I have a large head, my 9 year old daughter does not. We were both able to wear this hat comfortably. It shaded well and was quite cool. We were doing a lot of paddling, if you are bending your head down, you will want to wear sunscreen on your neck as parts of your low neck will be exposed to sun. Just sitting/standing noramlly, your neck will be protected. Pony Tale opening worked with a hair tie or without. We dampened ours in the river to keep cool, the matieral holds up well.See full review