The Headwear Association recommends the following tips when buying a sun-protective hat:
- Size: A hat with a minimum of 2 1/2" brim can provide adequate sun protection for the neck, face and ears
- Shape: Hat shapes that protect better against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are ones that curve down to follow the contours of the head and neck
- Size: A hat with a minimum of 2 1/2" brim can provide adequate sun protection for the neck, face and ears
- Shape: Hat shapes that protect better against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are ones that curve down to follow the contours of the head and neck
- Material: The material of a hat should be lightweight and breathable. Fabrics should be closed weave straw, raffia, cloth or felt
If recommending a ‘sun hat’ , I think the material in making the hat should be tested and certified to a sun protection level UPF 50+. It troubles me to see hats labelled as ‘sun protective’ made with materials you know that the sun’s rays shine right through. Fabrics should be tested against the standards developed by The American Society for Testing Methods (ASTM) Committee D-13.65 and the American Association for Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) for UV testing and labelling of sun protective clothing and shade devices. The Headwear Association should take a leadership role, set standards regarding the testing and labelling and ask their members to follow.
ReplyDeleteDave Kappele
Tilley Hats