A pith helmet works primarily by shading the wearer's head and face from the sun.
Pith helmets, or helmets of a similar style made from lightweight materials, were specifically designed to shade the wearer's head and face from the sun. The characteristic broad brim and shape provide a significant barrier against direct sunlight.
While traditionally made from the pith of the sola plant (hence the name), the term "pith helmet" often refers more broadly to this particular style of headwear constructed from various lightweight, sun-shading materials. These materials can include:
- Cork wood
- Rattan
- Fiber
Using these lightweight materials ensures the helmet is comfortable to wear for extended periods while effectively performing its core function: blocking harmful solar radiation from reaching the head and face. The design leverages the physical barrier of the material and shape to create shade.
