Spending time under the sun feels great till your scalp starts turning red, your forehead starts to burn, and your energy drains fast. When you are trail-hopping in Colorado, jogging out in the mornings, or watching your kid’s weekend soccer game, the UV rays are taking a toll on your skin. This obviously could lead to a lot of problems eventually. Unless you have UV-protected headwear.
A good outdoor cap can block UV rays, protecting you from long-term skin damage, fatigue, and overheating. This is in addition to the comfort you get while wearing the cap. For people out and about in the great American outdoors, a cap is a defense.
Let’s talk about caps that keep your head cool and your skin safe.
Protection Against Sunburn & Skin Cancer
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States. Melanoma cases continue to rise year after year. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays get through. Many people apply sunscreen to their faces but forget about the main spots for sun damage – the scalp and ears. While sunscreen works, it may not be as effective as outdoor caps. Choosing caps with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings can stop harmful rays before they even hit your skin.
Outdoor Caps: Features to Look For
Your favorite baseball cap that you almost always wear likely offers minimal UV protection. Standard cotton caps block some rays, but not enough for serious outdoor time.
You need hats with specific features.
- UPF 30+ rating or higher
- Wide brims or curved visors to shade your face
- Dark or tightly woven fabrics that stop more rays
- Moisture-wicking sweatbands to manage heat
Among these features, the UPF rating is the most important. The UPF rating of a fabric will have a number that tells you how much UV radiation the fabric blocks.
UPF 15-20: Blocks 93.3-95.9% of UV radiation
UPF 25-35: Blocks 96.0-97.4% of UV radiation
UPF 40-50+: Blocks 97.5-98%+ of UV radiation
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing and accessories with a UPF of at least 30 for good sun protection.
Now let’s explore a few great picks available in the wholesale market.
Top Outdoor Caps & Styles That Will Make a Difference
- UV Performance Cap
Built with polyester or polyester microfibers, performance hats often come with UPF protection to keep the head cool even when the heat rises. Ideally, you would want to get a cap with a UPF 50+ rating and a longer bill that shades the nose. These caps are typically lightweight and great for hikers or anglers who need gear that performs.
- Adventure Hats with Sun Protection
Outdoor enthusiasts will find adventure caps very useful. Especially ones with a neck cape and adjustable chin strap. These caps are made for the outdoors. If they also offer UV protection, the hats can keep you protected in full daylight for long hours. Many styles in this category offer built-in sweatbands and breathable mesh crowns.
- UPF Tech Running Cap
Ideal for runners. It’s light, snug, and dries fast. They have sweat-wicking bands that prevent salty drips from stinging your eyes. Technically, they are part of the performance hats category, but with a distinct appeal.
- Packable Hiking Cap
These foldable caps are a favorite among backpackers. They often come with UPF protection, foam bills, and are made of breathable fabric. Choose one with quick-dry properties for maximum convenience during trails and treks.
Some trucker caps are made of UV-protective fabrics with a UPF rating. A few brands in the wholesale market combine polyester fronts with mesh backs and curved visors, offering superb airflow and comfort.
A Few Popular Styles to Check Out:
- Richardson 220 Relaxed Lite Cap (UPF 35+)
- Richardson 932 PCT Cap 5-Panel Camper Hat (UPF 50+)
- OTTO CAP 19-1256 Cool Comfort Performance Knit Cap (UPF 50+)
- Decky 6413 6 Panel Relaxed Perforated Cap (UPF 50+)
- Richardson 909 McKenzie Wide Brim Performance Sun Hat (UPF 50+)
- Outdoor Cap CSB-100 Moisture Wicking Boonie (UPF 50+)
- OTTO CAP 133-1254 6 Panel Cool Performance Stretchable Sport Cap (UPF 50+)
- Adidas A600 Core Performance Max Cap (UPF 50+)
- OTTO CAP 14-1 Cool Comfort Performance Bucket Hat (UPF 50+)
- Columbia 144709 Bora Bora™ Booney (UPF 50+)
Who Should Wear UV-Blocking Outdoor Caps?
Everyone spending time in the sun could use one.
- Trail runners
- Landscapers
- Field researchers
- Campers and hikers
- Delivery workers
- Fishermen and boaters
- Spectators at sports events
If you’re outside for more than 30 minutes at a time, a UV cap isn’t optional. It’s practical.
Final Thoughts
A regular cap might offer shade, but only a UV-protective cap offers actual protection. Sun damage builds up silently. Over time, even brief daily exposure adds up. With outdoor caps featuring built-in UV defense, you get the performance you desire and the protection you need. Next time when you go outdoors while the sun shines, skip the cotton dad hat and go for something that shields and supports.
