Conner's beach hat collection combines serious sun protection with materials that handle real beach conditions—saltwater spray, sand, humidity, and being stuffed in a beach bag. Sun protection varies by hat; hats with open mesh, vents or smaller brims carry no UPF rating.
Beach hats require different features than everyday sun hats. Our collection uses water-resistant toyo straw, organic raffia, and quick-dry recycled fabrics that won't deteriorate from saltwater exposure. Wide brims (3-4 inches) protect your face, neck, and ears—the areas where dermatologists most commonly find skin cancer. Many styles are crushable and packable, bouncing back to shape after being compressed in luggage or beach bags.
| Material | Water Resistance | Packability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyo Straw | High – maintains shape when wet | Moderate – shape-memory, recovers from compression | Fedoras, structured styles, resort wear |
| Organic Raffia | Moderate – air-dries without damage | High – flexible, rolls/compresses easily | Travel hats, wide-brim styles, packable options |
| Recycled Polyester | High – quick-dry, won't deteriorate | High – folds flat, designed for travel | Active beach sports, surf hats, hiking |
| Canvas | Moderate – water-resistant | Moderate – crushable styles available | Outback styles, ventilated hats, all-day wear |
Beachgoers, coastal travelers, surfers, paddleboarders, and anyone spending extended time in high-UV beach environments. These hats work equally well for tropical vacations, Mediterranean beach clubs, California surf sessions, or Caribbean sailing trips. These styles are a great choice for beach days.
Founder Will Conner learned hatmaking in his father's hat factory in Byron Bay, Australia—a coastal town where beach hats aren't optional. That coastal heritage informs every design decision: Will personally tests chin cords and sweatbands in saltwater.
Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page for its rating. Only approved styles carry a UPF rating. Hats with open mesh or vents, or brims under 2.5 inches, are not rated. Unrated hats provide shade, not a UPF rating.
These hats are not waterproof, and we don't recommend submerging or fully soaking them. If a hat gets damp, let it dry naturally and reshape it as needed.
Packability varies by style. Some safari hats are packable, and many wool hats are crushable. Steam can help restore a hat's shape. Check the product page for the specific style, since some hats are stiff on purpose.
The main difference is intended use: beach hats are selected for coastal conditions such as wind, humidity, saltwater, and sun reflected from sand and water. Regular sun hats can be used in many settings, and their materials and features vary. Packability, water resistance, and chin cords depend on the individual style, so check its product page. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page.
Start with your primary activity. For beach lounging, reading, or resort wear, choose a wide-brim fedora such as Avalon or Casablanca for shade. For active water sports, consider a surf style such as Seven Mile. For hiking or fishing, look for a style with ventilation and check the product page for its features. If packability matters for travel, confirm it on the individual product page, since packability varies by style. For all-day beach activities, look for styles with 3+ inch brims and verify any UPF rating on the individual product page.
After beach use, remove salt and sand from straw and raffia hats with a light fresh-water rinse, taking care not to fully soak them. Let hats dry naturally away from direct sunlight, and reshape while damp if needed. For recycled polyester styles, spot-clean with mild soap and water. Never machine-wash straw or raffia hats. Store hats in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause materials to become brittle. Most beach hats will last multiple seasons with proper care.
Absolutely. Beach hats can also be worn for hiking desert trails, outdoor festivals, gardening, golf, fishing, sailing, tropical travel, or daily wear in sunny climates. Features such as UPF rating, water resistance, breathability, and packability vary by style, so check each product page for details. For general guidance on choosing a hat for shade, see this guide.
