With drought and prolonged heat waves ravaging much of the country today just as it did when this photo was taken in the 1930s, it is important to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays. It isn't too late to consider a good summer hat to keep you safe.

With almost the entire country embroiled in drought and intense heat waves, it isn’t too late to get a good summer hat.

What makes one summer hat better than another?

As always, there’s a matter of personal preference. However, there are many features to consider when selecting one that works best for you.

How much shade do you need? If you have sensitive skin, you are going to want as much protection from the harsh summer sun as possible. Straw hats by the nature of their weaves can’t give you the greatest protection on their own.  However, some straws, such as Stefeno’s New Mexico Panama Straw Downturn Hat, offer cloth liners in the crown and under the brim. These guarantee that the sun doesn’t get through the weaving while still providing an appealing straw hat exterior. The Stefeno New Mexico is especially nice because it has side vents and an extra wide brim.

Of course, if you aren’t worried about getting as much shade, some very loosely woven hats provide a lot of ventilation, which can be just as important in this intense heat. A good example of this is the Bailey Nichols.

There are myriad choices in between with different sized brims, ventilation and materials. If you don’t like straw and want tons of shade, maybe a  Tilley hat is perfect for you. Or maybe you don’t like straw or big brims, in which case a bucket hat might be perfect.

Whatever you do, be sure to remain covered and well hydrated. Intense heat and sunlight will sneak up on you and overtake you faster than you might think.