Sunday Afternoons Sunset Hat
When I was asked which of Sunday Afternoons’ hats I would like to test, I immediately went for the Sunset. It looked fun and a bit ‘cowgirl’, which is different than other traditional sun hats I’ve tested. It arrived in the mixed browns, go-with-anything, Cinnamon colour, and I went for the large size as I have a pretty big head (my Dad’s genetics at play).
On first look you’d think it’s a straw hat, but as soon as you pick it up you’ll find it is softer and more flexible, as it is actually made of a breathable polyester braid. I liked that the 9.5cm wide shapeable brim can be fully rolled up for a cowgirl look or rolled out for a more traditional wide brim sun hat, and in any shape in between.
When I first put it on it felt a teeny bit roomy, but then I discovered the beaded cord leatherette headband has a slip knot to adjust the size, and it also has an adjustable chinstrap to make sure it stays on even in gusty conditions. On the inside there is a grosgrain ribbon sweatband that feels pleasant against the forehead.
I was a bit dubious of its claim to a UPF 50+ certified sun rating as when wearing it you can see tiny specks of sunlight through the brim, but I took it with me to a festival recently and spent 3 days being blasted by the sun (yes, I know, sun at a British festival!), and it did keep the rays off me - no peeling nose for me (this time).
I generally wear baseball caps when walking Lilly, the Mud Life dog, but my forehead can get sweaty and uncomfortable, but because this sits slightly away from the skin, I didn’t have that problem, and the way the braids are sewn together means that air does circulate, so I didn’t have ugly, sweaty hat hair either.
The best thing is its flexibility. When I crammed my car full of gear for the weekend of festival camping, I didn’t have to be precious about where my hat was going to go just so I didn’t crush it, because if it does get a bit squished it easily moulds back into shape.
It’s lightweight at only 178.6g, and comes in these 4 great colours this year:
Our Verdict
Some sun hats can make you look geeky, and that can stop you wearing them, which defeats the object, but not this one. Wearing it made me feel cool, both physically and stylistically, and it kept the sun from burning my head and neck, doing exactly what it is supposed to, so it get a huge thumbs up from me.
Sizes: M & L
Price: £32.95
more at » https://www.sundayafternoons.co.uk/products/sunset-hat