10 Best African Straw Hats for Perfect Summer Sun Protection
Straw hats have long been a summertime staple, and for good reason.
Their oversized, breathable designs and wide brims make them perfect for relaxed, sun-soaked days at the beach, countryside adventures, or strolling through the city.
I want to make it explicitly clear that straw hats are not the best pick for high-intensity outdoor pursuits like surfing or hiking where you need serious UV protection. So if you need something heavy-duty from scorching rays, you'll want to look at sun hats with UV protection and, of course, trusty sunscreens.
But when it comes to shielding myself from the sun's rays, my go-to pieces are these selections of gorgeous African straw sun hats.
1. Rufina Designs Bolga Straw Sun Hat
The Rufina Designs Straw Hat is my go-to for sun protection and style. Crafted from durable elephant grass, this hat has a broad brim that shields your face, ears, and neck from harmful rays.
I appreciate its lightweight and adjustable fit, which makes it incredibly comfortable for long, lazy days under the sun. It’s versatile, too—you can add a ribbon, bow, or flower to personalize it, and when it’s not in use, it doubles as a beautiful wall hanging.
Why I recommend it:
This Bolga Hat is handmade, sustainable, and incredibly stylish for any outing. The natural beige tone and minimalist silhouette give it a timeless, effortlessly chic look that I love to pair with sundresses, linen pants, and other warm-weather ensembles.
2. African Men's Fulani Straw Hat
This traditional Fulani Straw Hat is perfect for collectors and those who value cultural items. The unique conical shape, crafted with a mix of straw and leather, reflects the heritage of the Fulani people, West Africa’s well-known nomadic community.
I’m particularly drawn to its detailed decorations, from leather tassels to cloth accents that make each hat unique.
Why I recommend:
Aside from offering practical sun protection, the handcrafted details and the hat’s historical significance make it an ideal gift or home decor piece. And if you’re not a collector, it still works wonderfully as a sun hat with a little extra character.
3. KUKU Handwoven Vegan Straw Hat
For the eco-conscious fashionista, these handwoven African straw hats tick all the boxes. I love the simplicity and elegance of this hat.
The material is both lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable on hot days, and the hat provides excellent shade, perfect for a laid-back summer look.
Why I recommend:
It’s a great choice if you want a hat that’s easy to pair with any summer outfit, from sundresses to jean shorts.
And it features a generous 6-inch brim to protect your face from the sun's rays.
4. KojoKrafts Traditional Ghanaian Hats
I especially like the adjustable strap that keeps the hat secure, even on windy days.
Whether you're packing for a music festival or a tropical vacation, this hat's lightweight, packable design makes it an essential summer accessory.
Why I recommend:
This makes a wonderful gift for the hat lover in your life. The adjustable strap ensures a good fit, making it practical for various activities and providing excellent sun protection.
5. Rufina Designs Bolga Hat
This is another one of my favorites from our collection. Woven by Ghanaian artisans, it's designed for both men and women and is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
Get creative by adding a ribbon, bow, or flower to make it your own.
Why I recommend:
The adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, and the sustainable materials make it an excellent choice for the eco-conscious shopper.
Whether you're headed to the beach or running errands around town, this versatile hat will keep you protected from the sun's rays while elevating your summer look.
6. MZY Samakaka Foldable Wide Brim Sun Hat
This vibrant Samakaka hat from MZY Designs is a show-stopper. Thanks to its eye-catching colors and reversible design, it’s a unique addition to any summer outfit.
Featured in Essence Magazine, this hat has a wide 6-inch brim that provides solid sun protection, and the foldable design means you can take it anywhere without worrying about it losing its shape.
Why I recommend:
The Samakaka hat is perfect for those who want sun protection with a pop of color. The design allows it to be folded, which is ideal for travel, and it’s easy to maintain with its washable fabric.
7. Zarabaskets Woven African Straw Hat
With a head circumference of 22-24cm, this one-size-fits-most hat is a reliable choice for shielding your face from the sun.
I love that it’s so easy to wear; it’s comfortable, light, and provides enough shade to keep you cool without feeling heavy.
Why I recommend it:
It’s comfortable and light, making it perfect for beach days, festivals, or just lounging outdoors. This is the kind of hat that’s easy to reach for on a sunny day and always feels right.
