Need help finding hat that is cool but protects balding head from sun

[originalrabbit]

We will be in FW and WDW in the middle of June. My husband has very light skin and little hair on the top of his head. His scalp tends to burn and peel very quickly. He complains that a baseball cap is too hot to wear in the summer, that a mesh hat lets the sunrays shine through, and that a floppy fisherman's hat looks downright stupid. What can he wear that protects, breathes, and looks halfway decent? Help! I hate it when his head peels!!

 

[Memph1s]

A white mesh baseball cap does the trick for me. Be sure it is a tight mesh not solid design, and white helps a lot also. When it is really sunny I will wear a bandana under the back part of the hat and let it hang down and cover the back of my neck. I take the hat off as often as I can when in the shade or inside to let off some heat and try to let it dry a little. Its not perfect but short of carrying an umbrella its the best I have found. I have seen a lot of guys wearing a bandana pirate style but I don't like that look on me.

 

[Grasshoppa]

I have a very light complexion and am 'folically challenged' as well.
In the summer at the parks I wear a ball cap but will wet it down occasionally to keep my head cool. This seems to really help.

 

[bsbkmacgowan]

Our entire family, including our girls, wear our Tilley hats whenever we are down at WDW. We bought them prior to our very first trip in June of 2001, and we still use them. While they're not inexpensive, they are worth every penny! (and they're guaranteed... even if digested by an elephant!) (seriously, it has happened, and I've seen the hat myself!)

Whenever we're wearing them in the parks, we always have people asking us where we got them.

The model we have includes snaps on the sides to raise the brim up if desired (which is how Brian normally wears his.)

There are grommets on the sides to allow some air flow, and we've never felt they were overly warm - they were definite lifesavers during our summer trip!

You can check out all the particulars on the company website

Tilley Endurables

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Sandy (and Brian, Bonnie & Kellie, too!)

 

[originalrabbit]

Got your recommendation this morning and will order hat this afternoon. You have saved our vacation! Thank you!

 

[auntie]

Just curious...but what about sun screen..or isn't this an option...and then not having to deal with the hat?

 

[originalrabbit]

The sun screen makes what hair is left greasy and cling to the scalp. Male vanity will not allow him to go into public with two greasy hairs! Seriously, he has very sensitive skin and has to be careful about what he puts on his face and scalp. He tends to break out in tiny little bumps if he puts sunscreen, lip balm, etc. on his face. Thanks for the concern! Can't have a man out and about with water blisters on his face, greasy hair, and fly bits on his legs and arms - just wouldn't look cool on an aging overweight preppie!

 

[aldebnj]

I went to the Tilley site and discovered that a fishing shop around the corner from my office is one of their retailers. Went over there and picked up my own Tilley with no wait. I love it already. Thanks for the recommendation!

Al

 

[flaps]

Originally posted by originalrabbit
Male vanity will not allow him to go into public with two greasy hairs!

My spouse has been balding since the day I married him (Hmm...), and I just cracked up at your comment. Thanks for the laugh!

I'll have to take a look at the Tilley hats. My guy lives in a ballcap. Might be a nice change.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I used to have a full head of hair, in fact it was really thick. I didn't lose mine until I had kids. Anyway, the Tilley hat looks a lot like the Booney hat I wore in the Army when in Central America a few years ago. I wear mine when I garden and go camping. They are truly indestructible, and you can soak them down on a hot day. Just be sure they are either pre shrunk or large enough to shrink, or you will get an incredible headache when they dry. Otherwise, I go with a baseball cap or if I am on the golf course, my Disney golf hat. I picked up one at Team Disney a couple of days ago at DTD for my son which is a baseball style golf hat but made of a light, rip stop material. It was 19 bucks there but he really likes that.

 

[fsufandis]

Got to Bealls (pronounced Bells).

They sell Columbia outdoor gear that is made for taking the sun.

Here is an online link.

http://www.beallsflorida.com

Click on the men's section and shop by brand (Columbia). Then click to "view the entire shop" Look under Men's hats, caps and visors.

The Bora Bora Booney hat is really great. Can go in the suitcase, has mesh band around the top. Made for fishing the Florida flats (places like the keys).

 

[Gillian]

The latest issue of Caribbean travel & Life reviews some new hats, including the Tilley hemp hat. They say order it one size up from normal.

Others were Physician Endorsed (for women) and the Columbia Booney and Bahama hats. The Columbia hats now come in UPF 30, which means they are very good at blocking UV rays.

As usual, DISers know what they're talking about!