As a native Floridian who spends a lot of time outdoors, I’ve learned the hard way that sun protection is absolutely essential. Of course, slathering on the sunscreen is sometimes unavoidable. But with the right hat, I’ve been able to stretch out my reapplications. Over the years, I’ve tried countless hats in my search for a great hat.
When I had the chance to try the UPF50 Audrey hat from Velvet Eyewear, I couldn’t wait to put it to the test in the late summer heat that’s been inescapable lately. I’m happy to report that this is a great hat, with one notable flaw.
UPF50 Audrey
First Impressions
The hat arrived in very well packed in the box. Immediately, I liked the color and felt glad I chose ‘Taupe’ instead of ‘Camel.’
After pulling it out of the packaging, I noticed the hat’s texture is solid. It’s a sturdy hat meant to stand up to life, unlike many wide-brimmed hats, which are quite literally straw that falls apart quickly.
Pros
- Lots of protection from the sun.
- Sturdy material.
- Shade that doesn't block your view.
- Easy to pack.
Cons
- No chin strap.
- Limited color selection.
- One size.
Fit and Function
It’s a one-size-fits-all hat, so I wasn’t sure it would fit me well. But when I popped it on my head, I was pleasantly surprised by the fit.
The brim is large, so it comes down to offer plenty of shade for your face and neck. But, importantly, it doesn’t completely block your view. I’ve tried many other wide-brimmed hats in search of extensive sun protection only to discover that I can barely see out of it. That’s not the case with the Audrey hat. In fact, that detail alone has made it my go-to hat.
This hat is one that you can pack easily. It’s flexible enough to keep it’s form if you pack it down into a suitcase. I took it on a weekend trip this summer and it survived the journey in my bag without any wear or tear.
I will say, for me, it’s a negative that this hat doesn’t have a chin strap. If you’re walking along the beach, a gust of wind could easily take this hat off your head. With that in mind, I avoid taking it with me for walks on windy days. But, all in all, it’s an excellent hat.
In My Expert Opinion
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed giving this hat a test run. I foresee it being a workhorse for me as I continue to protect my relatively fair skin from the intense Florida sun. As a bonus, I felt stylish every time I put this hat on. And it’s easy to pack. If it had a chin strap option, I think it would truly be a perfect hat.
