FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between UPF and SPF?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is measure of the UV protection provided by fabric. A UPF rating is granted to apparel or gear that has been tested and proven to block a certain amount of ultraviolet radiation. UPF is similar to SPF, except that UPF means UV testing was conducted with equipment rather than on people's skin. SPF measures the length and time of protection against sunburn from UVB compared to unprotected skin. SPF rating only applies to lotions applied directly to the skin, not fabrics.

What makes fabric sun protective, or UPF rated?

Tightness of knit or weave: basically the tighter the weave, the higher the UPF. When a fabric is stretched, the tightness of the weave diminishes, resulting in increased UVL (ultra violet light) transmission. If a fabrics’ weave is not as tight as desired resulting in a low UPF rating, the fabric can be treated with a Tinosorb finish to raise the UPF. Thicker fabrics generally have higher UPF ratings than thinner fabrics. When fabric gets wet, its UPF protection can decrease dramatically. Wet cotton can lose up to 50% of its SPF/UPF. This is because water reduces the scattering of UVL, therefore increasing its transmission of harmful ultraviolet rays. Dark colors are more protective than white. In a study of identical fabrics, which were either white or dyed, it was found that white cotton fabrics had an UPF of 12, whereas a similarly constructed black fabric had UPF of 32. In testing polyester, the studies showed that a white polyester was a 16 UPF and black polyester was a 34 UPF*. *UPF ratings in this study do not reflect the ratings of all cottons or polyester fabrics.

How long does UPF last in a garment?

The excellent sun protective properties of our fabrics will last the lifetime of the garment, and do not wash or wear out. Does Sunday Afternoons hats or clothing undergo any treatments or washes to obtain their high UPF ratings? Are they dangerous? And will they wear off over time? We at Sunday Afternoons have very high standards for the UPF ratings of our fabrics. Sometimes if a fabric does not meet a high enough UPF rating, we will treat it with a Tinosorb finish applied during the dying process of the fabric that increases UPF ratings. Tinosorb finishes are safe for skin. The finish permanently bonds with the fabric and will not wear off for the lifetime of the product. If you would like to learn more about Tinosorb click here

Why isn't the mesh UPF rated?

In our lasting effort to keep Sunday Afternoons hats cool and comfortable, we add mesh vents to most models. Most of our mesh venting does not offer sufficient sun protection and therefore is not rated. Mesh venting is always placed in areas of the hat crown where most wearers are likely to have hair. Hair is one of the body’s natural forms of sun protection and the hair under the hat vents is likely to be sufficient in protecting ones head. We also offer two hat styles that feature UPF 40+ sun protective mesh (Charter Hat and Highlander Hat) along with a few hat styles with covered mesh panels (Derma Safe Hat, Convertible Cap, and Eclipse Cap). We recommend these styles for people who have thinning or balding scalps and need top of the crown sun protection.

How do I measure my head?

Take a piece of string or measuring tape and from the center of the forehead measure around the fullest part of your head (above the ears). If using a piece of string, measure the amount of string that was needed to wrap the circumference of your head with a ruler.

How do I select a hat size?

The easiest way to select a hat size is to measure the circumference of your head then pick your correct size from the sizing chart. Sunday Afternoons hats fit more comfortably than other hats. They are designed to be worn low on your head (but above the ears) and slightly loose. Upon receiving your hat loosen or tighten the sizing tape (if applicable) for custom fit. Fit hat slightly above eyebrows and ears to allow front and peripheral vision. Crown fabric should remain loose.

Why don't your hats come in size Small?

We do not make our hats in size small because the vast majority of our customers can easily fit into either our Medium or Large sizes. Most of our headwear sizing is highly customizable so people with small heads can cinch down the back size adjuster to make the hat fit. If a customer has a head that is still too small they can size down into a Youth size in any style offered in our Kids line. NOTE: we do make size small hats in the Adventure Hat style in Cream/Sand color only, our Havana Hat in all colors, and our (Sale) cricket hat.

How will I know when my order will be shipped?

We work to get your order to you as soon as possible. Most orders ship within 2-3 business days of the order being placed and take 2-10 days to arrive for Ground shipping and 1-3 Days for express shipping. Once you place your order, a confirmation email will be sent to you. When your order is shipped, you will receive an email letting you know that your order has been shipped. All orders are shipped using Canada Post. *Delivery times are approximates given by the shipping couriers and are beyond our control.

