Choosing The Right Gardening Hat

Deciding on a gardening hat is more then thinking about the way it looks in your mirror. Sure, style is important but there is also practicality, function, comfort and wear ability.

A gardening hat can have materials like cotton, palm, straw, paper, nylon, raffia, hemp, and many different other materials. Every gardening hat has its own specific characteristics of ventilation, durability, UPF and flexibility.

The strength to stay in place in wind is an important key for a great gardening hat. There are some that have adjustable chinstraps that will hold tightly in strong wind but won’t clamp like a vice. The chinstrap should also always be well behaved when you’re not using it. But some are heavy and won’t stay under your hat during the calmer days. Some gardening hat styles will with both the chinstrap and a back of the head strap so that you can adjust it for a better fit.

Depending on the material and design, one size usually fits most folks if it’s flexible and stretchy enough. For the hats that are in specific sizes you will need to measure around your head where the hat would fit. Gardening hats should fit you well and not be so low that it obstructs your vision. Remember hats shouldn’t be painful vices that leave red marks are your forehead.

A lot of folks wear a gardening hat to block damaging UV rays. A hat with a wide brim all the way around and have a tight weave are best to block out the UV rays. Check the UV rating on the hat, UPF 50+ is the highest UV rating. this rating is a lot like the ratings of sunblock but it’s the fabric that is tested. Remember, always wear sunblock for added protection from the sun.

Gardening hats should be well ventilated. Heads perspire so you’ll be more comfortable where there is air movement for evaporative cooling.

A gardening hat can come in many different colors and styles. Just choose one that looks great on you and that has the right amount of UV protection that you’re looking for. Happy hat hunting!