Your quest to find the most protective natural fiber sun hats ends here! I put together a list of straw and organic cotton sun hat options to complement your sustainable warm-weather looks.
If you are anything like me, you can’t wait to hit the beach (or the swimming pool) as soon as the temperature warms up. And when that time comes, there are a few essential items you shouldn’t forget: a stylish swimsuit, a pair of sunglasses, comfy natural sandals, a towel and, of course, a protective natural fiber sun hat.
Granted, the latter may seem like an unnecessary accessory since we’ll also be slathering on sunscreen. But in reality, it offers an extra layer of sun protection while adding a touch of style to your beach or poolside attire.
For this guide, I looked for sun hats that are:
- easily packed
- highly breathable
- durable
- adjustable but with a secure fit (to help battle wind and unpredictable weather changes!)
- and of course, made from sustainable and non-toxic materials (aka: not plastic!)
I was able to pull together a guide to some of the best organic cotton sun hat options on the eco market. From bucket hats and Panama hats to fedoras and visors, there’s something for every taste.
Table of Contents
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine. Featured Image credit: Kin the Label.
Best Materials to Consider for Your Sun Hat
One of the best natural materials for sun hats is undoubtedly straw. Straw hats, particularly those made from tightly woven materials like Panama straw or toquilla straw, provide excellent sun protection. These materials have natural properties that effectively block UV rays, shielding your face and head from potential sun damage.
Straw hats are also lightweight, and breathable, and allow air circulation, helping to keep your head cool even on hot summer days. The natural fibers also help to wick away moisture, preventing sweat from accumulating and ensuring you stay as comfortable as possible.
In addition to straw, organic cotton sun hats can also help you enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe from harmful sun exposure. Breathable and comfy, organic cotton fabric is naturally soft and gentle on the skin.
What Style Are You Looking For?
When it comes to protecting your face from the sun, a wide-brim hat is your best friend! This stylish and practical accessory offers excellent coverage to shield your face, neck, and even your shoulders from harmful UV rays.
Floppy hats are a great choice. With their wide, floppy brim, these summer hat provides maximum coverage, keeping the sun’s rays at bay. They are perfect for lounging by the pool, strolling on the beach, or enjoying a sunny picnic.
Wide-brim straw hats add a touch of effortless charm to any outfit. They combine style and functionality, protecting your face while allowing air to flow through and keeping you cool on hot days.
Bucket hats are the perfect addition to any casual look. Their downward-sloping brim offers shade not only to your face but also to the sides of your head. Perfect for outdoor adventures, gardening, or even a laid-back city stroll.
What Else to Look for in a Sun Protection Hat
UPF Rating: Check if the natural fiber sun hat has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. A higher UPF rating indicates better protection against harmful UV rays. Note that clothing and accessories can get their UPF rating either from the fabric itself or from added UPF treatments. (You can find out more about this in our sunscreen guide.)
Wide brim or neck flap styles: Choose a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, neck, and shoulders effectively. A hat with a neck flap or cape provides extra protection for the back of your neck, a commonly overlooked area.
Adjustable and secure fit: You may want to choose a natural fiber sun hat that has an adjustable strap, drawstring, or internal elastic band to ensure a secure fit. This way, you’ll prevent it from flying off in windy conditions and will be able to customize the fit for your head more easily.
Durability and versatility: Opt for a hat that is well-made and designed to last. A durable hat will withstand frequent use and retain its shape and sun protection properties over time. Below, we’ve included sun hats made by talented artisans in the USA and abroad.
Best Natural Fiber Sun Hats For Ultimate Protection
Now, here are my picks for the best brands for sun hats made out of natural and organic materials:
Cuyana
Sustainable materials: Toquilla straw
Price: From $118
Best for: Women’s wide-brim hats
Handcrafted by artisans in their homes using heritage techniques recognized by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this collection of natural fiber sun hats is absolutely unique!
Their wide-brimmed summer hats are made from toquilla straw, a renewable resource made from young palm fronds that are harvested without harming the main tree. They can easily provide ample shade on hotter days with an extended brim, while still being lightweight. From light beige to black and chocolate brown, there are several neutrals to choose from.
Cuyana’s “fewer, better” philosophy permeates every aspect of its sustainable and ultra-stylish products. The brand prioritizes responsible practices and mindful sourcing, ensuring safe working conditions and supporting heritage craftsmanship. And when you’re ready for a change, explore Cuyana’s innovative Lean Closet initiative, giving your beloved items a chance for a new chapter of their own.
Conner Hats
Sustainable materials: Organic cotton
Price: From $62
Best for: Unisex organic cotton hiking hats and surf hats
Aside from aiming to be an industry leader for cotton hats, Conner Hats is also an environmentally conscious brand worth adding to your warm-weather rotation.
On their virtual shelves, you can find bucket hats, hiking hats, surf hats, newsboy hats, and army hats boasting UPF 50+. Plus, the sustainably-sourced organic cotton ensures a lightweight, breathable fit.
