How to Choose a Beach Hat for Kids
By Kip&Co: Fun, colourful and stylish bedding, homewares ... | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Find the perfect kids' beach hat with our buying guide. Learn about fit, fabric, and sun safety to keep your little explorer cool and protected.
Quick answer
Look for a kids beach hat made from 100% cotton with a wide brim for shade, a secure fit that stays on during play, and a fun print your child will actually want to wear.
Why fabric matters for sun protection and comfort
Cotton is a breathable, natural fabric that keeps little heads cool on hot days. All the beach hats in this guide use 100% cotton, which helps wick away sweat and feels soft against sensitive skin. A cotton drill option like the Ciao Stripe Beach Hat offers a slightly sturdier feel that holds its shape well.
Avoid synthetic materials that can trap heat and cause discomfort. Cotton also absorbs moisture, which is helpful when your child inevitably gets splashed or sweaty.
The trade-off between brim width and visibility
A wide brim provides more shade for the face, ears, and neck, but it can also block a child's peripheral vision. For toddlers who are still learning to walk or run, a brim that is too wide might cause them to trip or bump into things.
Look for a brim that extends at least 7cm (about 3 inches) all around. That gives good coverage without being cumbersome. The Follow The Sun Yellow Beach Hat and Aussie Road Trip Beach Hat both offer a practical brim width for active play.
How to get the right fit (and keep it on)
A hat that falls off is useless for sun protection. Most kids' beach hats come in multiple sizes based on head circumference. Measure your child's head just above the eyebrows and ears, then check the size chart.
Look for a chin strap or tie to keep the hat secure in windy conditions or during active play. A hat that is too loose will slide around, while one that is too tight will be uncomfortable and cause red marks. The Kip&Co x Mambo Mambo World Beach Hat includes an embroidered patch and a classic fit that works well for most head shapes.
Your beach hat decision checklist
- Check the fabric: Choose 100% cotton for breathability and comfort. Avoid synthetic blends that trap heat.
- Measure head size: Use a flexible tape measure around the head just above the eyebrows. Compare to the size chart. A snug but not tight fit is ideal. Write down the measurement before shopping.
- Look for a chin strap: A detachable chin strap or tie helps keep the hat on during windy beach days and active play. Test the strap for comfort. If the hat doesn't have one, consider adding a hat clip.
- Consider the brim width: A 7cm brim offers good sun coverage for face and neck. Wider brims give more shade but may limit vision for very young children. For toddlers, a medium brim is often the best balance.
- Choose a print they love: Let your child pick a pattern they like. A hat they want to wear is more likely to stay on and do its job. Involve them in the selection process.
Beach hats at a glance
- Follow The Sun Yellow Beach Hat: Made from 100% cotton with hand-drawn florals in pink, orange, and cornflower blue on a yellow base. The bright, playful print encourages kids to wear it, and the cotton keeps their head cool during long beach days.
- Kip&Co x Mambo Mambo World Beach Hat: Features retro Australiana summer scenes on a sea-blue base with an embroidered signature mambo patch. The unique design stands out at the beach, and the 100% cotton fabric makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
Which hat for which child?
Best for
- Active toddlers who need a secure fit and a fun print they'll enjoy wearing
- Parents who want a breathable cotton hat that provides reliable sun protection without fuss
Not for
- Babies under 6 months who need a hat with a very small size and extra sun protection features like a neck flap
