Best kids' sun hats to keep them protected in the sunshine

With summer fast approaching it’s time to start shopping for warm-weather wardrobe essentials, starting with the perfect sun hat.

Children are extra sensitive to harmful UV rays from the sun, so the best kids' sun hats are a summer must-have. Whether they’re playing with the best outdoor toys in the garden, taking a trip to the seaside or jetting off to sunnier climes, a good-quality sun hat will keep them protected when they are outside in the sunshine. Of course, getting the sun hat to stay on is another matter. But many designs are functional and fashionable, so kids will love the fun styles available, making it a whole lot easier to persuade them to keep the hat firmly on their heads. Children will need to be covered in the best sun creams too but a cool sun hat will add an extra layer of protection.

Best kids' sun hats 2022

From waterproof styles they can wear whilst swimming to under-chin fastenings to help the hat stay put, there are lots of designs out there so, whatever mischief they get up to, you’re bound to find a style to suit you and your little adventurer. As we hope to see a lot more of the sun over the next few weeks, we’ve rifled through the cyber shelves to find the best kids' sun hats that tick all the practical boxes as well as looking aesthetically adorable for your warm-weather snaps.

1. Straw Hat

Sizes: 1-4 yrs 

Made from paper straw with a simple, black grosgrain band, this classic, minimalist style will look great paired with any outfit. The 4.5 cm brim will also shield little faces and ears from the extremes of the bright sun.

VIEW AT H&M | £5.99 (opens in new tab)

2. Straw Hat with Rainbow Poms

Sizes: Small-large

When the sun comes out, it's time to pop on a broad-brimmed hat. This funky take on a classic style is made from 100% paper with a pom-pom textile trim. Super lightweight and breathable, its frayed edges and bright accents give it a fun, laid-back feel.

VIEW AT BODEN | £21-£23 (opens in new tab)

3. Liewood Gorm Sun Hat in Confetti Yellow Mellow Mix

Sizes: 0-4 years

This muted, spotty hat is cute and practical. Designed with a longer back to protect children’s necks and a peak to keep the sun out of their eyes too, it ticks all the boxes without compromising on style. The adorable bear ears are a sweet touch and to top it off, it’s crafted from 100% organic cotton too. What’s not to like?!

VIEW AT SCANDIBORN | £25 (opens in new tab)

4. Strawberry Novelty Bucket Hat

Sizes: XS-M

Top off tot's summer looks with this strawberry-style bucket hat. It's made from 100%, machine-washable soft cotton for cool breathability and features a cheerful embroidered face at the front, along with a playful stalk on top. The floppy brim is on hand to protect eyes and delicate skin from the sun.

VIEW AT BODEN | £19 (opens in new tab)

5. Kids' Pure Cotton Unicorn Baseball Cap

Age: 1-6 years

The classic baseball cap just got a fresh and fun update thanks to this playful unicorn design. With its embroidered unicorn, this sustainable cotton baseball cap will bring a little extra magic to a sunny day. Sun Smart UPF50+ fabric helps keep kids safe in the sun while the adjustable riptape fastening makes for the perfect fit.

VIEW AT M&S | £8 (opens in new tab)

6. Floral Floppy Sun Hat

Sizes: 0-6 years 

As well as the blooming beautiful design, this fancy floral hat is specially shaped to stay on heads. Perfect if you (or your child) is partial to losing items. It ties neatly under the chin and has a cotton lining for comfort. The print is designed to match with other JoJo pieces so you can nail that colour-coordinated look with ease.

VIEW AT JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ | £14 (opens in new tab)

7. Crocodile Kids' Baseball Cap

Sizes: One size

A fun and practical summer accessory, this crocodile-inspired hat is sure to raise a smile in sunny weather. Made of 100% cotton with an inbuilt sweatband to absorb moisture on hot days, it's lightweight for travelling but durable enough for repeated wash and wear. The adjustable head strap helps the hat grow with your child and makes for maximum comfort and a customised fit.

VIEW AT MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE| £4.99 (opens in new tab)

8. Legionnaires Style Sun Hat

Sizes: XS-M 

If you’ve got a seaside trip on the horizon and your little one loves splashing in the sea, then this hat is the one for you. It protects their neck and scalp in and out of the water and it’s crafted from Noma’s UPF 50+ soft recycled fabric. Place goggles over the hat to keep it in place when swimming. Coordinating swimwear is available too if you want to go all out.

VIEW AT JOULES | £18 (opens in new tab)

9. Baby embroidered hat

Age: 0-5 years 

Another classic straw hat but this time with the adorable addition of some kitten ears and a sweet whiskered face. Cuteness overload! You won’t want to take this adorable accessory off them. Beautifully made, and top quality for under a tenner, we can’t resist this one.

VIEW AT ZARA| £9.99 (opens in new tab)

10. Striped baby hat

Sizes: 41-47 

This vibrant and stylish hat is made of organic cotton for little ones' delicate skin. A must-have for summer either in the city or at the beach, it comes with tie strings to stay perfectly in place.

VIEW AT JACADI | £19 (opens in new tab)

11. Fabric Flavours Kids' Batman Baseball Cap

Sizes: One size

Cast some shade over your eyes with the help of this sponge-clean, 100%-cotton Batman baseball cap. Featuring an embroidered Batman logo it's finished with a comic print underneath the brim for extra cool credentials.

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £15 (opens in new tab)

12. Bobo Choses Vichy Gingham Sun Hat

Size: 48-50cm

It wouldn’t be summer without a pretty gingham print and this vibrant design gets our vote. The toggle fastening helps keep it secure and the broad brim can be turned up or down depending on how you like it. There are matching items too for a picnic-perfect look.

VIEW AT ALEX AND ALEXA | £38 (opens in new tab)

If your little ones are always losing their hats, it could be worth organising your child's wardrobe (opens in new tab) and arranging accessories in their own storage box - you won't want to misplace any of the sunhat included on this list.