June 18 is Hat Day!

To promote the benefits of wearing the right hat to protect against skin cancer, premature skin damage and the advance aging process, The Headwear Association (THA) is once again launching an annual national public awareness campaign Hat Day in the Sun on Friday, June 18 to coincide with the beginning of summer.

To celebrate this event, THA members will be giving away free wide-brimmed sun-protection hats across the country. For a list of cities, locations and times, please visit www.theheadwearassociation.org/Hat_Day.html.

"A hat with a wide brim offers excellent sun protection for your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck," said Courtney Bush, president of The Headwear Association. "With 90 percent of all skin cancers caused by sun exposure, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a perfect companion to sunscreen in an effort to protect your skin outdoors."

To be sure you are purchasing the right hat to protect against the harmful effects of the sun; the Headwear Association recommends the following tips:

  • Size - A hat with a minimum 2 1/2" brim can provide adequate sun protection for the neck, face and ears.
  • Shape - Hat shapes that protect better against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are ones that curve down to follow the contours of the head and neck.
  • Material - The material of a hat should be lightweight and breathable. Fabric should be a closed weave straw, raffia, cloth, or felt.

For more information about The Headwear Association or Hat Day in the Sun, please visit www.theheadwearassociation.org

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