All styles are ethically handmade in Sri Lanka under fair and safe working conditions. The brand has even started using labels made from organic cotton and printed with vegetable dyes, and all paper tags are now 100% recycled and FSC certified.
Colored Organics
Sustainable materials: Paper Straw
Price: From $21
Best for: Toddler & Baby Straw Sun Hats
For safe and natural fiber sun hats for kids, look no further than Colored Organics. They offer several different cutesy styles, from baby straw sun hats to adorable fedoras.
They’re all designed to offer extra protection from the sun, making them ideal for a picnic or an afternoon at the beach. Of course, this sustainable brand opts for organic fabrics that are environmentally friendly, naturally hypoallergenic, and gentle on your child’s skin. Plus, above-standard wages are paid to every worker so they can provide for their families, all while making amazing products in safe factories.
Kin The Label
Sustainable materials: Palm straw
Price: From $120
Best for: Adjustable and packable sun hats
Kin the Label offers an array of natural fiber sun hats for women. Featuring a shallow crown height and adjustable sweatbands, the classic collection is also packable for all your future warm-weather travels. Use it on windy days to fasten your hat tighter to your head, or adjust your hat up to a whole size.
You can also find stylish Handwoven bucket hats with adjustable sizing and organic sun hats enhanced with classic dents and mid-length brims. For something even more statement-making, opt for the long-brim visors! They are a great alternative to a longer-brimmed hat, especially when it comes to sunbathing and lounging.
This sustainable brand offers sun hats made in the USA using century-old techniques that are rooted in sourcing quality materials with tried and true craftsmanship. In fact, each piece is hand braided into thin strands of straw and then sewn together to create a continuous hood. Eco-conscious, ethical, and fashionable–exactly as we like our natural fiber sun hats!
Village Thrive
Sustainable materials: Palm leaf
Price: From $34
Best for: Hand-woven sun hats
Next up: Village Thrive, a sustainable brand dedicated to crafting exquisite, handwoven home decor and accessories using natural materials like organic cotton, rattan, bamboo, straw, wood, clay, and leather.
Each piece is crafted ethically, honoring the richness of Balinese heritage as skilled artisans employ traditional techniques passed down through generations to create these masterpieces in small, limited batches.
I absolutely love their crown-less Sunhat and the plaid hand-woven sun hat. The latter is enhanced with an elegant plaid pattern and playful, frayed edge. They have an effortlessly chic vibe that works well with every summer-weather scenario.
Little Spruce Organics
Sustainable materials: Linen or organic cotton
Price: From $23
Best for: Baby organic cotton sun hats
Organic cotton sun hats? Check! Linen sun hats? Absolutely. Little Spruce Organics has a selection of natural fiber sun hats that kids can wear all summer long.
The unique design of the top-selling fireman-style summer hat offers protection all the way around your child’s face, even around the back of the neck. But, if you prefer something more casual, have a look at the organic cotton suncap. It’s unisex and made from soft, breathable organic cotton with natural UV protection.
Or maybe, you’d like to take advantage of the temperature-regulating properties of linen. Pickapooh‘s sun protection fits most children from 10 months to 4 years and is certified according to the most stringent rules of the UV-Standard 801.
Swrve
Sustainable materials: Organic cotton
Price: $50-$55
Best for: Organic cotton bucket hats for men
Swrve carries two different summer bucket hats that are geared towards men. The standard bucket hat comes in a variety of different colors, while the canvas bucket hat is made of a more durable, heavy-duty fabric and is available in gray, black, or navy.
These summer hats are made in the USA out of 100% organic cotton and provide a moderate amount of sun protection, whether you’re hiking, kayaking, walking on the beach, or just running errands.
Janessa Leone
Sustainable materials: Toquilla straw or organic cotton
Price: From $247
Best for: Fedoras and straw bucket hats
Janessa Leoné’s exceptional collection of packable hats and handbags is basically the epitome of durability and fashion-forwardness. But today we’ll focus on their natural fiber sun hats. Using the finest Panamanian and toquilla straw, these woven fibers are meticulously transformed into exquisite pieces right here in the USA, and can be shipped worldwide to adorn heads far and wide.
Embracing a timeless design philosophy and a minimalist aesthetic, Janessa Leoné’s line of sun hats are perfect for beach days, weekend getaways, and even luxurious escapades. The luxurious options are endless, from fedoras and gorgeous straw bucket hats to organic cotton sun hats.
Sunday Afternoons Tradewinds Hat
Sustainable materials: Tripilla straw and leather
Price: From $10 (on sale)
Best for: Straw hats
Tripilla straw is a great option for UPF sun protection. That’s why this Tradewinds Hat is at the top of our beach-side staples list. Thanks to the real leather one-piece chinstrap, you can easily tighten up your hat when the wind picks up. And even though this natural fiber sun hat is one-size, you can fine-tune the fit with the integrated internal sizing system. What’s more, the hat is made in Mexico from local fibers.
So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to the best natural fiber sun hats for women, men, and children. By choosing hats made from natural fibers, you protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of the sun while simultaneously contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. And luckily for us, there is an organic cotton sun hat or a straw sun hat for every aesthetic!
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