How to choose a fishing hats
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Choose a fishing hat with a UPF 50+ rating, a wide brim (at least 3 inches all around or a longer back brim), and breathable, quick-dry fabric like nylon or polyester. A chin strap and vented crown add comfort on the water, while a dark underside on the brim helps cut glare.
What does UPF mean and why does it matter?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it’s the fabric equivalent of SPF for sunscreen. A hat rated UPF 50+ blocks 98 percent or more of both UVA and UVB rays. For serious fishing days, skip anything below 50. you want the highest certified protection the material can offer. Not every hat labeled “sun hat” has been tested. Look for a sewn-in tag or product description that states the UPF rating. Many reputable brands now have their hats third-party tested, so you can trust the number on the tag.
Wide brim, boonie, or baseball cap, which style protects best?
A wide-brim hat (3 to 4 inches all around) gives you shade for your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Boonie hats have a floppy brim that can be shaped but usually provide the same coverage. Baseball caps leave your ears and neck exposed and are the least protective, even with a high UPF fabric. Many anglers prefer a hybrid: a hat with a long brim in the back and a shorter front brim so it doesn’t interfere with sunglasses or a rod. Some also come with a detachable neck cape that drapes over your collar, that extra coverage can be the difference between a burn-free day and a crispy neck.
What fabric should a fishing hat be made of?
Look for lightweight, quick-dry synthetics like nylon, polyester, or a blend with spandex for stretch. These fabrics dry fast when you get splashed or sweaty, and they don’t absorb water the way cotton does. Cotton holds moisture, gets heavy, and loses its UPF rating when wet. Mesh panels or vent holes in the crown let heat escape, a huge plus on still, humid mornings. Some hats have a moisture-wicking sweatband inside, which helps keep sweat out of your eyes and reduces the “stink factor” after a long day.
Should I get a chin strap or toggle?
Yes, if you fish from a boat, wade in current, or fish in windy conditions. A chin strap or adjustable toggle keeps the hat from blowing off or getting knocked into the water. Many come with a breakaway design so it won’t choke you if the hat snags. Even if you’re fishing from a bank, a strap helps when you bend over to land a fish or reach into a tackle box. It’s a small feature that saves you a lot of chasing.
How do I get the right fit for a fishing hat?
Most fishing hats come in either adjustable (snapback, cord lock, or Velcro) or fitted sizes (S/M/L/XL). Adjustable is the safer bet if you’re between sizes or want to share the hat with family. Make sure the hat sits snug enough not to wobble in a breeze but not so tight it leaves a red line on your forehead. Some brands offer a “one size fits most” with a hidden drawcord inside, that’s a nice middle ground. If you want a perfect fit, measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and use the brand’s size chart. Avoid guessing; an ill-fitting sun hat is a hat you won’t wear.
Does the color of my fishing hat matter for UV protection?
Yes, but not the way you might think. Darker fabrics generally absorb more UV radiation, so they can have slightly higher UPF than lighter colors of the same material. That said, a dark hat gets hotter in direct sun. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and feel cooler, but they let more UV through if the fabric isn’t densely woven. What matters most is the UPF rating, not the shade. A white hat with a UPF 50+ rating blocks just as much UV as a black one. For glare reduction, a black or dark green underside on the brim helps cut reflections off the water, that’s a favorite trick among sight-fishing guides.
Frequently asked questions
What UPF rating should I look for in a fishing hat?
Look for UPF 50+, which blocks at least 98% of UV rays. Anything lower (like UPF 30 or 15) leaves you vulnerable on a long day on the water.
Can I machine-wash my UPF fishing hat?
Most synthetic hats can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle and air-dried. Check the care tag, heat from a dryer can degrade the fabric’s UV protection over time.
Are there fishing hats that float?
Yes. Some fishing hats are made with closed-cell foam or have a built-in flotation layer inside the brim. They’re marketed as “floatable” and are popular among kayak and paddleboard anglers.
How do I measure my head for a fishing hat?
Use a flexible tape measure around your head, about an inch above your eyebrows and just above your ears. Compare that measurement (in inches or centimeters) to the brand’s size chart. If you don’t have a tape measure, use a piece of string and then lay it flat against a ruler.
What’s the difference between a fishing hat and a regular sun hat?
Fishing hats are built with water-resistant synthetics, venting, and often a dark underside on the brim to cut glare. Regular sun hats may use straw or cotton that holds water and lacks chin straps or neck capes designed for active fishing.
Should I get a hat with a dark or light interior?
A dark (usually black or charcoal) underside on the brim reduces the glare bouncing off the water, making it easier to spot fish and read the surface. Light interior colors can reflect your own face into your peripheral vision. Most dedicated fishing hats have a dark underbrim.