UVA/UVB rays from the sun not only tan the skin when going out in the summer, but long-term exposure can also lead to sunburn, pigmentation, and even skin aging. Many people think that wearing a hat is enough, but the sun protection effect of ordinary cotton hats is often insufficient – measured data shows that the UV protection rate of hats without sun protection treatment is only 30%-50%, while the professional Sun Cap can achieve more comprehensive protection through the dual blessing of material and design. Today’s guide, from basic cognition to actual purchasing, will help you thoroughly understand Sun Cap and choose the right summer sunscreen artifact for you.
2. Product basic cognition: What are the core advantages of Sun Cap?
(1) Empty top and large edge: why is it the golden combination of sunscreen hats?
The Empty Top Sun Cap and the Long-brimmed Sun Cap are the two mainstream forms of Sun Cap, and the combination of the two is the perfect solution for “breathability + sun protection”. The empty top design avoids the problem of traditional hats being stuffy and breathable, especially suitable for people with long hair or during sports – I once ran with a regular baseball cap, and my scalp was sweaty and sticky after half an hour, while the empty top model allows the scalp to come into direct contact with the air, and it dries quickly after sweating without stuffiness. The design of the 12cm wider eaves (more on this later) can cover the face, forehead and even the back of the neck, which is 3 times larger than the sunshade range of ordinary hats, and can reduce facial UV exposure by more than 80%.
(2) UPF50+: What does the “ceiling” of SPF mean?
The core protection indicator of Sun Cap is UPF50 + SPF, which is the highest internationally recognized sun protection level. According to the national standard GB/T 22849-2014, UPF50+ means that the cap can block more than 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and only allows UV penetration within 2%. As a visual example: wearing a UPF50+ Sun Cap in direct midday sunlight (UV intensity of about 1000μW/cm²) is only about 20μW/cm² of UV intensity, which is equivalent to protection in the shade of a tree. Here I would like to remind you that some low-priced products will be falsely labeled UPF50+, and you must check whether there is a UV resistance test report from a third-party organization when purchasing.
(3) Quick-drying and breathable + foldable: two rigid needs for daily use
Wearing a hat in summer, “stuffiness” and “hard to carry” are two major pain points, and Sun Cap’s quick-drying and breathable fabric and foldable storageThe design solves exactly these two problems. The quick-drying fabric is mostly a mixture of polyester and spandex, which absorbs moisture and wicks away moisture 5 times faster than cotton, and I measured that after riding at 35°C for 1 hour, the inside of the hat was only slightly damp, and it dried completely within 10 minutes after taking it off. The foldable design makes the Sun Cap extremely portable – folds to the size of your palm and can be easily tucked into a side pocket or pocket of your backpack, taking up no space when traveling or traveling.
(4) Adjustable head circumference + windproof rope: details determine the wearing experience
People with different head shapes have the most headache when wearing hats “not fit”, Sun Cap’s adjustable head circumference design (usually supports 54-60cm adjustment), whether it is a woman with a small head circumference or a man with a large head circumference, you can find a suitable size. The windproof rope design is a “rigid configuration” for outdoor activities – the last time I went fishing at the beach, the gust reached level 4-5, and my friend’s ordinary sun hat was blown away 3 times, while my Sun Cap was stable and did not shake throughout the whole process after attaching the windproof rope, and it could also be adapted to different scenarios by adjusting the rope length.
3. Usage scenarios and functions: How many life scenarios can a Sun Cap cover?
(1) Sports scene: protection specially created for energetic moments
- Outdoor running empty hat: focus on lightweight (best within 40g) and reflective design, the reflective LOGO of the night running model can improve night safety, the style I wear when running at night can be clearly seen from 50 meters away under the lights;
- Cycling helmet inner cap: ultra-thin, breathable material is required, which can be tucked into the helmet without squeezing the head, it is recommended to choose laser punched fabric, which is 30% more breathable than ordinary fabrics;
- Mountaineering quick-drying hat: The core requirements are quick-drying, antibacterial, sweating a lot after long-term mountaineering, antibacterial and anti-odor lining can avoid the smell of the hat, and there is no obvious odor after wearing it for 3 consecutive days.
(2) Leisure scene: both sun protection and appearance
- Fishing sunscreen hat: It is recommended to choose a style with a detachable neck curtain, which needs to be fixed for a long time when fishing, and the neck protection cloth can cover the back of the neck and side face to avoid the “panda face”;
- Golf sun hat: pay attention to the crispness and sense of style, macaron solid color series or two-tone gradient brim style, which can not only protect from the sun but also match sportswear;
- Beach vacation straw hat: Prefer to choose a combination of straw weaving and sunscreen coating, traditional straw hat has poor sun protection effect, straw hat with nano titanium sunscreen coating, UPF50 + and good breathability, and photos are also released.
