The 10 Best Gardening Hats
The best gardening hats for men and women, REVIEWED!
Updated 2/26/23
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, one essential piece of gear is the gardening hat. It will provide shade and protection from the scorching sun while allowing you to enjoy your time surrounded by nature.
When looking to purchase a gardening hat make sure you choose one that is practical, comfortable, offers good sun protection, and fits your sense of style.
Below are some of the best gardening hats for women and men. There are options for everyone based on style and budget. Peruse the list and choose the one (or two) garden hats that you like best.
The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.
Best Unisex Gardening Hats
Features:
- Unisex
- 100% cotton
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Foldable
- Adjustable
- Washable
This classic unisex garden hat is a great choice because it is 100% cotton and has an interior comfort headband.
It is soft, comfortable, and breathable. It also includes a wind lanyard and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
And after a long, hot day in the garden, you can easily wash this gardening hat.
Features:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Ultra-sweat-wicking headband
- Mesh vent panel
- Unisex
This gardening hat made by the reputable brand Columbia is unisex.
It offers UPF 50+ sun protection and helps to block both UVA and UVB rays out. It also features sweat-wicking material so you can stay cool and dry.
This hat has an adjustable chin strap and can also be adjusted by a toggle in the back. It is a practical choice for a gardener hat.
Features:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Covers your neck
- Lightweight and packable
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable bank band and chin strap
- Unisex
This is the perfect unisex garden hat that offers neck protection as well.
This hat is lightweight, foldable, water and stain-resistant. It offers good ventilation with breathable mesh side panels and fits comfortably with an adjustable back band and chin strap.
It is a great choice to keep you protected from the sun while gardening.
Best Women’s Gardening Hats
Features:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Adjustable chinstrap/lanyard
- Lightweight
- Stylish and practical
- Variety of colors
This women’s gardening hat is from Slogger’s.
This wide-brim gardening hat offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It is made from high-quality braided straw that is light and breathable.
It also has an adjustable chin strap so it won’t blow away when you are enjoying a nice breeze in the garden.
It even comes in a variety of colors so you can pick your favorite.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Buckle closure
- Professional embroidery
- Baseball cap
If a traditional gardening hat isn’t your thing then how about a baseball cap?
You can show off your love for gardening with this fun gardener humor “Never Too Old to Play in the Dirt” professionally embroidered cap.
It is stitched in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Features:
- Ponytail hole design
- Adjustable
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Comfortable, lightweight, breathable
- Mesh crown venting
- Wide brim
- Adjustable chin cord
- Packable, foldable, crushable
This could be one of the top gardening hats for women!
This hat accounts for women who have long hair and would like to keep it up and out of their face while working in the garden. The ponytail hole is genius and so practical.
It also offers UPF 50+ and is made from soft high-quality breathable material.
And it comes in a variety of colors. This company really thought of women!
Features:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Pull-On closure
- Detachable chin strap
- Wide brim
- Ponytail hole
- Neck cover
- Variety of color choices
This women’s cotton sun hat offers you full coverage from the sun making this the best sun hat for gardening.
Its UPF 50+ sun protection and wide brim help to cover your face and the back of your neck while you are in the garden.
It is a little more stylish than a unisex gardening hat with a neck flap and offers a ponytail hole.
It is adjustable and has a detachable chin strip so it won’t blow away.
Features:
- Stylish
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Adjustable drawstring
- Detachable chin cords
- Foldable and packable
This is one of the most stylish garden hats for ladies.
This cute wide-brim hat is cotton and it offers a great fit due to its adjustable size and drawstring closure.
This sun hat won’t blow away on a windy day in the garden. It also offers UPF 50+ protection.
Best Men’s Gardening Hats
Features:
- Simple and practical
- Lightweight
- Adjustable drawcord chin strap
This 100% straw hat is a perfect option for male gardeners.
It is lightweight and has an adjustable drawcord chin strap with a toggle for a customized fit. It is your simple no muss, no-fuss hat.
It doesn’t offer sun protection though so remember that if you are out in the sun for a long period of time.
This men's straw gardening hat is a great option for those who want something practical.
Features:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Crushable and packable
- Variety of colors to choose from
The Henschel Aussie Breezer Hat is an excellent men’s gardening hat.
It has a large 3-inch brim that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
This gardening hat is made of lightweight polycotton with a mesh crown for breathability.
The Breezer has a chin cord so it won’t blow away and the hat is crushable and packable.
What is a Gardening Hat, and Why Would You Need It?
Whether you are a gardening aficionado or just a weekend warrior, if gardening takes up any portion of your time, you've probably noticed that gardening hats have become quite popular lately.
But what exactly is a gardening hat, and why should you invest in one?
In short, a gardening hat provides more extensive protection from sun, wind, and rain while working in the garden.
