Because being outside with kids goes beyond the beach vacation, we need full coverage and comfortable walking sandals for all the outdoor adventures.
When most people think of a wide-brim straw hat, they picture lounging on the beach.
As a mom, that’s rarely where mine gets worn.
Mine has been to soccer tournaments, splash pads, the zoo, botanical gardens, strawberry farms, neighborhood walks, swim meets, and countless afternoons at the playground. It lives on a hook by the door so I never forget to grab it on the way out.
It’s part of my outdoor summer mom uniform just like my favorite supportive walking sandals.
My Summer Outdoor Mom Uniform
After years of chasing three boys around North Carolina, I’ve realized I wear the same basic outfit almost everywhere we go.
- Supportive walking sandals
- A wide-brim straw hat
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight clothes (love athletic shorts with built in underwear)
- Athletic tank (often find good deals on ThredUp for a steal)
That’s it.
I don’t dress for Instagram. I dress for making it through six hours outside without my feet hurting or ending the day with a pounding headache from too much sun.
I’m a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends countless hours at trails, splash pads, parks, and outdoor adventures. I only recommend products I’ve personally used, thoroughly researched, or would confidently buy for my own family.
My Top Sun Hat Picks
The shape of this one is feminine without being overwhelming. Straw hats dry easily and maintain their shape well. This hat I love because it goes with so many of my casual outdoor adventure outfits.
I tend to reach for my straw sun hat with the neck string most often because when I’m on the go it won’t fall off if there’s wind or I’m leaning over to pick something up. I love the natural shade of this one SO much!
The pattern, the softness of the two tones together, the pop of green! I’m obsessed with this outdoor straw sun hat for moms on the go this summer. I LOVE this one so much.
Why Ball Caps Aren’t Enough
Don’t get me wrong—I own plenty of baseball caps.
But when I’m spending hours outdoors, they’re just not enough.
A baseball cap shades your eyes, but your ears, cheeks, neck, chest and shoulders are still soaking up the North Carolina sun. I also find myself squinting more, and by the end of the day that usually turns into a headache.
A quality wide-brim hat gives you shade from every angle. I’m noticing sun spots on my chest – see photo below – I like how the wider brim covers more.
It’s one of those small changes that makes a surprisingly big difference when you’re outside summer day after summer day with kids.
My Favorite Combination: Comfortable Walking Sandals + A Wide-Brim Hat
If you’ve read many posts here, you already know I’m a believer in supportive walking sandals. After my pregnancies I dealt with plantar fasciitis, the right supportive footwear is part of what saved my feet.
Whether I’m exploring a state park, one of our local playgrounds, walking through the North Carolina state farmers market, or standing on the sidelines at another lacrosse tournament, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
Pair them with a breathable straw hat, and suddenly those long summer days become much more enjoyable.
Why I’m Loving American Hat Makers
One thing I appreciate about American Hat Makers is that their hats aren’t just designed for beach vacations.
They’re made for people who actually spend time outdoors.
When I recommend products here, they absolutely HAVE to fit real mom life and these do. Honestly – I notice a slight headache when I forget my wide brim straw sun hat because without it I’m squinting more, my sunglasses alone just don’t cut it.
Summer memories are made in the everyday outdoor adventures.
Some of my favorite summer memories aren’t from expensive vacations.
They’re Tuesday mornings at the park.
Ice cream after lacrosse practice.
A walk around the lake after dinner.
Picking peaches.
Watching my boys skip rocks.
Comfortable walking sandals and a great sun hat won’t make the memories for you.
But they can make it a whole lot easier to stay outside long enough to enjoy them.
And that’s exactly what summer is about.
Before You Head Outside…
Moms know our bodies are no longer the same as they were when we were younger. Outdoor adventures with our kids are better when we prioritize our own comfort – don’t just grab that old ball cap and don’t skip grabbing supportive sandals.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe provide value.
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