It's official: Another '90s fashion staple you thought you said goodbye to during Y2K is back in style. Ladies of all ages are looking for stylish sun visors to cover up and stay protected outside while embracing everything summer has to offer, and there are plenty of options on the market that fit the bill.
From wide-brimmed straw hats to sporty tennis visors, there is something for everyone to help shield your face while simultaneously looking chic. Below, we’ve rounded up the best sun visors for women, according to stylists and our shopping editors.
What to look for in a sun visor | What materials are best | Expert-recommended sun visors | Editor-tested sun visors | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in a sun visor
When it comes to searching for the perfect sun visor, it is necessary to first consider a few important details. Cindy Conroy, a fashion expert and TV host, says to look for at least one of these three features while you shop:
- "Look for a moisture-wicking sweatband. Placed around the inner crown, it will absorb sweat, drawing moisture away from the skin and keep[ing] it at bay," she says.
- "Wide brims offer better coverage and protection for your face, ears and neck," she continues.
- "Look for breathable materials like cotton or natural straw or high tech fabrics that work overtime to keep you cool," explains Conroy.
Kim Appelt, a celebrity fashion stylist and author of "Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe," also places emphasis on coverage and sun blockage. "Look for a visor with a wide brim for the best sun protection, adjustable fit for comfort, and durability," says Appelt. "A visor that is rollable and flexible is also ideal for travel," she explains.
What materials are best for sun visors
If you're looking for the perfect sun visor for hot weather, a breathable, lightweight material is best to help keep cool (in addition to a moisture-wicking headband).
"Raffia, straw and cotton sun visors are exactly what’s called for on sweltering hot summer days," suggests Conroy. "Made from natural fibers, they’re breathable allowing you to frolic in the sun without worrying about annoying things like forehead sweat.
"When durability is at the top of your must have list, a polyester or nylon sun visor is a great choice. It can stand up to any activity," Conroy says.
Appelt agrees that "the best materials for sun visors are lightweight, breathable, and offer good UV protection." She also recommends acrylic visors for a modern look and visors with UPF 50+ for better protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Best sun visors for women, according to experts
This is a smash: PIGBENGO Sun Sports Visor
- Good for golf and tennis
- Easy to adjust
- Great fit
- Velcro may pull on hair
Size: One size | Material: Polyester
This sporty visor is a great option whether you're a pickleball novice or tennis professional. Appelt loves that this breathable visor provides a more casual look. It also comes in eight fun colors, like pink and khaki, so you can match your visor to your skirt.
Cost effective and trendy: Zara Woven Visor
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Only comes in one color
Size: One size | Material: Cellulose paste
Appelt admires this woven visor from Zara, referring to it as "the perfect for beach days or summer outings." She loves that this sun hat is "budget-friendly, without compromising on style or functionality." Finish the look with a stylish cover-up or sundress, and you're ready to go!
Removable sweatband: Lululemon Removable Sweatband All-Sport
- Removable sweatband
- Lightweight
- Comes in multiple colors
- May be bulky
Size: S/M, L/XL | Material: Nylon, elastane
"Combine your Lululemon visor with a classic tennis outfit: a breathable, moisture-wicking tennis dress or skirt and top," suggests Appelt. "Complete the look with tennis shoes and a sporty wristband!" she recommends.
Cool-girl summer: Lusana Baha Straw Visor
- Comfortable
- Provides good coverage
- Wide brim
- May run small
Size: One size | Material: Woven straw
"Definitely not your grandma’s visor," says Conroy. "With its chic straw woven silhouette and fully adjustable fit, it’s the stuff of summer dreams. I love that it’s good for the planet too with its consciously made approach. The woven design and the wide brim will keep you cool on hot summer days," she explains.
Futuristic fashion: Alo Airlift Solar Visor Hat
- Comfortable
- Trendy
- Helps keep sun out of eyes
- May be hard to wash
Size: One size | Material: Polyester
Both Appelt and Conroy are huge fans of this trendy visor from Alo. Conroy says it "is serving up match point with its holographic brim." She continues, "It has this tennis core meets alien invasion aesthetic (in the best way) that will have you looking for an excuse to wear it."
"Made with sweat wicking fabric and an adjustable buckle it’s stylish enough for an afternoon of errands, beach days, golf, tennis courts and the like," Conroy suggests.
Editor-tested sun visors
Fashion forward: FURTALK Straw Hat
- Easy to pack
- Adjustable
- Affordable
- May fall down over eyes
Size: Medium | Material: Paper straw, polyester
"I think the biggest issue with hats in the summer is how flimsy and hard to carry they are when you’re not wearing them which is what makes this pick so versatile," says commerce editor Vivien Moon. "It can be rolled up so you can fold it up into your bag without worry that it will bend or be damaged which also makes it great for travel," she explains.
"I especially like how it’s also adjustable to my head and how I choose to wear my hair the days that I wear it. The adjustable strap is comfortable and makes it easy to style. Plus, it looks more expensive than it is which is always a bonus! " raves Moon.
Stay shady: Brixton Newport Straw Visor
- High quality material
- Retains its shape
- Elastic back
- Doesn't cover top of head
Size: One size | Material: Paper straw
"I love that visors are making a comeback!" raves Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "I purchased this one recently and have worn it to the beach and while walking. I like to keep my face and neck shaded while in the sun, and I appreciate that this is more stylish (and less casual) than a baseball cap," she says.
How we chose the best sun visors
The Shop TODAY team spoke with two fashion experts to get their recommendations on the best sun visors, many of which feature a moisture-wicking sweatband and breathable construction. We also included editor-tested favorites to sport while staying safe from the sun's rays.
Meet the experts
- Cindy Conroy is a fashion expert and TV host. Profiled by Teen Vogue and PEOPLE, she appears regularly on nationally syndicated shows like Entertainment Tonight.
- Kim Appelt is a celebrity fashion stylist and author of "Style for Everybody: A Guide to Curating Your Essential Wardrobe."
