Let's face it, there was a time not so long ago where the thought of wearing a hat or sun protection was preposterous. Only old people did that, right. Well science has now proven that not wearing a hat will actually make you look just that, old. Increased sun exposure results in expedited aging of the skin and even increased cancer risk. Now that we know a sun hat is essential to combating wrinkles and staying healthy what does one look for in a sun hat?

Breathable Materials: When purchasing a sun hat you want to keep in mind it is for wearing in the sun. You want lightweight, breathable materials to stay comfortable. Materials can range from raffia, to straw to woven paper. There are also great fabric hats, many of which are now constructed of polyester blends designed for wicking moisture sway from your head if you sweat.

A Wide Brim: You want to make certain your hat has a wide enough brim to offer sun protection. Baseball hats are fine for protecting the front of your face but often result in a nasty sunburn on the back of your neck. Keep coverage and protection in mind when choosing your hat.

A Wicking Headband: If the hats you like are constructed of woven natural materials look for one with a wicking headband. Straw, raffia, etc do not wick moisture when you sweat and this can become uncomfortable after a bit of time. By finding a hat with a wicking headband you eliminate any discomfort caused by sweat.

An Adjustable Headband: An adjustable headband is a great feature to find the perfect fit for your hat. If you're wearing it outside and an ocean breeze sweeps up it might blow away if not properly fit.

UPF Protection: Many sun hats these days come with UPF protection, similar to SPF rating for sunscreen lotions. The more protection the better so if UPF is an option why not go with it.

Is it crushable?: It is great to have a big floppy sun hat at home. You can grab it and put it on whenever necessary and then throw it back on the shelf when you come inside. Size for storage is not necessarily an issue. However if you want to travel with your sun hat an important consderation is whether or not the hat is crushable, i.e., can you throw it in your suitcase for a trip, compact it, and expect it to regain it's shape when you unpack.

Once you find your sun hat don't forget to find the perfect pair of bifocal sunglasses for your outdoor reading needs.