Ladies hat recommendations please!

I wear hats when I travel for that very same reason. Hoods & umbrellas are not my first choice.

I have a few different kinds of hats, but all of them have a brim to shade/cover my eyes. I've done baseball caps, but that's my fallback option when I forget to pack my hat.

If you have the chance, visit a couple of stores where you can try on hats to see what works best for your comfort level. REI (or other stores specializing in outdoor gear) have a variety of hats which offer protection from both the sun and rain.

For rain I take a baseball cap to keep my raincoat hood out of my eyes. For sun I have wide-brimmed hats, several from Costco. Strap under the chin, although it looks dorky, is very useful if there is any wind.

I totally agree with the chin strap. Places along rivers and coastlines, as well as places on hills and mountains, can be very windy. I hate having to walk around with my hand on top of my head.

I have not had good luck buying hats online because of sizing issues.

I'm a hat person in the winter, but, lol, that does not answer your question for summer wear.

I don't wear a ball cap style any time, so can't offer any suggestions there. In the summer, I have either my umbrella or a hood attached to my summer rain coat.

But, traveling and hiking, you can't dart into a store all the time to prevent glasses or whatever from getting too wet.

What about the "Tote's" brand? https://www.totes.com/c/womens-rainwear/_/N-3465267913?Nrpp=24

Yep, they are a bit on the pricier side, but supposedly they are good at keeping your hair dry. They do come as a "bucket" style - not sure if that would appeal to you. Everyone's face frame is different of course.

Here are some other ideas -

If you are near a Khol's, JCPenney's, Macy's, TJMaxx, go and check out their accessories departments. I have seen the Tote's brand as well as generic brands of "rain and sun hats."

Also, a few of the bigger Walmart Supercenters carry the Tote's brand. They may also have a generic brand of rain hats. Maybe even Target. Doesn't hurt to look if you are near all those stores.

As someone mentioned, head sizes vary and may be either too big or too small. If you can, it's best to be able to try on styles.

I love my Tilley hats and wear one whenever I travel abroad. The brim is sturdy and won't flop down in my face in rain or wind.

Think Grace Kelly! Put on a wide brimmed, soft hat. Then wrap a lovely scarf across the top of it and tie under your chin to keep it on. You can also use the scarf on its own.

Just thought of something...

As I mentioned, I don't care to wear ball caps. But, I do have a few "newsboy" style hats - black, choco brown and gray. I put my hair in a low pony tail and slap on the cap for certain days. It is a firm construction so it sits nicely on the head and nice brim. I also have a black velvet one, lol. ok TMI...

I get a lot of compliments when I wear them - fall to winter though...lol...Since they are a light wool material (and velvet.) I got my newsboy hats years ago at Kohl's. They do sell them still but a bit different in style and "banding" around the hat.

Just another idea to pass on...I believe stores sell the spring and summer versions. I have seen a more "cottony slouchy" newsboy hat style for the warmer weather. .

Also, someone mentioned wide brimmed hats - sun hats can be found anywhere now - Walmart, Macy's, JCPenney's, Kohl's. There are some "foldable" ones for sale. With sun hats too, you have to try them on - some are way too big and floppy, some are too.....ehhh, and some are "just right." I have a smaller head so certain hats just go plunk on my head...umm. no, lol.

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I've seen wide-brimmed hats sold all over the place in Europe's sunny destinations. You don't even have to go inside a store to find them. Ir's unusual to see one with a chin strap, though.

Seattle sombrero by Outdoor Research. Amazon has it as well as REI. Expensive but a very nice hat.

Thanks all for the ideas! Guess I’d better head to the dreaded mall tomorrow and try some on...

I have about 30 Sunday Afternoons hats, an obsession, I know. Highly recommend them for travel and they do make all kinds of hats. Their rain hats are great.

The Seattle Sombrero mentioned above is on sale (25% off) at the REI outlet right now:

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage

That is 25% of five the discounted outlet price, so some are under $20. If you want a hat for both sun and rain, this is a good choice.

I like Outdoor Research, because they make women's hats in XL for my big head. I take this one on trips because it folds down quite small--easy to stash in your daybag, just-in-case.
https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/womens/womens-hats/womens-rain-hats/lightstorm-bucket/p/2435210740008

Ooooh, I like that hat. Much nicer-looking than the sombrero!

Kathi, not a baseball cap but on the advice of my dermatologist, I wear a wide brimmed Wallaroo hat. They are adjustable to any size head, have a selection of brim widths and come in a variety of cute styles and colors. For me and my skin cancer issues, they are perfect as they have sunscreen somehow "magically" in the weave! I have a couple and one always travels with me. They crush down to practically nothing and then (again "magically") regain their shape. The adjustable cord is long enough to tie either in the back of my head or under my chin in case it's a windy day. I love them. Here's the link where they will explain the "magically" parts of my reply...... https://wallaroohats.com

I can vouch for Wallaroo's 'Sydney' and 'Victoria' style hats, if you want something more feminine than my aforementioned Tilley hat.. And they breathe!!! They're my golf course hats here in the humid, hot south. They have a comfortable drawstring inside that even fits my big head. (most women's hats are too small for me.) These two styles are machine washable on Gentle/Delicate and air dry. Fold them up, pack them, and they'll look fine when you wear them. And they come in cute colors. :-)

Andi and Gramwait,
Dang, that’s what I’m talking about! The Wallaroo hats are stylish! Of course I just bought a rain cap at Eddie Bauer yesterday. Oh well, I’ll keep them in mind for when I need a sun hat. Good one ladies!

A couple of non gender specific suggestions. Tilley LTM5 or LTM6 Airflo hats (only difference between the two is brim width). Shelta Seahawk. The Shelta is a little more "outdoorsy" looking but is more crushable and easier to pack. My personal preference is hats with a wide brim for sun protection. I've got all 3 of these hats myself and wear them all regularly.