Sustainable Sun Hats: Introduction
Sustainable sun hats are the summer essential you didn’t know could help save the planet. From shady walks to sandy beaches, they protect your head and face. But many come with hidden costs: synthetic fibres, plastic waste, and poor working conditions. This summer, it’s time to wear your values as well as your style.
This week, we’re tipping our hats to ethical sun protection. Whether it’s made from hemp, cork, or recycled plastic, your next hat could help cut waste, carbon, and exploitation.
A Brief History of Sun Hats
The sun hat is a global invention that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians wove palm fronds into headwear to shield against the desert sun. In Greece and Rome, the petasos became the original wide-brimmed travel hat, often made from felt or straw and worn during farming or military campaigns.
In Asia, conical straw hats became essential for rice farmers and fishermen. They were lightweight, waterproof, and made entirely from renewable materials. In medieval Europe, working people used wool or linen head coverings. The rich, meanwhile, opted for broader brims and decorative bands to reflect wealth and keep cool.
By the 1800s, sun hats became fashion symbols. Pale skin was in vogue, and women wore wide-brimmed hats with ribbons and lace. In the 20th century, straw hats became common beachwear. Baseball caps and bucket hats followed, offering sun protection with a more casual style.
Today, sun hats are evolving again. But now, instead of chasing trends, more people are seeking durability, ethical supply chains, and planet-friendly fabrics.
The Environmental Impact of Non Sustainable Sun Hats
Most sun hats on the high street are made from virgin polyester, nylon, or PVC. All are fossil fuel-based, energy-intensive to produce, and slow to degrade. When binned, they sit in landfill or break down into microplastics that pollute water systems and soil.
Even cotton hats can be problematic. Conventional cotton uses thousands of litres of water per kilo and relies heavily on pesticides. Farming it contributes to soil degradation and water pollution. The environmental cost multiplies when hats are produced in low-wage factories, shipped halfway across the world, and wrapped in single-use plastic.
Then there’s fast fashion. Cheap hats often last a single summer, if that. Poor stitching and synthetic blends make them hard to recycle. It’s estimated that globally, 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated each year, and headwear contributes more than you’d think.
Choosing sustainable materials, supporting ethical brands, and rethinking how we buy are all ways to reduce that impact. Sun protection should not come at the cost of the planet.
What to Look For in a Sustainable Sun Hats
Start with the fabric. Hemp is one of the best materials available. It grows fast, needs very little water, and helps rebuild soil. It is also UV-resistant, strong, and naturally breathable, which makes it ideal for summer wear. Organic cotton is another solid option, as long as it is GOTS-certified.
Recycled polyester is gaining traction too. While synthetic, it reuses plastic bottles and old textiles, diverting waste from landfill. Cork, linen, and bamboo are also showing up in eco-friendly headwear, with added benefits like lightness and moisture resistance.
Check for ethical sourcing and independent certifications. Look out for brands that are B Corp certified or part of Fair Wear. These show a commitment to safe working conditions and lower emissions. Transparency is key. If a brand is vague about where and how a hat is made, it probably isn’t great news.
Finally, choose something built to last. A good hat should survive more than one summer. Repairable seams, classic shapes, and neutral colours help extend its life and reduce waste.
Our Three Favourite Sustainable Sun Hat Brands
The Hemp Shop
Made from 100 percent organic hemp, Hemp Shop hats are breathable, durable, and biodegradable. The Hemp Shop is based in the UK and focuses on ethical sourcing and natural materials. Its bucket hat design is practical, stylish, and ideal for warm weather. Head to their website and use code PLAYITGREEN15 for 15% off your first order!
Tentree
Tentree makes hats from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and cork. For every product sold, they plant ten trees. The brand is B Corp certified and open about its supply chain. Their hats come in several styles and are made to last. Head to their website and use code PLAYITGREEN30 for 30% off your first order (does not include delivery discount)!
ROKA London
ROKA’s Hatfield hat is made from recycled canvas and is water-resistant, vegan, and built for everyday use. ROKA focuses on practical, durable design with sustainability at its core. A great choice for urban adventures or weekend walks. Head to their website and sign up to their mailing list for 10% off your first order!
Sustainable Sun Hats: Wrap-Up
Sustainable sun hats prove that even your summer accessories can be part of climate action. By choosing natural or recycled materials, avoiding fast fashion, and supporting responsible brands, your hat becomes a symbol of something better.
At Play It Green, we believe change happens through everyday choices. A sun hat may seem small, but multiplied across thousands of people, it makes a difference. This summer, wear your values on your head.
Join The Community Making Change – Play It Green
By partnering with Play It Green, you can integrate sustainable action, education, nature repair and social impact into your life and business operations.
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