Choosing the right hat is a matter of health

We know how important it is to find a hat that complements our outfit, or that suits the shape of our face, but choosing the right hat is also a matter of health care.



When summer rolls around, it’s essential that we protect ourselves from the sun while staying cool at the same time.

Here are some tips for choosing the perfect hat:

- Know your size. Measure the circumference of your head at the point shown in the diagram below. A hat should fit snugly but not be too tight as this may cause headaches.



- Try to choose hats made of natural materials such as straw, wool, cotton or canvas for ‘breathe-ability.’ This way your head is protected while not overheating.

- Colour can also make a difference to our comfort. Lighter colours reflect heat while darker colours absorb it, therefore we should try to stick to lighter in summer and darker in winter.

- It goes without saying that a hat with a brim is a more sensible choice than one without and the broader the brim, the better the protection. This style can be a problem, though, when it’s windy. Here is where a good, firm fit is important and perhaps we should even consider a return to the old-fashioned hat pin or under-chin tie to help keep our hat securely in place.

- A visor (of the kind often worn by sportspeople) is not the most practical choice, as it offers protection to the face but not the head. One solution here is to wear a head-scarf with the visor over it.



The most practical - but not the most popular – solution for summer protection would have to be the ‘legionnaire’ style most commonly seen in the schoolyard or on outdoor workers. Although not the most stylish of hats, they are cool and comfortable to wear and not only offer protection for your head and face but also for your ears and neck.



So the thing to consider is this –

With the growing prevalence of skin cancer in this country, we should be doing all we can to keep ourselves safe. When it comes to the choice of fashion or practicality, which will we choose?

Categories
#general_wellness
#skin_care
#health_warnings

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