(3) Parent-child scene: Give children exclusive gentle protection
There are three keys to the purchase of a children’s sunscreen empty hat: soft material (to avoid scratching the child’s skin), adjustable head circumference (to adapt to the growing head shape), and no small decorations (to prevent children from accidentally ingesting it). It is recommended to choose a lightweight model (20-30g), which is not burdensome for children to wear, and at the same time, give preference to macaron solid colors or cartoon print designs, and children are more willing to wear them actively.
4. Material technology and performance: These black technologies make sunscreen more reliable
Material / Technology | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios | Measured data |
Polyester cooling fabric | Cool to the touch, quick drying | Sports, daily commuting | 2-3°C lower than regular fabrics, 50% faster moisture wicking |
Nano titanium sunscreen coating | High UV blocking rate and washable resistance | All scenarios | Maintains UPF50+ after 30 washes |
Laser punching is breathable | Extremely breathable and not stuffy | Sports, high temperature environment | Ventilation density up to 100 /cm² and 40% more air circulation |
Antibacterial and anti-odor lining | Inhibits bacterial growth and has no peculiar smell | Wear it for a long time | Bacterial inhibition rate of 99%, no odor for 3 consecutive days |
Lightweight within 40g | It is burden-free and portable to wear | All scenarios | 50% lighter than regular hats, wearing for 4 hours without feeling pressed |
Professionalism should be emphasized here: the principle of nano titanium sunscreen coating is to reflect and absorb ultraviolet rays through titanium ions, which is safer than traditional chemical sunscreens and will not fail due to washing; Polyester cooling fabric uses special weaves and cooling additives to achieve a cooling experience at the moment of contact, not to cool down, but to reduce the feeling of stuffiness.
5. Style design trends: The popular Sun Caps in 2024 have these characteristics
(1) Practical design: function first
- Widened 12cm brim: 2 times larger than the regular 8-10cm brim of the hat, covering the area from the brow bone to the chin, effectively reducing UV exposure around the eyes and reducing the risk of cataracts;
- Detachable neck guard curtain: one hat for two purposes, install the neck guard when needed, disassemble when not needed, suitable for fishing, mountaineering and other scenarios, I measured that it only takes 10 seconds to disassemble and install;
- Two-color can be worn on both sides: super cost-effective, one side is solid color and the other is printed, with different clothes, it is equivalent to buying two hats, which can be worn for daily commuting and leisure vacations.
(2) Fashionable design: appearance and function coexist
- Camouflage printed empty roof: unisex design, suitable for outdoor adventure, camping and other scenes, with jackets are super eye-catching;
- Macaron solid color series: light pink, light blue, mint green and other colors, fresh and versatile, suitable for daily commuting and shopping, whitening and reducing age;
- Reflective LOGO night running model: In addition to night running, it is also very practical for walking and cycling in the evening, and the reflective material is clearly visible under the light to improve safety.
6. Yigu (Sourcing Agent)’s professional views
As a Sourcing Agent who has been deeply involved in outdoor product procurement for many years, I recommend that when purchasing Sun Cap, you should prioritize “material test report + practical functions” rather than simply pursuing the brand. Many niche brand products use the same polyester fiber cooling cloth and nano titanium coating as big brands, and have passed authoritative UV resistance testing, but the price is 30%-50% lower. In addition, when purchasing in bulk, you can focus on the manufacturer’s washing resistance and production capacity, and high-quality manufacturers can ensure that the wash does not fade after 30 washes, does not reduce the sun protection effect, and the delivery cycle is stable at 15-20 days. Individual consumers are recommended to choose a store that supports 7-day no-reason returns and exchanges, and after receiving it, they can judge whether it is qualified by “reading the test report + trying on to feel the breathability”.
7. FAQ
- How long does Sun Cap’s UPF50+ last?
A quality product will last 1-2 years with normal use (wear 2-3 times a week and wash 1-2 times a month). Frequent washing or sun exposure can shorten to 6-12 months, and it is recommended to replace the sunscreen cap once a year.
- How to choose between empty and full top?
sports scenes (running, cycling, mountaineering) give priority to the empty top model, which has better breathability; Daily commuting and beach vacation can be selected for full-top models for more comprehensive protection. People with long hair are recommended to choose an empty top model to avoid tangled hair.
- Is there a difference in the sun protection index of the children’s Sun Cap from the adult model?
The children’s and adult models have the same sun protection index of UPF50+, but the children’s model will be made of softer materials, looser headlines, and no small decorations, making it safer.
- How can I verify that Sun Cap has met the sun protection standards?
You can check the third-party anti-UV test report (such as SGS, Intertek certification) that comes with the product, or you can test it through the “UV test card” – put the test card under the hat and expose it to the sun for 10 minutes, if the color of the card does not change significantly, it means that the sun protection effect is up to standard.