Best sun hats for women: stylish sun protection for summer 2020

Call us optimists but we have high hopes for the British summer this year.

With reports of April being the hottest in history, it bodes well that the warmer weather is here to stay - at least for the next few months.

While the rays of sunshine do wonders for our general mood and give us a much-needed hit of Vitamin D, it can also have damaging effects on our skin. The importance of wearing SPF has long been stressed but it is also crucial to protect your head and if you can keep the sun off your face at the same time? Well, that’s just a win, win as sun exposure is one of the major causes of ageing.

Nothing beats a hat. A staple accessory come summer, it is a functional item that has long been considered a cult buy. Made iconic in 1950 and 60s adorned on the head of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Leslie Caron in Gigi or as a crucial element of French Riviera style to style icons Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, sun hats offer endless styling possibility for a look that appears effortlessly put together. Just look to the likes of Jacquemus whose spring/summer collections always feature a supersized variant that sends the fashion world into a frenzy every single time.

Whether you prefer floppy brimmed, bucket, fedora, straw or more, we have gathered the best sun hats to adorn this summer even if you’re just staying home.

Straw Ribbon Boater Hat

This retro-inspired boater hat deserves its place in your wardrobe. Already a favourite with the influencer set, it has a structure design, frayed edges and a black ribbon detail with long tie straps that can be worn in a bow a la French Riviera or left loose.

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£29 | & Other Stories

Jacquemus Valensole oversized straw hat

Winning the hearts of fashionistas everywhere, it comes as no surprise that this is the latest of Jacquemus’ supersized straw hats to go viral. The brand’s signature, it has a wide brim and a dramatic look.

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£295 | Matches Fashion

ASOS DESIGN natural straw easy boater

Whether you are lounging in the garden or have a future beach holiday on the cards, this boater style hat will elevate your summer look. It is crafted from woven straw and adorned with a neutral hue ribbon trim. You can adjust the size for an improved fit.

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£12 | ASOS

Christys' St Tropez Wide Brim Hat

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s best milliners, Christys has eight generations of experience under its belt. This option takes inspiration from none other than St Tropez with its revamping of the classic panama style. It is woven with contrasting black stripes to ensure it is versatile enough to match any of your summer ensembles.

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£150 | Liberty London

South Beach Exclusive oversized boater hat

Taking an XXL approach to your headgear this summer, this boater is embellished with an oversized brim to shield both your face and head from the damaging effects of the sun. The statement pieces you have been looking for, it is adorned with a black ribbon detail.

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£14 | ASOS

Black Straw Weave Hat With Tie

Whether you are heading to the races (eventually) or lounging in your back garden, this hat will be the super chic finishing touch your outfit needs. It has an open weave design, a straw fabrication and is offered in a black hue with the added embellishment of a tie ribbon.

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£16 | Topshop

Scarf Straw Hat

Get into the summer spirit with wide brimmed hat from & Other Stories. In line with one of this season’s biggest accessory trends, it is adorned with a scarf-like ribbon around the trim to give your outfit a pop of colour and a luxe twist.

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£29 | & Other Stories

Openwork details straw hat

If you are on the hunt for a more classic straw hat, this option from Mango may just do the trick. It has an open weave design and is embellished with a decorative raffia bow - one of the key fabrics that dominated the SS20 runway.

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£19.99 | Mango

Turning the traditional bucket hat aesthetic on its head, this woven variation from Topshop is a contemporary hybrid of the festival-essential with the type of hat you may have spotted yourself donning in your childhood photos. It is adorned with a stripe design for a playful feel.

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£14 | Topshop

Wide-Brim Straw Hat

This straw hat from Cos follows in the style cues of the brand’s minimalistic aesthetic but with a colourful twist. It is available in both khaki green as well as a burnt orange hue to give your look subtle intrigue. It is crafted from paper straw and features a wide, asymmetrical brim.

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£45 | Cos

Flat-Crown Straw Hat

Wearing this straw hat, you would not look out of place in the South of France, paired with a white summer dress and strappy sandals. The piece has a structured design with a sloping brim to shield your face, neck and shoulders from the sun.

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£45 | Arket

'Do Not Disturb' Floppy Straw Hat

Catch rays in style with this personalisable straw hat that you can embellish with your name or better yet, a fun phrase whether that’s Do Not Disturb or Bride to Be. You can also add pom poms or colourful detailling.

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£99 | Not on the High Street

Dalmatian Spot Tie Bucket Hat

Festivals may not be on the horizon this summer but that doesn’t mean you still can rock the best of Glastonbury-inspired fashion. This bucket hat in the playful dalmatian print will make a statement on Worthy Farm and beyond.

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£14 | Topshop

Verdict:

There are so many different subtle design details that may draw you to any of the sun hats on this list, whether you prefer straw, boater, bucket or more floppy designs but for a classic, timeless and versatile option, it’s & Other Stories’ retro-inspired piece that has won our hearts.

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