By: Olivia Hudak on April 28th, 2022

The Best Hats for Boating (6 Top Choices)

Summer fun is only a few weeks away. Everyone is itching to get out on the boat after, what seemed like, a never-ending winter. We’re all ready for long warm, sunny days on the water. You’re starting to prepare for summer which makes you think, “I need a new hat”. But, how will you choose the perfect one for this boating season?

Good news for you, there are many hat options out there that are perfect for the nautical lifestyle. Some are crafted more for sports and activities whereas others are meant for style and fashion. Whatever you prefer, there is a hat for you. 

Hats are great for boating because they can offer a lot of protection from the sun. That is why it’s so essential to keep a hat on board at all times. Sometimes your face, head, and ears need a break from the sun and a hat is a perfect way to offer some relief. 

The right hat will also help you stay cool on hot days by providing a bit of shade. All of these benefits are just from a small accessory. As a boater, I recommend finding the perfect one so check out this list of top hats for boating. 

Melin Hats

To start us off, Melin hats should be a top contender if you’re a serious boater. The hydro series is perfect for boating because they’re water and sweat-repellent. On top of that, the visor core on each hat is buoyant which means these hats float. The days of losing your hat to the bottom of the lake are over.

Another great aspect of these hats is that, since they are made out of light, breathable material, they keep your head cool even on the hottest days. These are perfect for anyone who likes to wear a hat while doing water sports or spends the day splashing at the sandbar.  

Lastly, Melin hats come in a plethora of baseball cap styles. No matter what your style preference is, they will have you covered. 

Bucket Hats

If you’re someone who’s looking for a hat with some style that offers a good amount of shade, be sure to check out a bucket hat. Popular among fishermen, these are fun hats that will for sure make a statement while also protecting you from the sun.

These hats have a brim that goes all the way around the hat and provides ample shade for your entire head. This helps protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. If you spend hours at a time out on the boat, this is a hat you want to consider.

A helpful feature that you’ll find on most bucket hats is an extra-long chin strap. The strap is usually adjustable so that the hat is secured to your head. This prevents the hat from flying off while cruising.

Captains Hats

If you’re looking for a super stylish hat that screams “I’m the captain of this boat,” you’ll want to consider a captain's hat. Captain’s hats are the perfect option for taking your boat out for a cruise. As if the name doesn’t say enough, this style is iconic when it comes to boating.

A captain's hat is not only a fashion statement but it also protects your head from getting sunburnt. Most have a small rim to give your face some protection as well. With that, beware because most of these hats are not very breathable making them hot and uncomfortable if you’re in the sun for a long period.

Straw Hats

These hats come in many different shapes and sizes. You’re probably thinking of the typical cowboy straw hat, but this category also includes large sun hats. Straw hats have a laid-back style and are seen on all different bodies of water. They are a fan favorite among boaters and those living the nautical lifestyle. 

One reason these hats are so popular is because of their breathability. They keep your head nice and cool while providing some protection against the sun. The airflow in them is what catches the attention of many people. 

If you’re looking for a hat that combines style with the ability to keep you cool, this is a great option. Be sure to check out all of the different styles to figure out whether you’re more of a cowboy hat kind of person or gravitate more towards a sun hat shape. 

Sailing Hats

Sailing hats come in different styles, but the great thing about these is that they are meant to get wet. These hats are super breathable which allows them to dry quickly and keep your head nice and cool. They also provide a lot of protection against harmful UV rays. 

These hats are a great option if you plan on boating for long periods of time as they will offer maximum relief and protection from the sun. Since these hats are meant for sailing, they often have a chin strap to keep the hat secured on your head. If you’re someone who likes to speed around the water, these hats may be a perfect pick for you.

You can find this type of hat in many different styles and colors. They are a good contender when picking a hat to use over the course of the summer no matter what type of boat you have. 

Baseball Caps

A classic option that is great in almost all situations is a baseball cap. You can’t go wrong with one of these hats. They are a timeless classic that has a design to fit everyone's preferences. 

They are also great protection for your head and face as they will help block harmful UV rays from the sun that could end up harming your skin. When boating for hours at a time, this is something you’ll want to consider when picking out a hat.

Another aspect to consider before deciding this is the hat for you is that these are often not very breathable. They can be very warm to wear on hot sunny days so just be sure to consider that before choosing which style to go with. You may end up sweating through one of these which can lead to staining. 

Something else to consider, if you plan on speeding around the lake with one of these hats on your head, be sure to flip it around. This way you don’t lose it when the wind hits the bill. This will keep you from having to dive in the water after it while it sinks to the bottom. 

Baseball caps have been in style for decades and they’re not going anywhere soon. If you want a comfortable, timeless option for boating, this may be the winner. There are so many designs to choose from which make these hats even more desirable. 

Which Hat Will You Choose?

When you choose a hat that you want to wear while boating, be sure you pick one that will cover all your requirements. You’ll want to choose a hat that is comfortable in the summer sun and doesn’t make your head hotter. Look for hats that are breathable such as those made with mesh or lightweight materials.

Equally important, make sure the hat you choose provides enough shade for your entire head and face. Trust me when I say, you want the added layer of protection mid-summer when you’re spending hours on the water.  

There are so many designs and styles of hats out there, that you are more than likely going to find at least one that you like. Listed above are a few examples of common hats people choose to boat in but there are many more options available on the market. 

It is important to have a hat on your boat, especially if you’re spending a significant amount of time out on the water. There will be times that your head and face need a break from the hot sun and a hat is a perfect way to offer relief. A good hat can save you from ending up with a painful sunburn.