Get a hat with a chin strap and a stiff brim.

Yes, a chin strap is the only reliable way to keep a wide brim hat from flying off in the wind. Floppy sun hats look nice but will become a sail the second a gust hits. You want a hat with a structured brim (not super flexible) and a drawstring or elastic chin cord that actually cinches.

UPF 50+ is standard on most decent beach hats, so don’t overthink that part. Look for packable materials like polyester or nylon—they crush down in a bag and still hold shape. Straw hats look good but get floppy and don’t pack well.

The real test is the wind. If the hat doesn’t have a chin strap, don’t buy it for the beach. If it has a strap but you won’t wear it, same problem.

Spend $25–$40 on a legit wide-brim UPF hat with a chin cord. That’s the sweet spot. Your future self on a windy beach will thank you.