The sun is coming on strong these days, and I know I don’t have to lecture you on how essential SPF is. Equally key to sun protection is the sun hat. They cover up so much of your face and neck, that along with sunscreen, you’ve got a very good barrier against skin damage from harmful rays.

Sun hats also can deliver terrific style — and can make or break an outfit.

That said, there are two kinds of summer sun hats. The super casual ones that are perfect for the beach, pool, gardening or boating. And then there are those that are ideal for walking around the city during the workday — the kind that hold their shape and infuse some attitude and definition into your look. Here some of the best bets in each category.

Life’s a beach

When you’re headed for a casual day outdoors — especially one where you’ll be lugging lots of stuff — you want a hat that can recover well if it gets crushed.

Exhibit A: The Scala Women’s Medium Brim Cotton Hat ($34.99 on amazon.com). The 100% cotton and packable hat has a small brim that still gives lots of coverage to your face and neck, but isn’t going to eclipse your overall look. The style can be folded and hand-washed, and will still retain its original shape. And if you’ll be somewhere breezy, you’ll be thankful for its adjustable inner drawstring. It comes in all kinds of neutral solids, and for an infusion of fun, check out the brighter hues, like aqua and banana yellow.

Just as versatile and easygoing is the Seaspray Sun Hat ($49 on prana.com), an oversized sun hat that’s big on sustainability (it’s made from recycled paper and is Fair Trade). I love its poly-blend sweatband that lends a designer edge, and the adjustable faux suede draw cord and faux leather toggle that keep everything in place. It offers a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+.

Another UPF 50+ design — this one made of lightweight and very breathable nylon — is The WSRAB – The Rabbit Island Sun Protection Hat ($33.75 to $45 on imperial1916.com). It’s as cute in white with pink trim as it is pretty in the solid dark turquoise, “breaker blue.” The medium-sized brim shades you where you need it, and the visor hidden beneath the brim makes sure the shape stays stable. It’s moisture-wicking and dries quickly in case it gets wet, and the adjustable chinstrap means you don’t need to worry about it flying away.

Hot Time, Summer in the City

The biggest consideration about wearing a hat around town is where you’re wearing it. A hat worn to the office or to, say, a sunny patio luncheon needs to be a little dressier than one worn to the farmer’s market.

On the dressier side is the Squishee Halo ($295 on ericjavits.com), which comes with a golden natural straw wraparound brim with a thick black band that helps elevate the look. (Think vibes of Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.”) It’s lightweight and packable, so feel free to roll it up and tuck it into your work tote once you get to your indoor destination. It also offers excellent protection at UPF 50+.

Equally leaning toward high fashion is the Neutral Night Brielle Checkered Straw Hat ($125 on lelesadoughi.com), intricately woven in jet black and natural checkered straw. That construction creates a charming graphic pattern all over the wide brim and bold crown height. It’s a statement design, solidified by the 14K gold-plated hardware on the jet cord for a great under-chin fit — or for when you want to take the hat off but keep it draped off your back.

It may be labeled as a beach hat, but the Women’s Foldable Wide Brim Floppy Straw Beach Sun Hat ($13.99 on amazon.com), is actually reminiscent in its shape and size of 1920s flapper style — especially thanks to its neat-as-a-pin woven bowknot in back. That means that it’s a lovely (and almost lacey-looking, even though it’s made of straw) topper for being about town worn with refined and feminine dresses and skirts. It also comes in a handful of neutral shades, from soft beige to black and navy, so it adds style to and caps off any great outfit.

The Squishee Halo with fetching black band. (Photo ericjavits.com)

The Foldable Wide Brim Floppy Straw Beach Sun Hat features a bowknot at the back. (Photo amazon.com)