I like wearing bump caps. Looks smart enough and when rooting under shrubs etc, no bumps to the head or spiders in your hair, your head stays cool because it’s proper workwear. Might need to fashion a flap at the back for sunscreen though.
I bought something similar to the picture, but without the yashmak attachment at the front. Very Foreign Legion, but got it at an air show in the States one year. Not waterproof though, but keeps the sun off my neck. Haven’t seen them for sale here.
I generally wear a shirt with a collar that I can pop up. I've got a big straw hat that I bought for a trip to Mexico, too, but it's not really waterproof. If it's raining enough that I want a waterproof hat I usually just go inside.
I don't wear hats for gardening except (occasionally) woolly ones in winter - even then I prefer a woolly headband / ear warmer.
However, for sailing I found Tilley hats gave good head and face protection (and they stay on) and a turned up collar was best for neck.
Last year Dobbies were selling cooling scarves and bandanas which would offer both sun protection and help to cool you down. I'm going to have one of those this year.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
I've tried a lot and recently spent several evenings looking. I've got a big head so choice is limited in normal shops as the largest hat size of most outdoor brands stop before my head size.
I've got a Rohan cap with a zip out neck cover. It also has the rim which once unzipped to release the neck cover then goes over the face with a mesh to keep bugs at bay. Not a bad fit but not sure it works. Besides it doesn't cover my whole neck (long neck too it seems).
I have a few simple caps from outdoor brands too.
Years ago I bought an organic, airflow version of the Tilley T5 hat. Great fit and worked well for sun protection. However, I washed it and followed instructions to the letter, even the stretching it bit. It Shrank at least one size. Apparently it's a common issue with Tilley cotton hats. Try the synthetic Tilley hats if they meet your needs regarding the shape.
Recently I bought a Brazilian tarp hat following recommendations from people with Tilley hats to compare with. I'm happy with it. Like Tilley you can buy it in a very wide range of sizes. It fitted me very well. Much better than my Tilley when I'd just bought it. It comes with its own character built in plus it's effectively upcycling old truck tarps and wire from old truck tyres in the brim. The brim is easily shaped to your own style and preferences then stays like it unlike my Tilley hat with a brim that's not completely floppy or stiff.
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However, for sailing I found Tilley hats gave good head and face protection (and they stay on) and a turned up collar was best for neck.
Last year Dobbies were selling cooling scarves and bandanas which would offer both sun protection and help to cool you down. I'm going to have one of those this year.
I've got a Rohan cap with a zip out neck cover. It also has the rim which once unzipped to release the neck cover then goes over the face with a mesh to keep bugs at bay. Not a bad fit but not sure it works. Besides it doesn't cover my whole neck (long neck too it seems).
I have a few simple caps from outdoor brands too.
Years ago I bought an organic, airflow version of the Tilley T5 hat. Great fit and worked well for sun protection. However, I washed it and followed instructions to the letter, even the stretching it bit. It Shrank at least one size. Apparently it's a common issue with Tilley cotton hats. Try the synthetic Tilley hats if they meet your needs regarding the shape.
Recently I bought a Brazilian tarp hat following recommendations from people with Tilley hats to compare with. I'm happy with it. Like Tilley you can buy it in a very wide range of sizes. It fitted me very well. Much better than my Tilley when I'd just bought it. It comes with its own character built in plus it's effectively upcycling old truck tarps and wire from old truck tyres in the brim. The brim is easily shaped to your own style and preferences then stays like it unlike my Tilley hat with a brim that's not completely floppy or stiff.