Availability of Hats Online in the United States that Meet Sun Protective Recommendations

The objective of this study is to determine the likelihood for online consumers seeking hats for sun protection in the United States (US) successfully finding one that meets the recommended criteria for adequate UV protection and whether UPF claims made by these products are reliable indicators of this protection based on materials, structure, and design.

Online US consumer experience was simulated to identify the top 20 hats targeting consumers seeking sun protection. Specific details were evaluated for the top 20 products identified based on the volume of product occurrences identified as key markers for ultraviolet (UV) protection including the hat style, brim length, UPF claims, presence of ventilation eyelets or mesh, and presence of a reflective undersurface.

Although 90 percent of hats marketed for use in the sun made UPF claims, there was a 60 percent probability of finding a hat that conformed to stringent UPF standards for hats set forth by UK and Australian testing standards for UPF claims to be made by hats to be used for sun protection factoring in materials, structure, and design.

Given the lack of conformity for UPF testing and 33 percent of hats failing to meet criteria for adequate sun protection based on materials, structure, and design, UPF claims for hats sold in the US online are not a reliable indicator for sun protection. Recommendations for hats for UV protection should focus on crown coverage, circumferential brim with length of at least 2.75", materials with minimal disruption, and not UPF claims.