Fashion

8 Hats That Make Sun Protection Look Chic as Hell

Safeguard your skin, stylishly

by Melanie Rud Chadwick | COMMENT

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When it comes to protecting yourself from the sun, establishing stellar sunscreen habits is by far the numero uno most important thing to do. But, once you've nailed the SPF sitch (as an obligatory reminder, this means using a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher, 365 days a year), upping your defenses with a hat is a great next move.

"A broad-brimmed hat offers physical protection from the sun, providing some shade for your face, ears, neck and scalp," points out New York-based dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD. Since sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours -- and really, how many of us actually follow that rule -- adding this extra barrier to the mix is both smart and convenient, she adds.

Still, not all hats are created equal: "For the most protection, choose a hat with a wide brim that goes all the way around," Mariwalla advises. (Sorry, baseball caps and visors.) And stick with tightly woven fabrics; anything super hole-y, like very loose straw or raffia, will let sunlight through. We rounded up eight hats that not only fit the bill, but are also super-stylish. So whether you consider them part of your sun protection strategy or just a fab new accessory, we suggest adding at least one to your closet ASAP.

Image via Getty

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