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  • 10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More) 5

10 Best Surf Hats in 2022 (Dakine, Ocean & Earth, and More)

Do you like to surf a lot or do you want to start surfing? This means you will be out under the sun for long periods. To protect yourself from sunburn or to help you see under the sun, you should invest in a light, durable, and comfortable surf hat. Surf hats come in different materials, styles, and features that will help you surf more comfortably.


So to help you pick one for the next time you’re out in the water, we compiled a list of the best surf hats you can purchase. Right on top of the list, we have Dakine's Indo Surf Hat. It is a bucket surf hat with a wide brim and UV coating to protect yourself from the sun. If this isn’t quite for you, we have nine other great choices below. Plus, a buyer’s guide to help you come to a decision.

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Surf Hats

When choosing a surf hat, there are a few things you should take into consideration, like its material, style, strap, and other helpful features. Read on to find out more about these factors.

1

Pick a Light and Durable Material

Pick a Light and Durable Material

When it comes to your surf hat’s material, you should choose something that's light and durable. You can choose among surf hats made of polyester, nylon, neoprene, or canvas.


Polyester is one of the best options for surfing. It holds up well through wash and wear. Plus, the fabric is quick-drying and abrasion-resistant. It also won’t require a lot of maintenance - just stick it in the washing machine.


Nylon is another popular surf hat material. It's very similar to polyester; it's light, durable, and fast-drying. Additionally, nylon is breathable and easy to maintain. It will hold its shape and color well even after months of using it.


Neoprene, a material often used to make wetsuits, is excellent because it can protect you from UV rays and keep you warm with the help of its insulating abilities. Additionally, this material is comfortable to wear and abrasion-resistant.


Some surf hats are made of canvas, which is lightweight and robust. It's machine-washable, too. No matter which material you choose, make sure that you find a hat that's coated with UV protection to keep you safe from that pesky sunlight!

2

Choose the Style Based on Comfort and Weather

Choose the Style Based on Comfort and Weather

Surf hats come in different styles, like bucket hats, caps, swimming caps, and ones with a neck flap. You should pick one that is protective and comfortable to wear while surfing.


If you want maximum protection from the sun, you can opt for a bucket-shaped surf hat. These are designed with wide brims that will keep your face and neck protected from the sun without blocking your peripheral vision too much. If you’re worried about it getting in the way, you can opt for one that can be folded or flipped up.


You can also go for a cap-style surf hat. This hat usually comes with an adjustable strap at the back for a more secure fit. A cap surf hat is excellent if you want to keep the sun out of your eyes and will allow you to see better in sunny conditions.


Or you might want something that more resembles a swimming cap. This type of hat is great for colder seasons, as it covers your ears to both keep you warm and protect you from the wind. It can also shield your hair from saltwater.

3

Look for a Secure Strap

Look for a Secure Strap

If you want to ensure your surf hat stays securely in place while surfing, it’s important to look for one that comes with a secure strap. You can get a hat with a drawcord string that you can easily adjust to make sure it fits well.


Alternatively, go for a hat with a buckle strap that makes sure it stays put on your head. Buckle straps can also be adjusted. However, they may require more effort to fasten when you’re out in the water because of the stiff buckle.


If you’re going for a swimming cap surf hat, you want to look for one with a Velcro closure on the back. This surf hat will fit tightly on your head. It might also feel less restrictive, as opposed to the former two that tighten below your chin.

4

Consider a Surf Hat With Additional Features

Consider a Surf Hat With Additional Features

Some surf hats come with additional features like a built-in sweatband, mesh ventilation, and a neck flap. A built-in sweatband will be great on sweltering days. This will keep sweat away from your eyes and keep you more comfortable while surfing.


