Columbia Sun Hats

Omni-Shade is Columbia's sun-protective fabric, rated by UPF, which blocks the large majority of UVA and UVB rays and, unlike sunscreen, does not wear off through the day. On a hat it means the brim shades your face, ears and the back of your neck, the spots that catch the most sun and are easiest to miss with cream, on exposed trails and open water. The higher the UPF number, the more UV the fabric blocks.

Yes, they are built for it. The fabric is light and quick-drying so it does not get heavy with sweat, many have mesh venting to keep your head cool, and a lot of styles add a chin cord so the hat stays on in wind on an exposed summit or beach. A wide-brimmed booney gives the most all-round shade, while a cap with a neck cape covers the back of the neck. Choose the brim style by how much cover you want.

It depends on the style. Most booney and bucket hats come in one adjustable or unisex size with a drawcord or toggle to snug the fit, while some structured brimmed hats offer S/M and L/XL fittings for a more tailored feel. If you are between sizes or have a larger or smaller head than average, an adjustable style is the safer choice, and the product page lists the sizing for each hat.

Hand wash it in cool water with a little mild detergent, gently working out sweat and sunscreen marks around the band, then rinse and reshape it while damp so the brim dries flat rather than warped. Avoid a hot machine wash or tumble dry, which can distort the brim and the internal shaping. The Omni-Shade sun protection is part of the fabric rather than a coating, so normal washing does not reduce it.

Yes, choose Click & Collect at checkout. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours and you will get an email when ready. Available from our Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown and Cork City Centre stores.

Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over €100.

We have four stores across Ireland: Dublin Carrickmines, Dublin Blanchardstown, Cork City Centre and Arnotts Dublin.