Fashion has always been incredibly out of step with the times of year.  It’s July and early fall fashion is starting to trickle into retailers slowly.  By August, coats will have arrived.  None of this ignores the fact that it’s only mid-July and it feels like chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs and the asphalt is looking for an air conditioner.   I don’t care what fashion says, it’s still summer and it’s still hot.

STYLISH SUMMER COVERAGE: STYLING UPF PROTECTIVE SUN HATS

The earth is continuing to warm and the sun is getting hotter making how we protect ourselves even more critical, and what inspired this post today is that this month would have been my dad’s 73rd birthday had he not passed away from melanoma at 46.  It has often made me wonder if there had been more knowledge about skin cancer years ago if he would be around to celebrate his birthday this year.  Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, if not the most preventable,  but when melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, spreads internally, it is one of the deadliest.  

There are many ways to protect yourself from the sun, from sunscreen to UPF clothing and simply to avoid being out in the sun for long periods between noon and 2 pm.  I also want to throw sun hats with UPF protection into the mix because they very effectively shield the face without having to reapply sunscreen multiple times per day.  If preventing skin cancer isn’t enough impetus to be careful with the sun, a face full of wrinkles may be more effective in encouraging you.  Buy an affordable sun hat now or pay a fortune for Botox treatments later.  The answer seems clear.  I have put together five super stylish summer looks styled with UPF sun hats.  

OUTFIT #1

Eric Javitz hats are on the higher side in terms of price but they are stunning, well-made UPF sun hats. I styled this style from Eric Javitz with this tailored summer look using this Alex Mill green striped cotton and linen button-up shirt, which I layered over a tank from Vineyard Vines, and white linen pants from Theory. I finished the outfit with cognac wedge sandals from Sarah Flint, a tan belt from FRAME, earrings from Chan Luu, and a bracelet from Monica Vinader.

OUTFIT #2

Coolibar is one of my favorite brands for all UPF 50 protective clothing and accessories. I found this hat from them to be particularly lovely. I styled it with this stunning summer dress from Reiss that I accessorized with these champagne flat sandals from M.Gemi and floral drop earrings from Sezane.

OUTFIT #3

Walaroo is another favorite UPF hat company of mine. I used this particular style to top off this sportier summer look that I created using this athleisure dress from Zella, sneakers from Birkenstock, and a bright orange crossbody from Dagne Dover.

OUTFIT #4

One place to look for UPF sun hats is at outdoor retailers, like REI. With a focus on the outdoors, it makes sense that stores like this would carry all types of UPF products. I styled this UPF sun hat from REI for a super hot day— lots of lightweight layers that don’t sit near the body— with this maxi linen skirt from Boden and a linen boxy top from Eileen Fisher. I finished the outfit with flat navy sandals from Jenni Kayne, and oversized pink earrings from Tuckernuck.

OUTFIT #5

Instead of using a straw UPF sun hat, in this outfit, I styled the look with a large brim ribbon hat from San Diego Hat Company, another very reputable retailer for hats that offer sun protection. I styled the look with a red striped Breton from Saint James and elastic waist linen shorts from J.Crew and finished the outfit with the two-tone slide sandals from Cole Haan.

DON’T ALL SUN HATS OFFER SUN PROTECTION?

Well, sure in much the same way all clothing has some degree of sun protection.  UPF 50 sun hats indicate the fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation, offering significant protection from both UVA and UVB rays.  In addition, these hats require a brim of at least 3” to offer suitable protection.  The material used is tightly woven, preventing UV rays from penetrating through the fabric. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are particularly effective due to their tight weave and inherent UV resistance.  Many UPF hats are treated with UV-inhibiting chemicals during the manufacturing process. These treatments enhance the fabric’s ability to absorb or reflect UV radiation, significantly increasing its protective qualities.  The protective qualities of a UPF hat are designed to withstand wear and laundering and the materials and treatments used are chosen for their ability to maintain UPF ratings over time, ensuring consistent protection with regular use.  By combining these features, a UPF sun hat effectively minimizes UV exposure, thereby protecting the skin from potential sunburn and long-term damage such as premature aging and skin cancer.

SHOP FOR UPF SUN HATS