Another helpful feature is mesh ventilation on the cap or the chin strap it comes with. This will make your surf hat more breathable. Moreover, a neck flap is great to protect your neck from getting sunburnt. You might even find a detachable one!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10
Best Surf Hats Ranking

Here are the best Surf Hats, ranked according to 10 Best Surf Hats (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Dakine

Indo Surf HatGriffin

Dakine Indo Surf Hat 1

$39.95

High Mid

Surf Hat With Wide Brim and UV Protection

2

Rip Curl

Wetty Surf Cap

Rip Curl Wetty Surf Cap 1

$29.95

Mid

Surf Cap With Removable Neck Flag

3

Quicksilver

2mm Highline Surf Hat

Quicksilver 2mm Highline Surf Hat 1

$24.95

Low Mid

A Lightweight and Warm Surf Hat

4

Ocean & Earth

Surf Hats and Surf CapsBlue Marle

Ocean & Earth Surf Hats and Surf Caps 1

$37.99

High Mid

This Comes With a Inner Head Band

5

O'Neill

Neoprene 2mm Beanie

O'Neill Neoprene 2mm Beanie 1

$34.95

Mid

A Pull-On Beanie for Cold Weather

6

Everyday California

Floating Waterproof Snapback

Everyday California Floating Waterproof Snapback 1

$32.00

Mid

The Surf Hat That Floats

7

Tilos

Adjustable Surf Cap

Tilos Adjustable Surf Cap 1

$18.95

Low

Easy to Wear and Adjustable Surf Beanie

8

Anroll

Surfing Bucket Hats

Anroll Surfing Bucket Hats 1

$23.89

Low Mid

Comfortable and Quick-Drying Surf Hat

9

Melin

A-Game Hydro

Melin A-Game Hydro 1

$59.00

High

A Floatable and Breathable Surf Cap

10

FCS

Essential Surf Bucket Hat

FCS Essential Surf Bucket Hat 1

$34.00

Mid

This Hat Will Stay Securely in Place

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

DakineIndo Surf HatGriffin

Indo Surf Hat 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.95
High Mid
Reference price
$39.95
High Mid

Surf Hat With Wide Brim and UV Protection

Dakine's bucket surf hat comes with a wide brim and UV coating that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. Not only that, but it also has neck protection that you can store inside the hat.


The hat has a chin strap with mesh ventilation and adjustable buckle closure for a secure fit. The hat's brim flips up to help you see better. The hat is also designed to float on water.


A couple of reviewers complained that the large sizes were still too small. Meanwhile, the majority appreciated that the hat stayed in place and didn't get in their way when surfing. They also said that it fit comfortably.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Rip CurlWetty Surf Cap

Wetty Surf Cap 1
Source:ripcurl.com
Reference price
$29.95
Mid
Reference price
$29.95
Mid

Surf Cap With Removable Neck Flag

Rip curl's surf cap comes with a removable neck flag to keep your neck from getting burned on sunny days and can be removed on days that are not too hot. The cap is made of a cotton-nylon blend that is light and durable.


Moreover, the hat has a detachable chin cord that you can easily adjust with the help of the toggle. The detachable features make the hat versatile. You can also adjust the hat with the help of the strap at the back to make it fit more securely on your head.

No.3

Quicksilver2mm Highline Surf Hat

Reference price
$24.95
Low Mid
Reference price
$24.95
Low Mid

A Lightweight and Warm Surf Hat

If you want a surf hat you can wear during cold seasons, go for this swimming cap-style surf hat. It's recommended to wear it in water between 49 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It's made of 100 percent flexible, light, warm, and comfortable neoprene.


The hat is designed with glued and stitched seams to make it more flexible and fit better to prevent water from entering. It has a two-millimeter hood to keep wind and water out of your eyes. You simply have to slip it on to wear it.

No.4

Ocean & EarthSurf Hats and Surf CapsBlue Marle

Reference price
$37.99
High Mid

This Comes With a Inner Head Band

This bucket surf hat from Ocean & Earth is made with a stiff brim to keep your vision clear and minimize glare from the sun. The visor can also be flipped up when paddling. It has a pocket inside the top of the hat for small essentials and a detachable neck flap for sunny days.


One reviewer appreciated how well the hat fit and that it stayed in place through wipeouts. They also liked that it dried fast and was durable. Another reviewer appreciated that it kept glare out of their eyes when surfing.

