Handmade Hats for Boating and Sailing

Conner Hats designs boating and sailing hats specifically for extended time on the water. Our collection includes floating hats, wide-brim styles with UPF 40-50+ protection, and water-resistant designs made from sustainable materials including quick dry recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, and Bloom foam made from algae for floatation.

Built for Marine Environments

Floating technology – Select styles (Mojave Boater, Tarpon Springs) float if they fall overboard

UPF 40–50+ sun protection – Blocks 97.5–99% of UV rays during all-day exposure

Water-resistant materials – Quick-drying, salt-resistant fabrics designed for splashes and spray

Secure chin cords with toggles – Adjustable retention keeps hats in place during wind

Wide brims (3–4 inches) – Protects face, neck, and ears from sun glare off water

Sustainable Marine Gear

Our floating hats are made from recycled plastic bottles using Repreve fabric (Bluesign approved). Conner Hats incorporates sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, Bloom foam and Yulex. Each hat diverts waste from the oceans you're exploring.

Who These Are For

  • Sailors and yacht racers who need hats that stay secure in wind
  • Fishing enthusiasts requiring all-day sun protection
  • Boaters and kayakers wanting waterproof, quick-dry performance
  • Eco-conscious water sports enthusiasts

Price Range: $79–$95

Styles Available: Boater hats, wide-brim sun hats, outback styles, bucket hats, canvas designs

Handmade by: Will Conner, who started the Conner Hats brand in 2000 after learning hat-making from his father Bill in Byron Bay, Australia

FAQs

A quality boating hat needs five essential features: wide brim coverage (3-4 inches minimum) for sun protection, UPF 40+ rating to block harmful UV rays, water-resistant or quick-dry materials, secure chin cord with adjustable toggle to prevent wind loss, and lightweight breathable construction for all-day comfort. Conner's boating collection includes styles with UPF 40-50+ protection, floating technology, and materials specifically designed for marine environments including salt-resistant fabrics.

Yes. The Mojave Boater Recycled Hat and Tarpon Springs Recycled Floating Sailing Hat both feature floating technology—if they fall overboard, they stay on the water's surface for easy retrieval. Both are made from recycled plastic bottles using Repreve fabric. Standard canvas and cotton styles will not float.

Our boating hats range from UPF 40+ to UPF 50+. UPF 40+ blocks 97.5% of UV rays, while UPF 50+ blocks 98-99% of UV rays. Specific ratings are listed on each product page. Wide-brim styles provide additional protection by shading your face, neck, and ears from sun reflecting off the water.

Most styles in our boating collection are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They're designed to handle splashes, spray, and brief rain exposure, then dry quickly. Materials include Supplex (quick-dry synthetic), organic cotton treated for water resistance, and recycled polyester fabrics. They're not designed for submersion but perform well in typical marine conditions.

Our boating collection uses marine-appropriate materials: recycled plastic bottles (Repreve fabric, Bluesign approved) in floating styles, organic cotton treated for water resistance, quick-dry Supplex nylon, canvas, and wool felt for certain outback styles. All materials are selected for breathability, durability in salt water environments, and sustainability.

Look for styles with chin cords and adjustable toggles—most hats in our boating collection include this feature. The cord sits under your chin and the toggle lets you tighten or loosen the fit. For high-wind sailing, pull the toggle snug. For casual boating, you can loosen it or tuck the cord inside the hat. The adjustable fit ensures your hat stays secure without feeling too tight.

Yes. After exposure to salt water, rinse your hat with fresh water and let it air dry naturally away from direct heat. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with mild soap, reshape while damp, and air dry. Avoid machine washing or high heat which can damage the shape and materials. Regular rinsing after saltwater use extends the hat's lifespan.

Boater hats are specifically designed for marine environments: they typically include chin cords for wind security, use water-resistant or quick-dry materials, offer higher UPF ratings (40-50+), and feature wider brims to protect against sun reflecting off water. Some boater styles (like our Mojave and Tarpon Springs) include floating technology. Regular sun hats may lack these marine-specific features.

Measure around your head where the hat will sit (about 1 inch above your eyebrows). Most of our boating hats come in S, M, L, XL, XXL with specific measurements listed on each product page. Many styles also feature adjustable internal bands or drawcords for a customized fit. If you're between sizes, size up for comfort during all-day wear.