Chin straps and UPF 50+ are non-negotiable.

Yes, they exist, but you can’t just grab any beach hat. The two things that matter most: a chin strap and a high UPF rating (50+, ideally). Any hat that brags about SPF but doesn’t have a strap will fly off before you finish applying sunscreen.

Wide brim is great for shade, but wind will turn it into a sail. Look for hats made from dense, tightly woven nylon or polyester — not straw, not cotton. Straw hats let light through and get floppy when wet. The straps should be adjustable (toggle or buckle) so they actually stay snug.

Brands like Coolibar, Sunday Afternoons, and Wallaroo make models that check all the boxes. You don’t need to overthink it: just read the tag for UPF rating and check for a real chin strap — not a flimsy ribbon. Spend $30–50, not $5 at a souvenir shop.

Your scalp and ears will thank you, and you won’t spend the day chasing a hat across the sand.