Our Favorite Beach Hats for 2024

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Learn from my Beach Attire Mistakes

Let me start by saying I’m not much a beach person. That may dash my credibility in half, but hear me out! Firstly, I don’t know how to swim so being around large bodies of water scares me. I’m okay with getting my feet wet, but I have a nearly comical fear of water hitting anywhere above my shins.

Because of my distrust in water, I also never knew how to dress for beaches. I’m 26 and I’ve owned 3 swimsuits in my life – 2 of which I bought within the last year. I don’t know what a coverup is or wants. Honestly, until last year I was wearing cotton pants to the beach.

Everything changed for me because of 2 trips: One to St. Lucia and one to Miami. You may remember my St. Lucia trip because I had compiled a wardrobe wishlist in preparation for it months in advance. I was going to St. Lucia with my partner since a dear friend of his was getting married there.

I was wholly unprepared in terms of beach attire so I scrambled to get a swimsuit. While I got a swimsuit that was okay for the trip, I still felt out of water (pun intended) during my times on the beach.

So when my cousin, sister and I decided to do a girls’ trip to Miami this year I was a little panicked. I didn’t want to have another half-assed wardrobe where I didn’t feel entirely comfortable. I considered what I could do differently that may make an impact.

Get a more flattering swimsuit? Check. Have a coverup ready? Check. Have flat sandals on deck? Check. But there was an essential element I was missing right until a week before my trip. I needed a beach hat.

Why you Need a Beach Hat

As someone who feels like an alien on any beach, a beach hat saved me. It’s like camouflage. When you wear a beach hat you look like someone who simultaneously belongs on a beach and blends in so well that they don’t warrant a second glance.

It’s the ultimate warm weather protection. Not only from the sun, but from your own discomfort with being on a beach. At least that was my takeaway.

Beach hats are great for many reasons beyond subterfuge. They protect your delicate face, neck and chest from the sun which is crucial. Sunscreen can only do so much in the face of a hot, midday sun. Sometimes you just gotta block the rays to save your face.

Beach hats are also chic accessories when you don’t have a lot to work with. Let’s be real, you’re on the beach nearly naked. You don’t have the benefits of jewelry and a cute shoe and everything else that makes a great outfit. But you do have a stylish hat to pop on and make every outfit no matter how scant, look chic.

I think a beach hat is necessary to a vacation. It’s one of the few fashion accessories that is as useful as it is fashionable! You can show your style while protecting your skin! That’s a win win to me.