12 Best Visors for Women to Add to Your Sun Protection Rotation

2022-08-20 08:33:13 By : Ms. Vicky Zhang

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Style and sun protection don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

During the hot summer months, sun protection is a must. But many people don’t realize that there are more ways to keep yourself protected from those pesky UV rays other than just applying the best sunscreen (though you should definitely be doing that too). The best visors for women help protect your face from the sun, and can be worn time and time again making them a great bang for your buck.

“People sometimes forget that there is more to sun protection than sunscreen,” says Snehal Amin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and surgical director at MDCS Dermatology. “Sun protective clothing is very important for complete sun protection.” Enter sun visors. These stylish hat alternatives are a great way to keep yourself protected while out in the sun. “A good visor can protect your skin and eyes from damaging UVA/B rays from the sun,” Dr. Amin explains, and while you might be thinking that sun hats pose a better sun protection option, he disagrees. “The visor has the advantage over hats because you can stay cool and protected at the same time, [and they also accommodate] long hair and ponytails. Not to mention [there are] lots of great stylish options available.”

While you’ll likely still need some scalp sunscreen, we’ve corralled the best sun visors to shade your face and help keep you a bit cool.

We spoke with Dr. Amin and Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at the La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center for their insight on how to choose the best sun visors. Additionally, we conducted our own research and read through hundreds of customer reviews to bring you the most effective and highest-rated sun visors on the market.

Recommended by Dr. Shirazi, this visor is a great option whether you’re working out or just lounging on the beach. The wide brim provides UPF 50+ sun protection while the visor’s lightweight cotton material keeps you cool. The band is also cushioned for maximum comfort. Plus, it’s available in several colors and has a stylish decorative bow on the back. “Its padded headband is [so] comfortable,” writes one reviewer, “it’s amazing!”

With more than 4,500 5-star reviews and a price tag of less than $10, this breathable visor is a great affordable option for a day out in the sun. The band is adjustable and easily accommodates a bun or ponytail, making it a great choice for those who have thicker or longer hair. Plus, it’s available in several colors. “This works perfectly for keeping the sun out of my face while still letting me keep my hair up off my neck in the summer sun,” writes one reviewer. “For the price I can’t beat the deal for sure!”

With nearly 5,000 5-star ratings, this wide brim number is a clear favorite among Amazon shoppers. The open top makes it suitable for all hairstyles while the extra-wide brim provides maximum shade and UPF 50+ sun protection. The design is also packable, and is available in 14 colors. “This hat provided the right amount of shade to my face while allowing the rest of me to catch some rays!” says one reviewer. “It also fit around my hair which was a huge plus!”

With more than 3,000 5-star ratings, this visor from Hindawi does not disappoint. Not only does it have UPF 50+ sun protection, but the design also provides more coverage on the crown of the head while still leaving enough room for a ponytail. Plus, it comes with a chin strap to keep it from flying off your head on windy days. “This little sun hat is awesome!” writes one reviewer. “[It] offers extra protection for my face…and protects my head from the sun without being hot.”

Recommended by both Dr. Amin and Dr. Shirazi, this visor from Coolibar is sure to keep you cool and protected. Its “rigorously tested SPF 50 rating offers great sun protection,” says Dr. Amin. “Also has a moisture-wicking headband, keeping you cool on the hottest days.” The packable design features a zip-off crown, so it can be converted between a hat and a visor depending on your preference. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors.

“Having a visor with a snug fit is important if you work out outdoors,” explains Dr. Amin. “This [one] has an elastic band that stays snug on.” The lightweight, sweat-wicking option is also waterproof, and (according to the brand) cools to about 30 degrees below body temperature when it gets wet, making it a great choice for water sports or a day at the beach. “It’s just what I needed for my runs!” says one reviewer.

Another convertible option, both Dr. Amin and Dr. Shirazi love this pick from Solbari, an “Australian brand that knows sun protection,” according to Dr. Amin. Not only is it convertible between and hat and visor, but it also features a wide brim and UPF 50+ sun protection for blocking those harmful rays. “This hat not only fits, but the fact that it has coverage for my head is a plus,” writes one reviewer. “I would recommend this hat to everyone!”

For an easy packable option, Dr. Amin loves this “cute and inexpensive” visor from Furtalk. Despite being easy to roll up and stick in a suitcase, this visor has an extra-wide brim that extends almost all the way around the head, while still leaving an opening at the top for a ponytail. It also comes with a removable chin strap and is available in several colors. “It rolled up and fit nicely in my suitcase/pool bag” writes one reviewer. “It’s super cute and it fit perfectly!”

Dr. Shirazi loves this visor for anyone who wants to be able to go for a swim while staying protected. Its breathable fabric provide UPF 50+ protection and is completely waterproof, yet quick-drying, so you won’t be stuck with a soaked visor on your head all day. The drawstring design is also fully adjustable, so it can be fit to any head size. “It’s so comfortable you could sleep in it” says one reviewer.

Recommended by Dr. Shirazi, this fashionable visor from Eric Javits is a splurge you won’t regret. The band features padding for ultimate comfort that can be detached for washing. Plus, it’s adjustable and packs away easily for travel while also providing UPF 50+ sun protection. “I love this visor. I wore it for a year and it still looked good as new,” writes one reviewer. “It’s pricey but worth it.”

Recommended by Dr. Shirazi as another stylish option, this visor from Eugenia Kim is both adorable and functional. The denim brim is wide and curved for maximum sun protection, whie the elastic band in the back makes it comfortable to wear. Plus, it comes in this super cute berry color.

This fashionable visor is a great option for travel, as the packable design rolls up easily and can be fit into a suitcase. It also provides great sun protection with its extra-wide brim that extends almost all the way around the head. Plus, the ribbon straps in the back can be adjusted for the perfect fit.