Quoted:My head has stayed shaved since high school, never had an issue with sun on the noggin. I guess if you sat completely still long enough maybe.
The only downside to a bald head and straw is longevity. If you wear them for looks or casual wear, they will last forever. If you wear them for work, they will wear out according to activity.
The leather / wicking bands will pull sweat away from your body as designed, but also into the straw. It will eventually absorb oils and stain.
Ive had the first hat on the left for a couple years now, only worn for casual spring / summer, dinner, town etc. Center hat is for yard work, light maintenance stuff. Last hat is for heavy labor. Once a "yard hat" gets dirty I rotate them to hard use, setting posts, fields, anything that I know will require me to drink a ton of water due to heat and sweat. Still does the job, but they can get ugly if you work hard wearing one. Not something you would wanna wear out and about. I think I go through about one a year. Straw hats used to be a lot cheaper, they were never designed to last forever, summer work. Felt is different, I've never had to replace a good felt hat, they will last a lifetime. But, felt sucks in the heat, and I haven't found a lighter better alternative to straw as of yet.
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