The 10 Best Golf Straw Hats

According to my dermatologist, golf straw hats offer the best protection from the sun. That chat came after a recent scare where potentially cancerous cells were discovered in my skin.

Fortunately, all is well, but prevention is better than cure, so let’s check out some hats to protect your skin.

The 10 best golf straw hats for 2023 are:

1. Puma Conversation Straw Sunbucket – Overall Best
2. Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat – Best Budget Golf Belt
3. Dorfman Rush Gambler – Most Breathable
4. Stetson Airway – Best Premium Golf Panama Hat
5. Scala Palm Fiber – Best Straw Gambler Golf Hat
6. Wallaroo Hat Company Palmer Fedora – Best Golf Sun Hat For Traveling
7. Callaway Ladies Allure Visor – Best Women’s Straw Golf Hat
8. Quicksilver Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw – Most Stylish Best Straw Golf Hat
9. Callaway Sun Hat – Best Sun Protection
10. Ultrafino Golf Visor Scoop – Best Premium Ladies Straw Hats

By the end of this post, you will know the top 10 golf straw hats in 2023. Plus, I reveal how effective their moisture-wicking, ventilation, and UPF protection abilities are. Finally, I touch on the factors to consider when searching for a quality straw golf hat.

Top 3 Best Golf Belts

	Best Overall	Best Budget	Most Breathable
	Puma Conversation Straw Sunbucket	Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat	Dorfman Rush Gambler
Pros	Affordable The wide brim provides maximum sun protection Superb moisture wicking	Highly affordable UPF 50+ sun protection Maximum breathability	Optimal breathability Super affordable Optimal sun protection
Cons	Limited size offerings No alternative colors	Not suited to wet conditions The material is heavier than regular straw, adding additional mass to the wear.	Not ideal for rainy conditions No chin strap to keep it attached on high-impact swings.
Price Score	93.3	96.4	97.9
Comfort	91.4	86.7	85.9
Moisture Wicking	93.5	89.2	84.3
Breathability	89.6	92.4	98.7
Rating	4.8 Stars	4.6 Stars	4.6 Stars

The Top 10 Straw Golf Hats For 2023

1. Puma Conversation Straw Sunbucket – Overall Best Men’s Straw Golf Hat

Pros

• Affordable
• The wide brim provides maximum sun protection
• Superb moisture wicking
• Breathable
• Fashionable under-brim design

Cons

• Limited size offerings
• No alternative colors

The Puma Conversation Straw Sunbucket Hat claims the grand prize in our best straw hat review for its affordability, style, sun protection, and moisture wicking. Plus, I felt the large size fit my head superbly and stayed in place for most of my round.

Off the bat, I appreciated its budget-friendly price tag and its stylish appearance. The 100% straw composition sports a green background with desert plants and the famed Puma leaping into the air. The same pattern returns under the brim, further spicing its fashionability.

On the performance front, it kept my pale skin sheltered from the rays, thanks to its wide brim design. Next, its moisture-wicking sweatband was a savior on a scorching day. It caught the sweat off my forehead and expelled it, keeping my head dry and promoting comfort.

I also appreciated the inclusion of a chin strap, which helped me keep the hat on after striking my golf ball. Finally, Puma constructs the Conversation Straw bucket hat in a small/medium and large/extra large. The small-medium fits 22 to 23-inch heads, while the large fits 23 to 24-inch noggins.

Rating: 4.8

Read more: The Best Golf Bucket Hats

2. Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat – Best Budget Golf Panama Hat

Pros

• Highly affordable
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Maximum breathability
• Internal moisture-wicking band
• Easy to roll up and store in your bag

Cons

• Not suited to wet conditions
• The material is heavier than regular straw, adding additional mass to the wear.

Despite some golf straw hats fetching a premium, there are quality, budget-friendly options like the Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat. It’s constructed from paper straw which is more affordable than pure straw. Price aside, it offers outstanding UPF 50+ sun protection, breathability, and internal moisture wicking.

The wide brim design consists of paper straw, modified for UPF 50+ sun protection. In layman’s terms, the brim shields the skin from 98% of the rays. After almost 5 hours on the course with the Havana Hat, my neck, face, and chest were largely unscathed.

I felt the hat enabled superb breathability on a hot day, which kept my hair and head cool on the course. The interior moisture-wicking sweatband further enhanced my comfort to extract sweat from my forehead.

In addition, Sunday Afternoons craft their Havana Hat in a wealth of sizes to cater to every head size. Plus, there is the option of 6 colors to suit every taste. My only gripe with the hat is that it struggles in the wet, and excess raindrops can ruin it for good.

Rating: 4.6

3. Dorfman Rush Gambler – Best Straw Golf Hat For Breathability

Pros

• Optimal breathability
• Super affordable
• Optimal sun protection
• Crafted in multiple sizes
• Classy leather band

Cons

• Not ideal for rainy conditions
• No chin strap to keep it attached on high-impact swings.

Breathability is a deal breaker for me with hats, as I tend to steam up quickly and experience severe discomfort. The Dorfman Rush Gambler hat delivered the finest airflow in 2023 to claim our most breathable design. I was impressed by its sun protection, comfort, and high-quality material.

