If, like me, you're having a slight meltdown about the prospect of temperatures up to a possible 40 degrees when there is no swimming pool in sight, then I'm here to remind you that other than sun cream, please remember to wear a hat. And if your sun hat collection is lacking, I've rounded up six of the most practical and chic available on Amazon Prime delivery.
Now, I am actually not a huge fan of buying fashion on Amazon. Yes, I might buy products I already know, such as Birkenstock's or a repeat of my best white trainers, the FitFlop Rally, as they often have great deals on staples, but I have to admit, I rarely get accessories or clothing. But having been unprepared more than once for the British summertime, I now regularly buy elegant sun hats on the speedy delivery etailer and for ease and price, they can't be beaten.
From cloche-inspired to Panama and Fedora brimmed designs, to wide, floppy silhouettes that almost make me reroute to my nearest lido, I rarely step outside in 23 degrees plus without a hat for extra protection, and this week is one that my favourite styles will be firmly on my head.
Contemporary sunhats with next day delivery options
This hat is definitely style and substance, and with a 4.6 star rating and over 15,000 customers, it's a fashion buy on Amazon that I'm happy to back. A Panama hat is a style classic and this design is a summer capsule wardrobe classic that you'll wear again and again. Foldable and therefore packable, you won't jet off without it.
With a utilitarian, safari-esque feel to it, this practical and stylish fabric hat is ideal for those who are commuting and need something for either end of their journey. The fabric body means it is foldable into a handbag, while the elegant colour choice, keeps it neutral enough to go with everything. The wide brim and neck coverage offer substantial protection.
More of a beach-boho queen? I love a big floppy hat for sunny days, as although I am rigid with my sun cream top ups, I do like to add that extra shading with a large brim. Stylish with sunglasses, and neutral enough to go with any look, the rounded silhouette and black ribbon add a distinctly more feminine feel than say a Fedora.
I love this stylish sun hat and have been waiting for it to come back into stock. In multiple neutral colourways, the vintage-inspired design has more of a cloche-inspired silhouette that's extremely elegant and ideal for adding to your best summer dress outfits this season. Again, it offers good levels of shading and protection, and is available on next-day delivery.
This hat is proof that you don't need to spend a lot to look expensive. This quiet luxury design features a braided faux leather belt around the base of the hat for added detail and ups the glam factor of this unisex style hat. Teamed with wide white linen trousers and a half-tucked white linen shirt, you will be ready to beat the hot weather in style.
Linen is one of the best fabrics you can wear in hot weather, and this chic, cloche-inspired linen hat is just the ticket for the next few days. Also available in a light denim hue, the bow tie back adds feminine detail to this breathable, easy to pack and go sun hat that you can slip on and off with ease. Light, available on next day delivery and under £26.
What to look for in a summer hat
Now, when you're buying on Amazon, and this goes for most products, but particularly in fashion, ready the reviews and look at the star ratings - and how many people have actually rated it. Less than 100+ reviews, proceed with caution, and under 4 stars? Keep scrolling.
The comments and the tab that tells you if an item is regularly returned is helpful too in assessing how well an item has been received, and yes, while delivery is quick, no one likes to have to do returns, and these little checks will help you to whittle down the better quality items and more reliable products.
Of course, you can't virtually try the hats on, so I try to stick to styles that are similar to shapes I already own or have previously tried, but as speed is of the essence, check the returns policies, and if you can send items back, you might want to Amazon Prime a few options to get the perfect look. Stick to neutral colours so that your chosen design pairs easily with multiple options, and try to choose softer, foldable styles as these can then double up for holiday wardrobes too.
