Handmade Fishing Hats with UPF 50+ Sun Protection

Conner Hats' fishing collection features handmade hats designed for all-day sun protection on the water. Our hats use sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled bottles from Bluesign, Repreve, crafted by a family-owned business committed to responsible production since our founding in Byron Bay, Australia.

Sun Protection Built for Anglers

UPF 50+ rated hats prevent 98+% of the sun's rays from penetrating fabric, providing superior protection compared to standard cotton hats. Our fishing hat collection includes:

  • Wide-brim designs with 2.5–4 inch brims for face, neck, and ear coverage
  • Moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly after splashes or sweat
  • Adjustable chin straps to secure hats during casting and boat movement
  • Crushable, packable styles that maintain shape after storage in tackle bags

Sustainable Materials for Ocean-Conscious Anglers

Every fishing hat in this collection reflects our commitment to protecting the waters you fish. We aim to reduce single-use plastic from entering waterways — from hats made with recycled plastic bottles to biodegradable string instead of plastic connectors on hang tags.

Materials we use:

  • Organic cotton (breathable, naturally moisture-wicking)
  • Recycled Repreve from plastic bottles (quick-dry, durable, Bluesign)
  • Hemp (naturally UV-resistant, antimicrobial)
  • Weathered cotton (broken-in feel, water-resistant treatments)
  • Oilskin/waxed cotton (waterproof for wet conditions)

Styles for Every Fishing Scenario

  • Bucket hats – Classic fisherman style, foldable for travel
  • Wide-brim safari hats – Maximum coverage for offshore or flats fishing
  • Boonie hats – Ventilated designs with added sun protection
  • Outback styles – Leather and cloth options with shapeable brims

All Conner Hats are fully warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hat.

FAQs

Most hats in our fishing collection feature UPF 50+ protection, which prevents 98+% of the sun's rays from penetrating the fabric. UPF rating measures protection from both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF only measures UVB protection. Check individual product pages for specific UPF ratings, as this varies by material and construction.

Yes. Our fishing hats are designed to withstand saltwater conditions. Materials like recycled polyester and weathered cotton resist saltwater corrosion and dry quickly. After saltwater exposure, rinse your hat in fresh water to maintain longevity. Oilskin and waxed cotton styles provide additional water resistance for wet conditions.

Measure your head circumference at its widest point (about 1/2 inch above your ears). Most of our fishing hats feature adjustable sizing through drawcords or adjustable straps. A fishing hat should be snug but never uncomfortable—loose hats fly off when casting, while too-tight hats cause headaches. Your hat should sit about 1/2 inch above your ears.

Select styles in our collection are designed to float, particularly our Supplex material hats. Check individual product descriptions for the "floating" feature icon. For non-floating styles, we recommend adding a hat retention strap (chin strap) to prevent loss during casting or boat movement.

Bucket hats offer 360-degree brim coverage in a packable, crushable design—ideal for anglers who need to store hats in tackle bags or boat compartments. Bucket hats were "originally worn by the Irish for rain protection while fishing and farming". Wide-brim safari hats provide extended brim width (typically 3-4 inches) for maximum sun protection, better for offshore fishing or all-day sun exposure where coverage is the priority.

Care depends on material:

  • Organic cotton & weathered cotton: Spot clean with mild soap and water. Air dry only. Do not machine wash.
  • Recycled polyester/Supplex: Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Air dry. These materials dry quickly.
  • Oilskin/waxed cotton: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not wash — washing removes the protective wax coating. Re-wax annually with oilskin conditioner.
  • Hemp: Hand wash in cold water. Air dry flat to maintain shape.

Always rinse hats after saltwater exposure and allow them to air dry completely before storage.

Yes. We use suppliers paying fair wages with ethical employee treatment and materials that are sustainably sourced. Our warehouse is 100% solar powered, and we use non-toxic, biodegradable garment bags and biodegradable materials instead of single-use plastics. Many hats incorporate recycled materials, and we use 100% recycled paper for packaging.

Conner Hats is a family-owned business founded by Will Conner, who learned hat-making from his father Bill Conner (founder of BC Hats® in Australia in 1969). We combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable materials and modern performance features. Every hat includes a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship—we stand behind our handmade quality.

Material Comparison Guide

Material Sun Protection Water Resistance Breathability Best For
Organic Cotton UPF 50+ Low (dries slowly) Excellent Hot weather, comfort priority
Recycled Polyester UPF 50+ High (quick-dry) Very Good Offshore, wet conditions
Hemp Natural UV resistance Moderate Excellent Eco-conscious anglers, all-day wear
Weathered Cotton UPF 40+ Moderate (treated) Good Casual fishing, broken-in feel
Oilskin/Waxed Cotton UPF 30+ Excellent (waterproof) Low Rain, cold weather fishing