
The T4MO Tilley Hat, designed with a broad brim, is made of a soft, sueded certified organic cotton with ¾" polyester mesh. The mesh helps to both ventilate warm air out and allow cooler air to flow in while the sturdy cotton fabric is rugged yet exceptionally lightweight.
The fabrics of all Tilley Hats have been certified to block 98 percent of harmful UVA/UVB radiation and deliver an ultraviolet factor (UPF) of 50+, the maximum rating given. You still need SPF 30 sunscreen and sunglasses with UV filters! Children especially need the UV filters in their sunglasses as non-filtering glasses will increase the size of their pupils, allowing even more of the damaging UV rays to enter. This often causes cataracts and retinal problems later in life and has happened in my (Alex Tilley's) own family. Yes, there can be truth in advertising. For instance, although our Hats block 98% of UV rays, some rays COULD enter through the ¾" mesh. We hand-sew each Hat using very strong thread; all seams are lock-stitched so they won't unravel. The brass is from Britain and is the best there is. All Hats are made with such care and dedication that one is as good as another.