The Best Hats for Bald Men: Sun in Summer, Warmth in Winter

When you’re bald, a hat is not an accessory. It’s equipment. In summer it blocks the sun your scalp would otherwise soak up; in winter it keeps you from losing heat from the one part of you that’s now uninsulated.

Summer: pick a hat that does real sun work

• Look for a UPF rating. UPF 50+ is the number to find. It tells you the fabric itself blocks nearly all UV.
• Brim width. A brim of about three inches or more covers face, ears and neck. A baseball cap protects the front and leaves your ears and neck exposed.
• Breathability. A hat that traps heat gets worn less. Mesh panels and light fabric help.
• Color. Darker fabric can absorb more UV; lighter colors reflect more heat. Fabric rating matters more than shade.

A hat doesn’t replace sunscreen. Wear both; see our sunscreen guide.

Winter: heat leaves through bare skin

Your head is no longer insulated by hair, so a hat makes a noticeable difference in the cold. Look for:

• Wool or fleece lining against bare skin. Cheap synthetic knits can itch on a shaved head.
• A snug but not tight fit. Too tight and it gives you a headache.
• Ear coverage if you’re out in real cold.

Fit tips

Measure your head circumference just above the eyebrows and ears. A shaved or smooth head can make hats slip, so a hat that fit with hair may feel loose. Many wide-brim hats include a drawcord or chin strap for windy days.

Hat hair? Not your problem

The one small perk: no hat hair. Take the hat off, wipe your scalp, and you’re done.

Our picks

Picks marked Research pick are chosen from spec comparisons and large-sample owner reviews. We switch a pick to Tested by us only after we've used it. Prices change, so check the current one.