A garden hat can be an important part of protecting your health while gardening.
Being out in the sun for extended periods of time can cause sunburns and even skin cancer, and a good hat will block those harmful ultraviolet rays.
UV exposure has been linked to accelerated skin aging, cataracts, and other eye damage, so blocking it with a hat can help keep your skin and eyes healthy.
In addition to blocking UV rays, gardening hats are also great for keeping wind and rain out of your face while working in the garden.
Gardening hats come in an array of colors and materials so you can choose something that fits your style while also protecting yourself.
So if gardening is part of your weekly agenda, why not have fun with it and try out a gardening hat?
Now that you know why you might need a gardening hat, let’s dive into what types of hats are best for men and women who spend time in the garden.
Read on for our detailed buying guide for the best gardening hats for men and women.
Things to Consider When Buying a Gardening Hat
With so many different kinds of gardening hats out there, it can be tricky to find the right one for your needs. But don't worry - choosing the perfect hat doesn't have to feel like a daunting task!
If you know what features and styles work best with whatever kind of gardening adventure you're up against, then you'll easily sail through this shopping trip in style – without having to sacrifice safety from UV rays or any other type of skin damage either.
Sun Protection
When gardening, it is essential to find a gardening hat that offers excellent sun protection.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach the skin, with materials requiring at least a UPF of 30 for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.
When gardening in direct sunlight, opting for a gardening hat with a high UPF rating can ensure you are kept safe and comfortable without having to worry about getting burned or causing damage to your skin.
Material
Gardeners have a plethora of options when it comes to picking out the perfect gardening hat!
From polyester's quick-dry abilities to nylon's water resistance and ventilation, and cotton as a lightweight, hypoallergenic option - there is something for everyone.
Taking all these properties into consideration will help you pick the ideal hat.
Get creative: mix fabrics and get garden hats with all of the features that suit your needs best.
Size of Brim
When deciding to buy a garden hat, there are several important things to consider. The size of the brim should be taken into consideration.
A wide-brim hat will provide more sun protection and keep gardeners cooler in the hot summer months.
However, too large a brim may also block vision and impede garden work.
Finding the right balance between protection and obstruction is essential for gardeners looking for the best garden hat.
Comfortability
You want to make sure you are investing in a hat that is comfortable and fits well so you don’t lose precious time worrying about it slipping off or not fitting right.
When out in your garden, it is essential to wear a hat that will keep you comfortable and shaded during the hot summer months.
Look for hats with features such as an extra wide brim, built-in sweatband, and adjustable chin strap - all of which can be designed to provide adequate coverage from the sun’s rays while allowing air circulation for a cooling effect.
Style
Nowadays there are so many options to choose from. From straw hats to classic fedoras, to baseball caps and everything in between - you can choose a gardening hat that reflects your personal style while still providing the necessary sun protection.
Whether you are looking for a classic look or something more modern and stylish, there is sure to be the perfect gardening hat out there waiting for you.
So don’t forget to have fun with it and express yourself with the perfect garden hat.
Color
When selecting the ideal garden hat, you may want to consider its color.
Light colors such as white or beige often reflect sunlight and keep your head cooler in hot weather.
Alternatively, darker colors like navy blue or black can help absorb heat and provide additional warmth if needed.
Take into account where you will be gardening and how long you will be outside when deciding on the right color for your gardening hat.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, don’t forget to think about the maintenance and care of your gardening hat.
Most hats are machine-washable, and some may even be spot cleaned.
If you plan on wearing your gardening hat in wet or muddy conditions then make sure to invest in a hat that can easily be washed.
By taking all these factors into account, you can be sure to find the ideal gardening hat for your needs.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to take on summer gardening in style and comfort!
FAQS About Gardening Hats
What is the best hat to wear for gardening?
The best hat for gardening depends on your needs. Generally speaking, a wide-brim hat with features an adjustable chin strap will provide adequate sun protection while still allowing air circulation for a cooling effect.
Pin for later!
What cap is best for sun protection?
A wide-brim hat with a UPF rating of 50 or higher is best for sun protection.
Additionally, lighter colors such as white or beige often reflect sunlight and provide additional cooling benefits in hot weather.
Can I wear a baseball cap for gardening?
Yes, you can wear a baseball cap for gardening, however, it may not provide enough sun protection as some other options because it leaves your neck and ears exposed to the sun's harsh rays.
How important is ventilation when choosing a gardening hat?
Ventilation is an important feature to consider when it comes to a gardening hat.
When you plan to be outdoors and exert yourself, it's essential that the fabrics permit air circulation and sweat evaporation so you can stay cool and comfortable.
I hope you found this list of the best hats for gardening helpful. There are a lot of options for every type of gardener and most of garden hats are very affordable.
Let me know if you have a favorite gardening hat or if there is one that I should also include on the list.
