Buff headwear from Kit Shack (UV Protection)

I’m so excited about this review. Simple as it might be, this has been one of the best sunhats I’ve reviewed on this blog, and the only one that Dexter is dare-I-say-it excited to wear. You see, the thing with Dex is he hates clothes in general. The only thing he’s enjoyed about potty training is the fact I’ve let him run around the house in the nudey. The need to pee in the potty is lost on him, but the novelty of having no nappy on is proving a hit.

Spider-Man is Dexter’s greatest love. He’s forever attempting to fire his web at passersby (“tsch’ing” his wrists), and won’t leave the house without his best mate in tow. His school bag is Spider-Man, his PJs are Spider-Man and he’d have the films on the entire day if it wasn’t for Mummy and Heidi interrupting his viewing schedule. Spider-Man clothing is therefore the only thing preferable to nakedness for my little dude.

This Buff Spider-Man Junior UV Cap Buff is therefore perfect for him.

It’s reversible so you get two looks for the price of one, and a hat that is fully adjustable and really grows with your child. As the back features an elasticated drawstring and the material has tons of stretch, it will last as long as his Spider-Man obsession does. I’m not kidding either, the website states it’ll fit children between 4-8, but Dex is just 3.5 years and it also fits me at 30-something! It will stay looking perfect too as the material is fade resistant and colour fast.

Okay, it’s not cheap at £20, but sit tight and I’ll tell you why it is worth every penny.

As this is a 3 panel cap with neoprene flexible peak, there’s no potential for creases or it becoming misshapen sitting at the bottom of your child’s rucksack. It also takes up no room whatsoever owing to it’s lightweight fabric. In fact, there are no annoying seams at all to dig into his head whilst he’s playing. The best way for me to describe the material is that it’s like a thick swimsuit - stretchy, soft and flexible. It’s possibly the closest you can get to not having a hat on at all comfort-wise, and I honestly believe he forgets he’s wearing it.

The peak is deep enough and completely UV resistant to provide the ultimate protection for face and eyes. I also like the way it sits on his head - almost embracing and hugging it. This means he’s can run, roll and jump about without it falling off - I can’t count the number of hats we’ve lost on boating lakes, at adventure playgrounds, playgroup etc.

But Buff isn’t just about great fitting hats & accessories, there’s a shed load of science behind the brand. Loved by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, Buff are technical fabric innovators. Dexter’s cap (as with many adult Buffs) is made from 100% Coolmax Extreme, renowned for superb wicking performance and moisture management. Given Dexie is still a toddler, his body isn’t able to fully self regulate in extreme heat yet. Instead his body kicks into overdrive and sweat will pour off his head. The fabric of his sunhat is so designed to transfer moisture away from his head, block radiation from the sun all whilst allowing for air circulation.

Yet whilst this is breathable and water resistant in the summer, it will also provide warmth and protect from wind and rain in cooler months. It’s these properties that have seen Buff headwear become quite the hit with athletes. Their original Buff is simply a band of material that is truly multi-functional - it can be worn in any one of 13 ways including a neckerchief, headband, wristband, hair-band and bandana.

With an AW15 collection that has seen them branch into snood-like knits and beanies perfect for hiking, dog walking and more extreme pursuits, Buff truly are the ultimate headgear brand for all year round. There’s even a Buff for your dog - how about that?