Australians love to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Do you need to wear a hat in Australia? Yes, and especially as we come into the cooler months, it’s important to remember how to be sun safe in Australia, as sun exposure can cause significant damage to your skin.
Whilst it is easy to remember to wear sunscreen and a hat in summer, in the colder months we can forget to protect our face when our bodies are dressed warmly. So, why is it important to wear a hot? Wearing a hat in the cooler months is essential to provide sun protection for your face and scalp.
In this article we will explore the benefits of wearing a hat for sun protection and provide tips to incorporate wearing a hat into your daily routine.
5 Reasons to wear hats year-round in Australia
- The UV index in Australia is consistently high, even on cloudy days and in Winter. This means your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays which can lead to sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia? A hat with a wide brim provides additional protection for your face, neck, and ears.
- Sun exposure can also damage your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and pterygium growth. I had surgery to remove a pterygium in 2022 and I can assure you the prevention is better than the cure! A hat with a wide brim can help shade your eyes, reducing your need to squint and lowering your risk of eye problems. Add some sunglasses for extra eye protection.
- Hats are no longer boring. At Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby you will find a wide range of hats to suit any taste and occasion. From classic Australian made leather hats to casual bucket hats, wool felt hats and even flat caps, there’s a hat out there that will keep you sun-safe whilst complementing your look perfectly.
- Sun damage to your skin and eyes can lead to expensive medical bills down the track. By investing in a good quality hat, you’re making a smart investment in your health and well-being.
- Make sun safety and habit to set a positive example for your family and friends. Encourage those around you to slip, slop, slap – and don’t forget the hat.
For the best protection, use all five of Cancer Council's Sun Smart steps
The 5 S's for sun safety are:
1. Slip on some protective clothing
2. Slop on some sunscreen
3. Slap on a hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on some sunglasses
Choosing the perfect hat
Consider the type of activity you will be doing, the level of sun protection the hat provides, and the fit and style of the hat. Hats made from UPF rated fabrics provide additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays. For sports, hats with moisture wicking properties are ideal and there are even hats with a secure strap for water sports. If you're working outdoors, a light, quick dry hat which can be thrown in the wash is a practical solution.
Emulate the timeless style of the Peaky Blinders with our collection of caps inspired by the iconic British television series, Peaky Blinders. These caps, also known as newsboy caps, flat caps, ivy caps or even cheesecutter caps are inspired by the charm of early 20th-century fashion. Characterised by their rounded, panelled crown and short, stiff brim, Peaky Blinders caps have made a stylish comeback, thanks to the show's widespread popularity.
Caring for your hat
Hats should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage to the fibres. Cleaning and maintenance is as easy as using a soft brush to remove dust and debris. Spot cleaning with a mild detergent, and air drying your hat will prevent shrinkage.
Make wearing a hat a habit
Remember the hall stand hat racks? A brilliant idea to store your hat safely and have it handy as you walk out the door. Make sure your hat fits properly and is comfortable to wear. Perhaps you could have a collection of hats to match your outfits?
Here are Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby, we offer a wide selection of high-quality hats. Our friendly staff are always happy to help you find the best sun protection hat to keep you sun-safe and stylish all year round. Visit us in-store or browse our online selection today!
Bonus tip: For those who love to be outdoors riding their horses, visit our friend Julie at Helmet Brims for a detachable brim which will fit directly onto your riding helmet. 100% Australian designed and Australian made in Blayney NSW and shipping around Australia and the World!!
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