No.5

O'NeillNeoprene 2mm Beanie

Neoprene 2mm Beanie 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$34.95
Mid
Reference price
$34.95
Mid

A Pull-On Beanie for Cold Weather

This neoprene beanie from O'Neill is snug, flexible, and thick, and will keep you warm in cold weather. Pull it on and it will stay in place, thanks to its tight fit. If you want to keep it more securely in place, it has elastic loops for a drawcord attachment, so you won't have to worry about losing it.


However, a couple of reviewers said the beanie was too big on them. Make sure you get the right size or a size smaller to ensure a proper and secure fit. Still, reviewers appreciate that the beanie could keep their heads warm even in cold waters. Many liked using it for surfing and other water-related activities.

No.6

Everyday CaliforniaFloating Waterproof Snapback

Reference price
$32.00
Mid

The Surf Hat That Floats

While this hat doesn't come with a chin strap, it's made to float on water if it gets knocked off your head. It does have an adjustable snap closure at the back, though, so you can ensure a secure fit.


The hat is made of light, quick-drying, and durable satin fabric with UPF 50 for maximum sun protection. It's incredibly versatile since it can be worn surfing as well as part of your daily look.


Reviewers said that the hat looked and fit great. They loved how comfortable it was to wear and that it was waterproof. Some noted how durable and protective it was. They also liked how well it worked on and off the water.

No.7

TilosAdjustable Surf Cap

Adjustable Surf Cap 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$18.95
Low
Reference price
$18.95
Low

Easy to Wear and Adjustable Surf Beanie

If you like to surf during colder seasons, you can opt for this easy-to-wear surf hat that works well for cold and windy days. The hat is made of neoprene and nylon, making it warm, stretchy, comfortable, and quick-drying. Additionally, the hat is lined with a waterproof Metalite coating to keep you even warmer.


You can easily adjust the hat to make sure it fits snugly and comfortably on your head with the double-sealed Velcro closure. Plus, it has two vent holes for breathability.


A few buyers complained that the chin strap was too short. But besides this, reviewers agreed that the hat was perfect for cold water. It kept their heads warm and snug. It also kept their hair intact!

No.8

AnrollSurfing Bucket Hats

Surfing Bucket Hats 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.89
Low Mid
Reference price
$23.89
Low Mid

Comfortable and Quick-Drying Surf Hat

This surf hat is made of fast-drying polyester with UV protection. It has a wide brim to keep the sun out of your eyes, mesh vents for breathability, and a removable neck flap for extra protection. It also has an adjustable strap with a buckle closure.


Reviewers said that the hat was comfortable; the chin strap didn't bother them at all. They liked that it had a wide brim to protect them from the sun. A few of them also said that it was lightweight, yet it stayed on securely on their heads.

No.9

MelinA-Game Hydro

Reference price
$59.00
High

A Floatable and Breathable Surf Cap

This versatile surf cap looks just like your regular baseball cap, but it also works well on water. It has an adjustable snap closure for the best fit. The cap is made of moisture-wicking, light, and breathable fabric. The hat is floatable and has a hidden pocket for storage.


However, some reviewers said the cap was stiff and lost its shape easily. Still, more reviewers loved that it was breathable and wicked sweat away. Some appreciated that it fit large heads!

No.10

FCSEssential Surf Bucket Hat

Reference price
$34.00
Mid

This Hat Will Stay Securely in Place

This hat comes with an adjustable chin strap and a buckle closure that will ensure your hat stays securely in place while surfing. It offers extra stability with its secure earpieces. It also has a wide brim for sun protection and perforated panels for ventilation and breathability.


Some of the reviewers noted that the chin strap was too short. However, most reviewers said it was sturdy and held up well in the water and against strong wind. They said it fit snugly and comfortably.

More Essentials for Your Next Surfing Trip

Now that you’ve got your surf hat down, here are some other surfing essentials you might be missing! Take a look at our recommendations to make sure you're beach-ready.

Top 5 Surf Hats

No. 1: DakineIndo Surf HatGriffin

No. 2: Rip CurlWetty Surf Cap

No. 3: Quicksilver2mm Highline Surf Hat

No. 4: Ocean & EarthSurf Hats and Surf CapsBlue Marle

No. 5: O'NeillNeoprene 2mm Beanie

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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