Women's Sun Hats
Women's sun hats that protect your face, ears and neck through a New Zealand summer, from wide-brim hats to packable bucket styles for travel and tramping. Our range features Patagonia and The North Face, with UPF fabrics and chin cords for breezy days.
The wider the brim and the more of your neck it covers, the better the protection, which matters under some of the strongest UV in the world. Look for breathable fabric, an adjustable fit that sits comfortably with long hair, and a packable build if it will live in your bag. Pair it with a neck gaiter for the most exposed days.
Come and find the right brim and fit at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about women's sun hats
What brim width should a women's sun hat have?
For real sun protection, look for a brim of at least 7.5cm all the way around, which shades your face, ears and the back of your neck. Narrower brims look neat for town but leave more skin exposed. For long days at the beach, on the water or on exposed tracks, a wider brim or a legionnaire-style neck flap gives the most protection. A dark under-brim also reduces glare reflected off water or sand, which is useful at the beach and on the boat.
Do sun hats come in sizes for smaller heads?
Many sun hats have an internal drawcord or adjustable band, so they fit a range of head sizes, and some come in sized options. If you have a smaller head, an adjustable hat is the easiest route, and a chin cord helps it stay put. Measure around your head just above your ears and compare it with the brand's size chart when choosing a fitted hat.
Which sun hats work with long hair or a ponytail?
Hats with a soft crown and an adjustable drawcord sit comfortably over a low ponytail or bun. Some styles also have a ponytail opening at the back. Stiffer, structured hats can push up off your head if your hair is tied high, so try a softer or bucket-style hat if you usually wear your hair up when you are active. A chin cord helps any hat stay put when your hair stops it sitting as deep on your head as usual.
Is a straw hat or a fabric sun hat better outdoors?
Fabric sun hats are usually the better outdoor choice: they are packable, quick drying, often UPF-rated and survive being stuffed in a pack or getting wet. Straw hats look great and breathe well for gardening, the beach and around town, but they crack if crushed and do not cope well with rain. Many people keep one of each. If you want the straw look outdoors, look for a hat made from a packable paper or synthetic straw that copes better with travel.
What sun hat works for gardening, the beach and walking?
A breathable, wide-brim fabric hat with a chin cord covers all three. It shades your face and neck while you work or walk, stays on in a sea breeze, and can be rinsed off after the beach. A packable version is even more useful because it can go in a bag between uses. Choose a light colour to stay cooler in direct sun. A hat with a mesh vent band around the crown stays noticeably cooler when you are working hard in the heat.
How often should a sun hat be replaced?
Replace a sun hat when it no longer holds its shape, the fabric becomes thin or faded, or the brim no longer shades properly. Heavy sun exposure, salt and sweat break fabric down over time. A well-made hat usually lasts several summers with care, so rinse it after salty or sweaty days and let it dry away from direct heat. If the brim has lost its shape, a gentle steam or reshaping while damp can sometimes bring it back before you replace it.
Can I wear a sun hat in the water or while paddling?
Yes, if you choose the right one. Look for a hat made from quick-drying synthetic fabric with a chin cord so it stays on in wind and when you get splashed, and avoid straw or cotton, which go limp and heavy when wet. Some water hats also float, which helps if one comes off. Rinse it in fresh water after a swim or a day on the boat to keep salt from breaking the fabric down.