch brim around the circumference or a 3-inch bill with a permanently attached drape covering the ears and neck. Dr. Todd Minars told NBC Selected that SPF applies to sunscreens and cosmetic products, while UPF applies to apparel and measures fabric protection against UVA and UVB rays.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.