Summer hats: the quickest, easiest and most glam way to protect yourself from burning

Let’s be honest… a sun hat is often the last thing we think to pack, but it really should be top of the list. Not just for style (although we love a good floppy brim moment) but for protecting your scalp, face and sanity in the sweltering heat.

With UV levels rising and skincare top of the agenda, a trusty hat is your best line of defence (especially when sun cream can be irritating or tricky to reapply every 40 minutes). Take it from someone who’s spent one too many holidays with a burnt parting and a breakout from every so-called ‘gentle’ SPF, sometimes, your skin just wants a break. And that’s where a hat comes in. It’s instant shade – no reapplying required.

You don’t have to go full-on Royal Ascot either (unless you want to). I prefer the casual styles of bucket hats or cowboy style (thank you, Beyoncé) as they fit smoothly into the laid-back vibe my style leans towards. For those who like to go glam, a wide-brimmed floppy number is a showstopper that would make Sex And The City’s Samantha Jones proud and it will roll up in your packing, too.

Whether you’re hitting the beach or stuck in a sun-drenched city this June heatwave, don’t step outside without one. Think of it as your chic shield from the sun. Your skin will thank you later.