Dorfman designed the Rush Gambler hat from rush straw and applied an oval crown with increased perforations, delivering outstanding ventilation. The vents performed optimally to keep my head cool throughout my round and were solidly built despite its rock-bottom price tag.

Adding to its class is a faux leather band that wraps around the exterior, which discerning golfers may appreciate. Next, its brim measured 3 inches and offered optimal shade from the blistering sun during testing.

Lastly, the hat is only offered in a natural color, while sizes range from small to extra large. As a result, they cover head circumferences ranging from 21 to 24 inches.

Rating: 4.6

Read More: Best Golf Winter Golf Hats

4. Stetson Airway – Best Premium Golf Panama Hat

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Optimal ventilation
• Enhanced UV protection
• Classy appearance
• The chin strap keeps the hat attached to your head

Cons

• Expensive
• Only available in 2 colors

Stetson is a brand that needs little introduction, and their Airway Vented Panama Hat claims its rightful place on our top 10 list. Our best premium Panama hat delivers style, quality, ventilation, and exceptional sun protection.

Stetson keeps it simple, offering the hat in a natural or toast color, with the former appealing more to my eye. A leather band on the exterior of the crown enhances its elegance, pairing well with the natural color of the hat.

A 3-inch wide brim provided all the shade I needed on the golf course, keeping my skin out of harm’s way. Furthermore, the UV protective under-brim bolstered the UV protection to further shield my sensitive epidermis.

I thought the Airway generated optimal airflow through the interior. My hair and skin were exposed to the exterior and remained refreshed during the day. Finally, the chin strap helped me keep the hat in place on high-impact strikes, to alleviate the worry of my premium headgear flying off into the distance.

Rating: 4.4

Read more: The Best Golf Sun Hats

5. Scala Palm Fiber – Best Straw Gambler Golf Hat

Pros

• Premium quality material
• Advanced moisture-wicking
• Durable construction
• 3-inch wide brim for superior sun protection
• Stylish leather rim band.

Cons

• Not the best for moisture wicking
• More expensive than other straw golf hats

Sticking with high-quality constructions, we turn to our best straw golf hat in a gambler design. Scala Palm Fiber hats bag the top spot thanks to their premium material, sweatband, and satisfactory sun protection.

Scala opted for organic raffia to craft the hat, ensuring a high-quality build, maximum shelter, and ventilation. Although I only tested it briefly, it had the makings of a hat that could see you through a couple of years if maintained effectively.

The crown of the hat entailed vents, which promoted an element of airflow through the hat. However, the level of ventilation was dwarfed compared to the Dorfman Rush Gambler, and my head did sweat profusely at times.

Despite the moisture build-up, its Coolmax sweatband stepped in to eradicate the sweat from the interior and keep my forehead dry. Lastly, Scala offers the Palm Fiber Gambler hat in a small and extra-large sizes.

Rating: 4.2

6. Wallaroo Hat Company Palmer Fedora – Best Golf Sun Hat For Traveling

Pros

• Lightweight construction
• Folds without losing shape
• Breathable
• Exceptional sun protection
• Adjustable cord

Cons

• More expensive than other golf straw hats
• The natural color makes dirt visible and ruins your appearance.

A fedora is an ideal straw hat for those frequently traveling for golf. I find it adapts to the Soft Taco Fold easily, and it fits seamlessly into the apparel pocket on my golf bag. In addition, it offered exceptional sun protection, light wear, and increased breathability.

The Palmer Fedora offered superb sun protection during testing, thanks to its 3.5-inch brim, keeping the sun’s rays off my face, neck, and chest. Next, I found the medium better suited to my head. However, Wallaroo does offer a larger design that measures 24 inches around the perimeter.

I thought the Palmer Fedora produced sufficient airflow from the crown, thanks to the weaving, which created air gaps. On the construction topic, the hat felt light and easy to wear, enhancing my comfort throughout the round.

I also liked the addition of the Wallaroo drawstring in this Fedora, which allowed me to adjust the fit for enhanced stability. Finally, the hat is only offered in a natural color, a travesty for fashionistas.

Rating: 4.2

Read More: How To Clean Golf Hats

7. Callaway Ladies Allure Visor – Best Women’s Straw Golf Hats

Pros

• One size fits most
• Wide brim offers superb coverage
• Open crown promotes greater breathability
• Designed in 4 colors
• Roll-up design for seamless portability

Cons

• It does not cover the crown of your head
• Sensitive skin is better suited to a covered crown

Our first pick for ladies in 2023 is the Callaway Allure Visor for its wide brim, portability, and design offerings. Besides its looks, the open crown design allows your hair to breathe in the breeze, but this does expose your head to the sun.

Despite your exposed crown, the wide brim deflects sun rays and keeps your face and neck shielded, which reduces sunburn. In addition, Callaway added a hook and loop closure with velcro to adjust the fit to cater to most heads.

Next, the Allure Visor allows you to choose 4 colors ranging from white, black, natural, and a combination of white and black. Black compliments most shirt colors and conceals dirt better than lighter colors to avoid tainting your appearance on the links.

