The sun gives a “healthy glow” and a daily dose of vitamin D. It also burns and irradiates our skin if we don’t protect ourselves. Those who have already dealt with skin cancer or “precancerous” carcinomas, not to mention premature aging, know the importance of covering up with a good hat. The rest of us need to take preventive action now. In other words, don’t leave the house without a sun hat tucked into your bag or your car or tied around your neck. The everyday cotton hat from Coolibar — the online store claims to be the only site recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation — offers excellent shelter from ultraviolet light. With a four-inch brim and hidden drawstring for a custom fit, it boasts a 50+ percent UPF rating, meaning it will block 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays ($30; available in eight colors). Outdoor Research’s Seattle Sombrero from REI won an award from Backpacker magazine. Made of waterproof Gore-Tex, its brim can be turned up and secured on both sides to VELCRO tabs ($50). For those who need extra protection for their necks and ears, there’s the Bimini cap from Patagonia ($30). You probably won’t win any fashion awards, but your sweating, roasting companions will envy your cool composure, and the rear flap is removable. Tea in the Sahara, anyone? Or let your head go uncovered while protecting your face in a Naples women’s hat by Physician Endorsed Hats ($33). This one works as a visor when you unzip the removable crown. “But I want to look pretty,” you say? Anthropologie’s wide brimmed monochrome sun hat ($38) and Yucca hat ($88) will do the trick and make you look like a fashion sophisticate. There are lots more face-saving wide brimmed sun protection hats for women at Sun Grubbies, such as the extra-wide brimmed canvas Bella ($48; pictured). And parents: Don’t forget a hat for your kid.