You probably know how important it is to wear sunscreen when swimming or staying by the beach. But have you ever thought of wearing some sun hats for swimming for an extra layer of protection? Sun hats for the pool are similar to the caps or hats you wear when running or hiking to protect your head from harmful sun rays. Yet, they have cool designs, and some are colorful to suit beach wear.
If you’re looking forward to buying a new sun hat or getting one as a gift for your beloved ones, this review is for you. Here, we have compiled a list of the best sun hats for swimming for him and her. Plus, there are options for the kiddos as they also need protection. Here you go with the list.
Table of contents
- Coolibar Wyatt Swim Printed Bucket Hat
- Moon and Back by Hanna Andersson Baby Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Hat
- Coolibar Women’s Brighton Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat
- Rosoz 2 Pack Ponytail Sun Bucket Hats
- Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Aqua Hat
- Coolibar UPF 50+ Kids’ Surfs Up Bucket Hat
- NPQQUAN 1 & 2 PCS Sun Hat
- Livingston Womens 2 in 1 Sun Hat
- MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
- VAENAIT BABY Unisex Sun Protection Sporty Flap Swim hat
- 3 Pieces Womens Ponytail Wide Brim Sun Hat
- Jane Shine Outdoor Sun Hat Bucket Hat
- Simplicity Hats for Women
- How To Choose The Best Sun Hats for Swimming?
- Can I wear any sun hat for swimming?
- What is the best material for swimming sun hats?
- What is a good protective sun hat?
Coolibar Wyatt Swim Printed Bucket Hat
13
Our first sun hat for swimming is a unisex option. Coolibar Wyatt Swim Printed Bucket Hat is a printed sun hat for the pool and swimming that suits both men and women. That’s why the designer included three sizes for this hat, as men’s heads are different from women’s.
Apart from the sizing, the hat is very protective. It offers UPF 50+ protection. Also, it’s water-resistant, so that you can use it for any kind of water activity. However, the hat isn’t suitable for hiking or outdoor exercise because it isn’t breathable. You might check other sun hats for hiking if you need some of those.
Pros
- UPF 50+
- Printed design
- Water-resistant
Cons
- No ventilation
Moon and Back by Hanna Andersson Baby Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Hat
12
Because your kids also need protection and care, Moon and Back by Hanna Andersson Baby Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Hat is designed for 3-months kids up to 3 years. The hat is available in different sizes and colors to suit both boys and girls. It’s made of nylon and spandex with polyester lining to feel soft on sensitive skin. It’s also machine washable because we know kids get their clothes dirty too often. So you won’t find it difficult to wash the hat.
Further, there is a chin strap to fix the hat on their heads, no matter how active they are. And the brim isn’t too wide, just the needed width to protect their small heads from the sun. Overall, it’s a nice option for kids at a reasonable price too.
Pros
- Soft material
- Available in different colors
- Machine washable
Cons
- Runs big
Coolibar Women’s Brighton Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat
11
Coolibar is one of the common brands people usually go for when it comes to beach or swimming sun hats. This is because their hats are made of a special material that resists salt water and chlorine. Coolibar Women’s Brighton Chlorine Resistant Bucket Hat is one of the top recommendations and one of the best sun hats for swimming women should consider for comfort and practicality.
The sun hat is available in two sizes and has some adjustability through a hook and loop closure. Plus, it blocks up to 98% of the UVA and UVB rays that might reach your face. We believe it’s a good sun hat for the pool as well because the material is designed to float on the water. This way, you’ll never lose your hat.
Pros
- Salt water and chlorine resistant
- Adjustable
- Blocks most harmful sun rays
- Floats on the water
Cons
- A bit pricey
Rosoz 2 Pack Ponytail Sun Bucket Hats
10
Have you ever thought of trying this cowboy style on the beach? Luckily, you have these Rosoz 2 Pack Ponytail Sun Bucket Hats that convey the cowboy style with minimum effort. The hat has a ponytail hole with an adjustable hook. This is the only adjustability feature found in this hat. Moreover, it’s made of a UV-protective material with a suitable brim to block sun rays.