Finally, it is suitable for away rounds because it’s built to roll up without losing shape. Roll it up, place it in your kit bag, and unroll it when you get to the course.

Rating: 4.2

8. Quicksilver Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw – Most Stylish Best Straw Golf Hat

Pros

• 25 stylish designs
• Durable rafia material
• Enhanced UV protection
• Optimized breathability
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Not water resistant
• The logo is bulky and an eyesore

You may associate Quicksilver more with surfing than golf, as I do. However, their Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw hat is perfect for the links. Particularly their stars and stripes under brim pattern, to show your patriotism. They also offer 24 alternative designs, which are colorful, stylish, and refreshing.

Quicksilver weaved the hat from rafia fiber and developed a wide brim design that offers a comfortable fit and optimal UV protection. In addition, I found the lined headband generated impressive comfort as it separated my skin from the straw for a soft feel around the links.

Next, the drawstring strap was a welcomed bonus, as I managed to keep the hat on through impact, helping me focus on my shot and not my hat. I also appreciated the ventilation of the hat induced by the expert weaving. It managed to keep air flowing and moisture away while I enjoyed my round.

Quicksilver suggests that the Outsider Lifeguard Beach Straw hat should never interact with water as it will alter its shape. Lastly, I really dislike the bulky Quicksilver logo on the front of the hat, which I find slightly kitsch.

You can check out Quicksliver’s other straw hats on Amazon if this style doesn’t fit you.

Rating: 4.1

9. Callaway Sun Hat – Best Sun Protection

Pros

• Maximum UV protection
• Breathable
• Premium quality straw
• Wide brim boosts cover
• Comfortable wear

Cons

• Moderately expensive
• One size may not fit every hit

Our penultimate golf straw hat for 2023 is the Callaway Straw Sun Hat which offers the best protection from harsh rays. Plus, it proved breathable, and I enjoyed the adjustable strap, which kept the hat secure during every shot.

Callaway reinforced the best golf straw hat with 50+ UV protection to block out 98% of the sun’s rays. My neck and face appreciated the shielding of the broad brim design, as I left the course with no sunburn or skin irritation.

Next, the lightweight straw material was a pleasure to wear, enabling air to flow consistently into the crown to cool off my head. My comfort was further enhanced by the moisture-wicking band that separated my forehead from the straw and wicked moisture from the surface.

Finally, I felt the black band around the exterior of the crown added a classy finish to the hat, and traditionalists will likely approve.

Rating: 4.0

10. Ultrafino Golf Visor Scoop – Best Premium Ladies Straw Hats

Pros

• Elegant style
• High-quality material
• Breathable
• Increased brim coverage
• Available in 3 sizes

Cons

• More expensive than most competitors
• No colorful bands are available

The features that make the Ultrafino Golf Visor Scoop our best premium ladies straw hat are its elegance, outstanding sun protection, and comfort. Besides its performance, they offer the choice of three classy ribbon bands, which will pair well with your favorite apparel.

The brim extends 3 ⅛ inches wide to enhance your coverage for superior glare resistance on the links. I feel the scoop visor design is one of the better-looking peaks on a hat and adds to the elegance of the Ultrafino design.

Thanks to its advanced weaving, the Visor Scoop features various perforations around the crown, allowing air to enter. This is useful in the summer as the airflow keeps your hair cool and dry.

Finally, Ultrafino crafts the Golf Visor Scoop Visor hat in extra small, small, and medium sizes. If your head is slightly larger, consider the adjustable Callaway Ladies Allure.

Rating: 4.0

What To Consider When Purchasing A Straw Hat

UPF Protection

Hats offer varying levels of sun protection, and your skin type guides your choice. For example, I have fair skin and burn easily. This is why my dermatologist demands I use UPF 50+ clothing.

Conversely, if your skin handles the sun better than mine, you might get by with UPF 30 protection. However, No matter your skin type, I still suggest seeking maximum protection where possible to prevent any damage in the long run.

Hat Sizes

Hats either fit small through to extra large heads, or manufacturers offer a one size fits all design. Extra large hats generally fit heads with a 24-inch circumference, while small sizes work for 20 to 21-inch heads.

If you remain uncertain of your hat size, you can always opt for a one-size-fits-all, but it may not deliver the perfect fit you desire.

Moisture Wicking

Weaved straw hats generally create natural perforations which enable air to flow through and keep your head cool and dry. However, not all hats wick moisture away from the interior. To ensure you enjoy enhanced sweat wicking from the forehead, ensure the hat contains a sweatband.

FAQ

Conclusion

The best golf straw hats review highlights the efficiency of the design and how they provide maximum UV protection, breathability, and durability. Although we featured some visor designs which leave your crown exposed, most of the top ten feature full cover in the crown air to reduce exposure to the sun.

While each golf straw hat proved its worth in its individual category, I found the Puma Conversations Straw Sunbucket hat was the best overall performer. Its wide brim ensured outstanding shelter from the sun, was moderately breathable, and wicked moisture from the surface.

Finally, the Puma hat is a super affordable design compared to its peers, making it a viable option for the average golfer.

Read More:

• Why Do Golfers Take Their Hat Off To Shake Hands