8. Tango Zulu African Straw Hat with Chin Strap
The Tango Zulu hat has earned a reputation for its durability and quality, even getting a nod from Samantha Schoech of the New York Times.
It’s tightly woven from wild savannah grass and features a leather chin strap that ensures it stays put, even in strong wind. I’m particularly impressed with how well it holds its shape, even after being dunked in water or tossed around.
This is the hat for those who need serious sun protection with a sturdy design.
Why I recommend it:
Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or relaxing by the pool, the Tango Zulu hat offers durability, sun protection, and style in one.
Plus, it’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable hat for windy conditions.
9. Paul Ski Arts Women’s African Straw Hat
This handmade hat is adjustable, with leather straps that let you customize the fit.
I love its natural color with blue-black accents—it’s subtle yet distinctive. Customers have praised this hat, saying it’s perfect for casual wear or bad hair days when you still want to look chic.
Why I recommend:
This hat stands out for its blend of durability and design. It’s ideal for daily wear, whether you’re out shopping, heading to a beach party, or just need a stylish way to protect yourself from the sun.
10. Rufina Designs Ethnic Sun Bolga Straw Hat
Another gem from Rufina Designs, this ethnic Sun Bolga Straw Hat is finely woven with a wide brim that provides ample shade.
I love its unique design, featuring colored straw borders that add a touch of personality to the traditional hat style. It’s lightweight, easy to wear, and offers great protection from the sun, and the adjustable leather strap keeps it secure.
Why I recommend:
This hat is versatile, whether you’re looking for sun protection or a beautiful home decor piece. Hang a few of these hats on the wall for a laid-back, bohemian vibe in your home or office.
With its sustainable materials and artisan craftsmanship, I can tell you for free that this is a hat you’ll be proud to own.
How should I care for my straw sun hat?
All you need to do is put water on it, reshape or mold it back to how it should be, and leave it to dry. Once dry it is good to use. You can equally clean stains off it with water and a cloth.
Can I travel with my straw hat?
Many straw hats are foldable or flexible, but some might need special handling. Consider a foldable option for travel, or keep your hat in a hat box.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure your head circumference and compare it with the product’s listed size. Adjustable straps can help you get a more secure fit.
Are these hats waterproof?
Most straw hats are not waterproof but can handle a bit of moisture. Let them air dry if they get wet.
Do straw hats provide full UV protection?
While straw hats offer shade, they don’t have a certified UV protection factor. Pair them with sunscreen for the best sun protection.
Final thought
As someone who has spent a lot of time in the sun, I can tell you that protecting your head and face from UV rays is incredibly important.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and a good sun hat is one of the best tools to prevent it.
Even though straw hats don't have an official UPF rating, many of these hats have wide brims and tight weaves that will keep your skin safe from harmful rays.
Pair them with sunscreen, and you’ll be good to go!
When selecting these sun hats, I prioritized several key factors, including sun protection, comfort, and versatility.
These Rufina Designs hats have kept me burn-free, even on the most sun-drenched days.
Ultimately, these African straw sun hats are not only practical but also serve as elegant, fashion-forward accessories that will elevate any summer outfit. Whether you're planning a beach vacation, a day in the garden, or a leisurely stroll through the park, these hats will keep you looking and feeling your best while protecting you from the sun.
I hope this list helps you find the perfect sun hat for your summer adventures. Let me know which one is your favorite!
Why you can trust us
Our goal is simple: to guide you in buying the best products and making the most of your purchases.
Our recommendations come from research and analysis by our expert reviewers. We don’t just look at the product details; we dive into user reviews and rely on our own experiences with these products too.
As a Black woman entrepreneur leading an African accessory shop, Rufina offers invaluable expertise in selecting top-quality baskets.
When you read our guide, you’re not just getting general advice; you’re getting tips from someone who truly knows her stuff.
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Hi, I’m Rufina,
Back in 2018, I turned my love for crafting African accessories into Rufina Designs , right from my bedroom. It’s been an exciting ride ever since as I’ve delved into the vibrant world of African accessories. For me, it’s more than just a business venture – it’s a celebration of my Ghanaian heritage and a way to support our talented local artisans across Africa.