The hat has two snap buttons on the sides for a cowboy style. You can fold it up when you want less coverage and a more trendy style. Finally, the hat is made of polyester, cotton, and mesh fabrics on the sides. Thus, it’s breathable in case you want to wear it when doing any exercise.
Pros
- Cowboy style
- Mesh fabrics for ventilation
- UPF 50
Cons
- Strings break off easily
Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Aqua Hat
9
Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Aqua Hat is named Aqua Hat because it’s mainly designed for water and water sports. The hat is made of lycra for stretch and breathability. Its material is similar to that of swimsuits. So, you won’t find any problems getting this hat into the water.
On the other side, there are four colors available for this hat. This white color is our favorite, and we believe it suits most of the beach outfits you might have. As for sun protection, this hat is rated UPF 50, offering the needed protection. And regarding packability and travel, the hat is so flimsy that you can pack it wherever you want.
Pros
- Breathable and stretchable
- Easy to pack
- UPF 50
Cons
- A bit flimsy
Coolibar UPF 50+ Kids’ Surfs Up Bucket Hat
8
Since we have already included Coolibar sun hats for men and women, here is the sun hat for kids. Coolibar UPF 50+ Kids’ Surfs Up Bucket Hat is similar to men’s and women’s options in that it’s also a bucket hat. However, the brim is flimsier with a hook and loop closure inside for exactly fitting the hat around your kid’s head.
Furthermore, the hat is available in two sizes and stretchable fabrics. Thus, there is no way of not finding a snug-fit sun hat for the pool for your kid. And if your kid liked the hat and decided to wear it all day long, no problem. The hat is moisture-wicking, so your head will always stay cool.
Pros
- Stretchable
- Available in two sizes
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- No chin strap
NPQQUAN 1 & 2 PCS Sun Hat
7
Made of 100% polyester, NPQQUAN 1 & 2 PCS Sun Hat is a very affordable and budget-friendly option for those who want to pay the least. This hat is either available as one hat or in a pack of two hats. Whatever you choose to buy, both options are very cheap compared to similar sun hats for swimming. This hat is made of polyester, as we said, with mesh fabrics all over the crown for breathability. It’s very good for long times outside in the sun.
Apart from that, the hat has snap buttons to fold up and get a different style. It also has a chin strap but no adjustable drawstrings or any adjustable features. Hence, it won’t fit all people, just the 22.8-inches heads. Generally, it’s a unisex hat that should fit most people. It’s also packable for those who travel a lot or go on long trips.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Breathable
- Snap buttons
- Packable
Cons
- No adjustability
Livingston Womens 2 in 1 Sun Hat
6
As you might guess, Livingston Womens 2 in 1 Sun Hat is a versatile hat with the ability to remove the crown to get a visor hat only for the good days on the beach. If you decide to opt for this style, the cap can be adjusted using the velcro tape at the backside. There is also a detachable chin strap that you might use for the visor cap only or for the whole hat.
The other option is applied by wearing the cap first and then adding this visor hat. Some people feel it’s too much on their heads, yet you might change your mind when you know it’s made of cotton and polyester. This material combination is one of the lightest and most comfortable ever.
Pros
- Two-in-one sun hat
- Detachable chin strap
- Cotton and polyester material
Cons
- Not very stiff
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat
5
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat is a different sun hat with an advanced cooling feature that activates when it’s wet. When you get the hat soaked in water and leave it in the air, the hat will cool your head automatically. This feature will be very beneficial after swimming and getting out of the pool to take a sun bath. Thus, your head won’t get affected by the excessive sun rays.
Moreover, this cooling hat is very simple in design. It’s a small one with just the logo on the front side and a medium-width brim for protection. It’s also lightweight on the head and very comfortable; you won’t even feel it on your head even if worn for a long time. The hat is suitable for both men and women, and thanks to the cooling feature, it has become one of the best sun hats for running.
Pros
- Instant cooling
- Simple lightweight design
- Chin cord
Cons
- Small fit
VAENAIT BABY Unisex Sun Protection Sporty Flap Swim hat
4
Would you like to give your baby maximum protection from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays? VAENAIT BABY Unisex Sun Protection Sporty Flap Swim hat is your best option. This hat, besides being very affordable, is very practical for children. It’s a unisex cap with a neck flap to cover all of your kid’s head. Further, you can choose from different colors according to what you and your kid prefer.
