Visors are sporty. Ball caps help you represent your favorite team, and sunglasses help dim the light from your eyes.

But for that all-around sun protection a Southern girl, wide-brimmed hat can do the trick.

“Brimmed hats protect the ears, back of the neck, face,” said Dr. Kevin L. Welch, disease of the skin, skin cancer cosmetic dermatologist and aesthetic medicine specialist.

“It’s 360 degrees of sun protection.”

But it’s important to get the right hat. Stay away from hats that don’t give adequate protection, Welch said.

“Straw hats let a little too much sun through,” Welch said. “Get a thick cotton-brimmed hat.”

Welch sells Tilley hats out of his office at 8333 North Davis Highway in Pensacola.

Tilley hats are made for the outdoor lifestyle, he said. They are all certified UPF 50-plus, and they are guaranteed for life. If it wears out, falls apart, shrinks or mildews, you will receive a free replacement. For two years, the hat is insured against loss or grievous damage for a 50 percent deductible.

“They have straps to help keep them on in windy situations. They can withstand up to 50-mph winds. The hat floats.

So if you are water sporting, you won’t lose it,” Welch said.

Richelle White, a 35-year-old senior physician practice manager, said she has never really been a hat person. But she is continuously learning more and more about keeping her skin protected against direct sunlight.

“I love it,” White said, boasting about her Tilley hat. “I was not a hat person at all. But becoming more aware and working with dermatologists, I just really try to get as much sun out of my face a possible. Your head doesn’t get hot under it. It stays cool. There is not a time I’ve been to the beach without it. It’s my first and only hat.”

TRY THESE HATS ON FOR SIZE

Whether you want a Tilley sports hat or a designer hat, stay protected for the occasion.
Here is a list to keep you feeling stylish and protected.

The Tilley TM11 cotton duck with mesh has a wide mesh crown for blissful comfort with a blocked-top crown for stylish look, but with a smaller brim. The hat is khaki and olive under the brim. $74.

The Tilley T2 cotton duck 10-ounce pre-shrunk, twisted-cotton is for strength. It’s Tilley’s broadest-brimmed hat. This hat is for those who demand the maximum in shady refuge from the sun. It comes in natural and is green under the brim. $65.

The Tilley TH5 hemp linen-like look and feel is made of “nature’s performance fabric.’’ The hat comes in natural and mocha. A portion of the sale of all hemp hats is donated to Street Kids International. For more information, visit www.streetkids.org. $69.

The Tilley TH8 Hemp linen-like look and feel hat is elegant, yet hard working. This is the only Tilley hat that has been specifically designed for women. It comes in natural with black mesh and piping or all natural. $69.

The twill-jacquard, gaffer trilby by Kangol has a gunmetal Kangol pin on the side, while there is a satin lining and elastic sweatband finish off of the interior. The hat is made from wool, acrylic and chlorofibre blend. www.hats.com. $52.99.

This fun and functional hat, Carmen, is made by Helen Kaminski. It’s made from wool mélange, which has a soft velvety finish. This hat is completely packable, so it can go with you anywhere. It’s fully lined in the inside for extra comfort. www.hats.com. $120. You can also find these hats at Lee Tracy Shoes & Accessories at Pensacola Beach.

The scurvy-dot sun hat by Paul Frank has a low brim for great shade. It comes in pink and white polkadots. $15. www.karmaloop.com.

The beautiful hat with salmon-colored lace and ribbon is made by Red Hat Ladies Boutique. It has coordinating feathers and beaded flowers. It is 100 percent polypropylene. One size fits all. $75. www.amazon.com.

If you’re on Pensacola Beach and need to grab a hat, Lee Tracy Shoes & Apparel carries adjustable Wallaroo hats with SPF protection. They range from $30 to $40. The Scala hat ranges from $20 to $35.