Men's Wide Brimmed Sun Hat

Whether because of fashion trends or the increased hotness of the summers, the use of men's wide-brimmed sun hats seems to be on the rise, and this is all to the good. They are an attractive part of a wardrobe that serve an excellent purpose as well, and no man should be without one!

A basic straw hat is a smart way to go in sun hats.

Around the world, anywhere a man worked or spent some time outdoors, he wore a wide-brimmed hat in summer. While it is only recently that people know about the dangers of the sun on the skin, the hats were purely practical. Heat created discomfort and even sunstroke. In the days before sunglasses, it was impossible to see what you were doing amid the glare. The only reasonable recourse was to create your own shade, which is to say, the sun hat.

From China to America, straw was one of the most popular fibers used to make men's wide-brimmed sun hats. It is lightweight, breathes well, and can be woven tightly enough so as not to let in sun rays, but still won't promote an excess of sweat. While traditionally a hat would probably not last beyond the season, the straw was cheap – most farmers simply had it on hand – and could be wound up for use as kindling when the hat cracked.

While wealthier men always wore something to shade their eyes when out riding or walking, their sun hats were less likely to be made of straw than a light fabric like linen or even silk. By the 1900s, however, the straw boater was in vogue. Worn for sailing, it has a flat crown and brim with a ribbon around the crown. Traditionally, the ribbon's colors signified the school or boating association with which the wearer was affiliated, but as the hats became more popular, men simply chose ribbons they liked.

Even more popular in America was the Panama hat. It is a softer straw hat – similar in shape to a fedora – and if it is well made, can hold water and be rolled up and packed without losing shape.

While the baseball cap continues to be popular, many men recognize that it does not offer adequate sun protection. Men may always not worry about the appearance of their skin as much as women, but they certainly worry about cancer and want to take more steps to protect themselves. Additionally, if a man likes to look stylish, he has to wear a better hat to top off his look. Whether for work, workouts or a special occasion, there are a number of great hats available.

• At Sun Grubbies, there are an excellent selection of men's wide-brimmed sun hats that protect the vulnerable ears and neck as well as the eyes and face. The Vineyard Haven hat, for example, is a fabric hat that comprises some sun protection in the fibers as well as shading you. It has a chin strap, cooling headband and grommets to increase breathability.
• The Mako Classic hat, on the other hand, is a stylish item great for a day on the golf course or while traveling. It's made of nylon for easy care but has the look of a straw hat. It has a removable chin strap.
• At Coolibar, you can get cowboy hats and a classic Panama made of natural straw. It is water and stain-repellent and has a dark olive ribbon.
• If you want something stylish but a bit cheaper, their best-selling Crushable Ventilated Canvas hat may be for you. It looks like a fedora but is much easier to care for and travel with.

Sunscreen is great, but it isn't enough – the smart and sophisticated man may also want to invest in a quality sun hat.

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