South African summer dressing is getting a practical style upgrade, with hats taking centre stage as both a fashion statement and a way to help protect against the sun.
From woven fedoras paired with linen to colourful bands that add character to a simple outfit, the right hat can become a defining part of a summer look.
With warmer days drawing people outdoors for beach trips, holidays, sporting events and time in the garden, choosing headwear that combines style with sun protection is also worth considering.
Proudly South African brand Emthunzini Hats has introduced its 2026 Spring/Summer Edit, featuring new fedora designs, additional colour options and established styles made for everyday wear and travel.
Most of the brand’s hats carry a UPF50+ Certified UV Protection rating, although shoppers should check the rating of individual styles.
One hat for every summer occasion
Neutral fedoras offer an option for linen outfits and city breaks, while textured weaves and warmer shades complement summer dresses and outdoor gatherings. For coastal evenings and cooler weather, the range also includes wool-felt designs.
The new styles include the Vista Fedora in Beige, the Cabana Fedora in Biscuit and the Kikoi Fedora in Camel or Masala. The latter features a coloured band inspired by traditional East African textiles.
The Naledi Fedora adds a two-tone design with a Petersham ribbon and comes in four colourways. It is also washable and crush-resistant, making it a practical option for packing and regular use.
Colour is another feature of the seasonal collection, with nature-inspired shades continuing across several fedora designs.
The Vista, Dunes, Krobo and Bella ranges have been expanded with additional tones, while the woven Gilly Fedora now comes in 18 colours, including Taupe, Niagara, Olive and Masala.
For those who prefer cooler shades, the Serenity and Horizon fedoras offer blue options suited to outfits built around white clothing and denim.
The collection also includes the Blake Fedora, a unisex style made from 100% wool felt for cooler evenings and seasonal getaways.
One of the brand’s established styles, the Panamate, remains a central part of the range.
Made from Emthunzini’s Flexibraid™ fabric, the unisex hat is designed to be crushable, washable and adjustable. It comes in six shades and can be packed flat before being reshaped, making it suitable for travellers looking to save space in their luggage.
Fedoras also remain a prominent part of the collection, with more than 40 styles available in materials including Flexibraid™, Madagascan raffia and wool felt.
Beyond appearance, sun protection remains a key part of the brand’s offering.
Emthunzini Hats takes its name from the isiZulu word for ‘in the shade’ and says it was the first South African hat brand to receive the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) SunSmart Choice™ endorsement.
Most of its hats carry a UPF50+ Certified UV Protection rating, as the range now includes more than 70 styles and 250 colours, with internal size adjustments across the collection to help achieve a suitable fit.
A hat can form part of a sun-safe routine, particularly during South Africa’s summer months, when outdoor activities may mean extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
It should, however, be used alongside other protective measures, including sunscreen, shade and suitable clothing.
The 2026 Spring/Summer Edit is available online through Emthunzini Hats, with the collection spanning classic neutrals, brighter accents and travel-friendly designs.
For shoppers preparing for the warmer months, the range offers different options for dressing up a summer outfit while keeping sun protection in mind.
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