Do you ship International?

At this time we only ship within Canada.

Do you offer a guarantee?

We’ll replace free of charge, any hat or article of clothing with a manufacturing defect for the lifetime of the product. Product failures as a result of misuse or improper care are not covered under this warranty. Please contact bonhats@sundayafternoons.com with your warranty inquiry.

What is your return policy?

You can review our return policy here.

How Do I Return a Product?

Need to return that hat? No problem! We’ll gladly accept returns within 90 days of the original purchase date. All we ask is that you send the items back to us in the original packaging and in the same condition as when you received it. Any hat/accessory returned past the 90 day period will not receive a refund.

  1. Products must be in the same condition as when you received them. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and with the original tags attached or included.
  2. PLEASE DO NOT FOLD OR CREASE HAT BRIMS.
  3. Return product in the same box or one of similar size. Please do not try to ship a hat in an envelope.
  4. Print and complete the return form located here and include it with item(s) inside the box.
  5. Print a prepaid Canada Post return label here, attach it to the box and drop off at nearest Canada Post Office.
  6. Write down or keep a copy of the Canada Post return label tracking number in case there is a problem with the return shipment.
  7. Should you wish to receive a new product please enter a new order through the website.

If you have any additional questions or need help with your return, please contact us at 1-888-874-2642 Mon-Thur 9 am to 4 pm and Fri 9 am to 1 pm PST

How Do I Exchange a Product?

Follow the return process to receive a refund for the returning product, to receive a new product enter a new order through the website.

What fabrics are used in your products? Are they safe on sensitive skin?

Most of our hat and clothing fabrics are of synthetic origin. These include state of the art, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying nylons, polyesters and micro-fibers. These new generation textiles are designed specifically for breathable and irritation free comfort. We stand by and guarantee your full satisfaction with these independently tested sun protective fabrics.

Are your hats packable?

See individual instructions.

How do I clean my hat?

See individual instructions. Note: When cleaning any of our woven hats, spot clean ONLY. DO NOT SUBMERGE OR SOAK. Hats will lose shape if they get wet.

Will I feel hot in your hat?

No, we always utilize three key factors in creating Sunday Afternoons hats to insure a cool, comfortable wearing experience. 1. Lightweight breathable fabrics 2. Ventilation 3. Loose Fit Customer feedback has been very positive, asserting that our hats are the coolest feeling hats they have ever worn. You can enjoy them in the tropics, in hot dry climates, at high altitudes, etc. This we guarantee.

Do I need sun protection year round?

Sunday Afternoons recommends year round sun protection. The sun shines 365 days per year and can be even stronger in the winter if reflecting off ice or snow. You also need sun protection in cooler months to reduce your lifetime cumulative sun exposure. Everyday sun exposure counts; your skin can still be damaged when it is cloudy or cold as well. We recommend using a sunblock of SPF 15 or higher whenever spending time outdoors as well as a sun protective hat and UPF rated long sleeve shirt.

If I wear a sun protective hat and clothing do I still need to wear sunscreen?

The UPF ratings of our hats and clothing measure how well the fabric protects against UV rays, not necessarily how much protection the person under it receives. Sun protection received when wearing our sun protective hats and clothing is relative to where the sun is positioned in the sky (the time of day), as well as how much sun is being reflected from the surface of water, sand, snow, pavement and so forth. Wearing our hats and apparel will greatly reduce your sun exposure however we still recommend the use of sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 15 in places where you may still be exposed or getting reflective UV (such as the face and backs of hands). We also recommend sunglasses with UV filters to help protect your eyes.

Do I still need sun protection if I have naturally dark skin?

Although cases of skin cancer are lower in those with darker skin, sun protection is still important. Darker skin individuals are still susceptible to skin cancer, sunburn, and UV aging. Furthermore, those in this patient population who develop skin cancers face increased morbidity and mortality rates, which is often a result of delayed diagnosis and stemmed from misinformation that they do not need sun protection.

 

How do I change/add to an existing order?

Please contact Customer Service at 888-874-2642 Mon-Thur 9 am to 4 pm and Fri 9 am to 1 pm PST

How do I unsubscribe from the Sunday Afternoons Email Newsletter?

You can unsubscribe by using the unsubscribe link available at the bottom of every email newsletter sent to you or you can click here to unsubscribe and stop receiving the email newsletter.