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About Our Summer Hat Collection
Conner Hats' summer collection combines handmade craftsmanship with sustainable materials—organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and natural raffia—designed for superior sun protection during warm-weather activities. Each hat is crafted by a family-owned business committed to responsible production since 1969.
Why Choose Conner Summer Hats
Measurable sun protection:Most Conner summer hats offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays (Skin Cancer Foundation). Wide-brim styles (3+ inches) reduce UV exposure to the face by up to 48% compared to unprotected skin during summer midday hours, according to a 2018 photodermatology study. Research shows people who frequently wear protective clothing like wide-brim hats have 27% lower odds of multiple sunburns compared to relying on sunscreen alone.
Sustainable materials with lower environmental impact: Our organic cotton hats use 71% less water than conventional cotton production. Hemp requires minimal water and no pesticides. Recycled polyester hats are made from plastic bottles diverted from landfills. Organic raffia is renewable and biodegradable.
Handmade quality: Founded by Bill Conner in Byron Bay, Australia in 1969, and continued by his son Will (who established Conner Hats in 2014), each hat receives handmade attention to detail in small-batch production. Every hat includes a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
Designed for real-world conditions: Our summer hats are built for hikers, anglers, golfers, gardeners, beachgoers, and travelers who need reliable sun protection without sacrificing comfort or packability. Features include crushable/packable designs, moisture-wicking sweatbands, adjustable sizing, and breathable construction.
Who These Hats Are For
Outdoor enthusiasts who spend extended time in the sun need more than fashion—they need functional protection. Conner summer hats serve:
- Hikers and trail runners who need lightweight, breathable coverage with secure fit
- Anglers and boaters who require waterproof or water-resistant materials and floating designs
- Golfers who want soakable mesh construction for cooling in high heat
- Gardeners and outdoor workers who need all-day comfort with wide-brim coverage
- Beach and travel enthusiasts who value packable, crushable designs that maintain shape
- Eco-conscious buyers seeking sustainable materials and ethical production
Summer Hat Styles Explained
- Wide-brim outback hats (3-4" brim): Provide maximum face, neck, and ear protection. Research shows brims wider than 7.5cm (approximately 3 inches) are necessary to provide reasonable protection factors around the nose and cheeks. Ideal for hiking, safari, and extended sun exposure.
- Bucket hats: Down-sloping brim offers 360-degree coverage with packable convenience. Popular for fishing, beach activities, and travel.
- Boonie/boating hats: Feature chin cords for secure fit in wind, often with floating construction for water activities. Many include ventilation eyelets and moisture-wicking bands.
- Mesh/ventilated hats: Incorporate breathable panels or soakable mesh crowns for cooling in extreme heat. Golf and active outdoor styles.
- Baseball caps with extended coverage: Some styles include neck flaps or extended side coverage (legionnaire style) to protect areas standard caps miss.
| Material | Sun Protection | Sustainability Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Cotton | UPF 50+ | 71% less water; no pesticides | All-day comfort | $68–$82 |
| Hemp | UV resistant | Low water use, biodegradable | Durability | $82 |
| Recycled Polyester | UPF 50+ | Made from plastic bottles | Quick-dry, lightweight | $80–$95 |
| Organic Raffia | Natural UV protection | Renewable, biodegradable | Summer wear | $82–$87 |
| Oilskin / Waxed Cotton | Water-resistant | Long-lasting durability | Rain protection | $85–$95 |
FAQs
Most Conner summer hats offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. This rating is tested and verified for fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. Wide-brim styles (3+ inches) provide the best coverage, protecting your face, neck, ears, and upper back—areas most vulnerable to sun damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a fabric must have a UPF of 50 to qualify for their Seal of Recommendation, and UPF 50+ rates as excellent protection. Research published in photodermatology journals shows wide-brimmed hats reduce UV exposure to the face by 48% during summer midday compared to no hat.
Yes. Conner uses organic cotton (no synthetic pesticides, 71% less water than conventional cotton), hemp (requires minimal water and no pesticides), recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, and natural raffia. We're a family-owned business founded in 1969, and we source from suppliers who pay fair wages and practice ethical treatment of employees. Our solar-powered warehouse and biodegradable packaging reflect our commitment to reducing environmental impact at every stage.
Match the hat style to your primary use:
- Hiking/trail activities: Lightweight organic cotton or hemp bucket hats with chin cords for secure fit
- Fishing/boating: Waterproof or water-resistant styles (oilskin, waxed cotton, or recycled polyester) with floating construction and wide brims
- Golf: Soakable mesh outback styles that provide cooling through evaporation
- Beach/travel: Crushable raffia or organic cotton styles that pack flat and maintain shape
- Gardening/outdoor work: Wide-brim (3-4") organic cotton or hemp for maximum coverage and all-day comfort
All styles offer UPF 50+ sun protection. The key differences are material properties (water resistance, packability, weight) and brim width.
Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible tape measure. Match your measurement to our size chart:
- Small: 21.5-22 inches (54-56 cm)
- Medium: 22-22.75 inches (56-58 cm)
- Large: 22.75-23.5 inches (58-60 cm)
- X-Large: 23.5-24.25 inches (60-62 cm)
Many styles offer adjustable sizing with drawstrings or elastic bands. If you're between sizes, order the larger size—many hats include sizing foam for fine-tuning.
Many summer styles are specifically designed as packable or crushable. Organic cotton, hemp, and some recycled polyester styles can be rolled or folded without losing shape. Raffia straw hats are lightweight and packable but should not be crushed tightly. Oilskin/waxed cotton hats are more structured and less packable. Check individual product descriptions for "crushable," "packable," or "travel-friendly" designations.
Care varies by material:
- Organic cotton/hemp: Spot clean with damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with mild soap, air dry flat. Avoid machine washing.
- Recycled polyester/waterproof styles: Wipe with damp cloth. Can handle light rain. Air dry.
- Raffia straw: Wipe with damp cloth only—avoid soaking, which weakens natural fibers. Store in cool, dry place.
- Oilskin/waxed cotton: Wipe clean with damp cloth. Re-wax annually with oilskin conditioner to maintain water resistance.
All hats should be air-dried away from direct heat sources. Store with crown supported to maintain shape.
Conner Hats are warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the hat. If your hat fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, we'll replace it. Damage from accidents, improper care, or natural breakdown over extended use is not covered, but contact customerservice@connerhats.com with photos—we may be able to help repair your hat or work out an alternative solution.
Some styles are specifically designed for water resistance:
- Waterproof/water-resistant: Oilskin, waxed cotton, and some recycled polyester styles resist rain and can be worn in wet conditions
- Floating designs: Several boating/sailing hats (Tarpon Springs, Aztec Boater, Mojave) are designed to float if they fall in water
- Soakable mesh: Golf and hiking styles with mesh panels can be soaked in water for evaporative cooling
- Not water-friendly: Raffia straw weakens when wet and should be kept dry
Check individual product descriptions for water-resistance ratings and features.
For maximum sun protection, choose hats with brims at least 2-3 inches wide all around. Research shows brims wider than 7.5cm (approximately 3 inches) provide reasonable protection factors around the nose and cheeks. The American Cancer Society recommends a brim of at least 2-3 inches, and the Cancer Council Australia defines a wide brim as more than 6cm (2.4 inches) for adults. Baseball caps protect the scalp, forehead, and nose but provide almost no protection to the neck and ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Wide-brim styles in our collection range from 3 to 4+ inches.