Which areas need to be protected on the head and neck?

The most vulnerable areas on the head are those portions which face up; ears, cheeks, nose and brows. The neck can also be very exposed especially if you are wearing a t-shirt or top without a collar. The side, base and back of the neck are easy to overlook when you are choosing your hat or applying sunscreen. Men who are bald or balding should be very careful to cover up the top of their head as well.

What should I look for in a hat to protect myself from the sun?

Any hat is better than no hat at all. But some hats are better than others. Here are some factors to consider:

The brim. The wider the brim the better the protection to the lower portions of the head and neck.
The weave or construction of the fabric – This is the main factor affecting how much ultraviolet radiation comes through the fabric. Tightly woven fabrics give better protection than loosely woven ones.
Colour. Darker colors of fabrics absorb UV better than lighter colors.
Weight of the material – This is a less important factor but still something to consider. Heavier is generally better although there are some great lightweight fabrics which offer great sun protection.
Back flap. If you do not have a brim on your hat a back flap will help protect your ears, face and neck.

My doctor told me to keep out of the sun and I am not a ‘hat person’. What should I do?

It’s a bewildering task if you’ve never considered wearing hats before, but we think the secret is to go beyond the basic requirements of sun protection (see FAQ’s above) and look for something that expresses you unique personality. And most important of all have some fun with it!!

Take a deep breath and give yourself some time at your nearest hat store and try on a lot of hats to get to know what suits you. Your face shape, head size, colouring, personality, lifestyle and fashion tastes will all make a big difference as to what you will pick. Are you conservative and classic, romantic, outgoing?

Gentlemen, have you always had a wish to wear a panama hat but never had a good excuse? Here’s you chance, or perhaps, Raiders of the Lost Ark is your secret fantasy. Go for it!!