As for the material, it’s a bit elastic to fit your baby’s head snuggly. In addition, this material is comfortable and soft on the skin. Also, there is a chin strap to prevent the cap from falling off. However, it’s way too big for a newborn baby.
Pros
- UPF 50 protection
- Neck flap
- Elastic material
Cons
- Runs big
3 Pieces Womens Ponytail Wide Brim Sun Hat
3
If you’re traveling with your friends and want a package of sun hats for swimming, 3 Pieces Womens Ponytail Wide Brim Sun Hat offers a pack of three similar hats in the same design. The hats are ponytail hats for women with a wide brim to get the best UV protection. When you buy the pack of the three hats, you’ll get three different colors, all of the same sizes, as it’s available only in one size.
Some women said the size was a bit off; the hats have some adjustability but not as much as other sun hats. So, you need to check the sizing before buying. Apart from the size, the hats are packable, and when folded, they don’t wrinkle or crease, so they’re good options for travel too.
Pros
- Pack of three
- Adjustable
- Packable
Cons
- The size is a bit off
Jane Shine Outdoor Sun Hat Bucket Hat
2
Bucket hats are always one of the best options for swimming. Jane Shine Outdoor Sun Hat Bucket Hat is one of the best and top-rated sun hats for the pool. This hat is designed for women with so many colors women can choose from. It’s a simple bucket hat made of polyester to dry quickly and offer some breathability as well.
Similar to most swimming hats, it has a chin cord to use when it’s windy. Plus, it has an adjustable drawstring, which is only available in one size. When it’s too sunny and hot, the inner cotton sweatband will wick sweat and evaporate it through the mesh fabrics around the crown. We highly recommend this bucket hat for women who want to get one hat for all occasions. It can be a good hiking or kayaking sun hat too.
Pros
- Quick drying
- Breathable
- Inner cotton sweatband
- Adjustable
Cons
- Wrinkles easily
Simplicity Hats for Women
1
The last option on the list is the most versatile and practical option for swimming. Simplicity Hats for Women are a two-in-one option. This hat can be a traditional sun hat or be converted into a visor hat by removing the top part using the hidden zipper connecting both parts. This way, you have two options according to the weather condition today and how sunny it is.
Moving on to the material, the hat is made of cotton and polyester; this combination is one of the best for the summer. It offers a comfy soft feeling with breathability in addition to being lightweight. Above all, the hat is easy to carry and pack in any small bag. It’s also available in different colors; we always recommend bright, light colors for the pool.
Pros
- Cap and visor hat
- Soft and lightweight material
- Breathable
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Not adjustable
How To Choose The Best Sun Hats for Swimming?
Sun hats for swimming are so abundant in the market, which makes choosing a new one kind of confusing. Hence, this small guide might help you choose the best swimming sun hat according to your needs.
Blocking sun rays
Swimming hats are mainly designed to block sun rays and protect your head. So, when choosing a new hat for swimming, it should have a decent UPF rating. Also, the brim width has to do with the ability of the hat to block sun rays. Get a sun hat with a suitable brim and UPF 50+. This is the best option regarding sun protection.
Quick-dry
Since you’ll be wearing this sun hat in the pool or by the beach, you should try to get a quick-drying hat that doesn’t hold moisture. Also, a waterproof hat will be a very good option, but not all hats have this feature. So, at least try to find a quick-drying sun hat that wicks moisture and offers some breathability as well.
Fit
Some sun hats come in sizes, whereas others are just one size with adjustability. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s the right size, whether by measuring your head’s circumference or by getting a hat with an adjustable drawstring around the crown. For swimming, you need a sun hat that won’t keep falling off while you’re having a good time in the pool.
Can I wear any sun hat for swimming?
You might do so, but swimming sun hats should be protective. So, if you have a suitable protective sun hat that won’t wear out when it gets wet, you can wear it in the pool.
What is the best material for swimming sun hats?
Any material that gets wet and dries quickly will be good for swimming. Straw sun hats won’t be a good option for swimming, but they look good when worn on the beach.
What is a good protective sun hat?
Sun hats with UPF 50 and above are perfect for keeping harmful sun rays away from your head.