Top 10 Packable Hats
These Hats Easily Fold And Collapse To Fit Into Any Travel Bag Or Luggage You Need
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From excitement to anxiety, packing for a vacation can trigger a wide range of emotions. But whether you’re struggling to stash all of your essentials into a carry-on or you’re living large with a check-on, there’s one thing that has to make the final cut: sun protection.
We’ve already covered why protecting yourself from UVA and UVB rays is essential in our list of the best facial sunscreens, so we won’t scare you with the specifics here too. Instead, we want to talk about sun hats, because slathering on the SPF isn’t always enough when you’re spending long days exploring new cities or lounging on the beach.
Sun hats are typically crafted from lightweight materials that support air flow such as straw and raffia (meaning, experiencing a sweaty scalp is only a minimal concern). And while traditionally sun hats are large and structured, there’s been a shift in recent years toward flexible, floppy versions that are easy to roll up and throw in a tote bag or pack in a suitcase. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 sun hats that fit this description—each one is packable, lightweight, and stylish to boot.
How We Found The Best Packable Sun Hats
At Rank & Style, we take product recommendations very seriously. With the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm, we scour the web for top-rated products that are worth telling our readers about. Using information from reviews, best-seller lists, and a few other sources, we score those products in order to determine which ones deserve to be dubbed the best. Ready to see which packable sun hats earned their dues? If so, scroll on to shop this season’s most convenient form of sun protection.
July 21, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Vince Packable Vented Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.15
10
Vince Packable Vented Straw Hat
4.3
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Packable Paper Straw Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Vince's Packable Vented Straw Hat is made from 100% paper straw (a stretchy, tear-resistant material that's less sensitive to water than traditional straw). And of course, it's completely collapsible for easy storage in your carry-on.
MORE INFO
This hat is available in black as well as the classic, natural straw color.
More Colors
Hat Attack Packable Raffia Bucket Hat
Overall Score
4.15
09
Hat Attack Packable Raffia Bucket Hat
4
3 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Packable Bucket Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
It's not everyday that you see a raffia bucket hat, which is one of the reasons why we love this style from Hat Attack. And with its frayed edges and tie accent, the Packable Raffia Bucket Hat is practically made for beach days.
BEHIND THE BRAND
Hat Attack is a high-end accessory brand that's been around since 1981. Their creations are frequently featured in fashion magazines and worn by celebrities like Kristin Cavallari.
Eric Javits Sun Crest Packable Hat
Overall Score
4.2
08
Eric Javits Sun Crest Packable Hat
4.51
39 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Adjustable Packable Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Do you value comfort? How about sun protection? If you answered yes to either question, you'll love Eric Javits' Sun Crest Packable Hat. Not only does this hat block 95% of UVA and UVB rays, but it also has an adjustable back and a removable interior terry forehead pad.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I wasn't looking for a hat that day in Bloomingdales. I have so many that I really never wear. However, I thought this one was so attractive that I had to try it on and that's the end of my story. Bought it. My husband loves it. My friends love it. And I wear it. No regrets!"
More Colors
Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat
Overall Score
4.3
07
Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat
4.69
3159 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Packable Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
This best-selling sun hat from Wallaroo is a well-loved style—in fact, it's garnered over 2,000 5-star reviews. The Victoria has a domed crown and an up-turned brim, and because it's made from 100% poly-straw, it's also incredibly lightweight.
EXTRA INFO
This hat is available in over 20 different colors from Hydrangea purple to Cranberry red.
More Colors
Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.3
06
Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat
3.9
101 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Braided Packable Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Madewell excels at designing elevated essentials, so we're not surprised to see their Packable Braided Straw Hat made it in our lineup. Available in three different color waves (Natural, Cream, and Warm Nutmeg), this paper straw hat is easy to roll up and toss in a tote or weekendar bag.
PROMISING REVIEW
"Not only is this a nice looking hat, but it looks good on everyone! I usually look terrible in hats; but this one was different ~ I actually liked it on me! My friend tried it on after seeing it on me and it looked so good on her as well that she bought one too! It also keeps it's shape after being packed for a trip. Going to get a lot of protection from our hot GA sun."
More Colors
Madewell Packable Straw Fedora Hat
Overall Score
4.35
05
Madewell Packable Straw Fedora Hat
4
29 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Packable Fedora Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Here's another great option from Madewell: the Packable Straw Fedora Hat. While fedoras often get a bad rap, there's no denying that this one has a certain je ne sais quoi. When the fedora form meets the beachy-style of straw, it just works.
EXTRA INFO
Madewell made this hat available in two size options (small/medium and medium/large) for maximum comfort.
Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
Overall Score
4.45
04
Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
4.7
60 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Packable Wide Brim Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
The Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat lives up to its name. Sure, its extra large (8") brim is perfect for sun protection—but its ability to conceal also creates an air of mystery around those who wear it.
EXTRA INFO
Score this style in five different neutral tones: Blush, Black, Chocolate, White, and Multi Brown.
More Colors
Eric Javits Squishee A List Packable Fedora Hat
Overall Score
4.5
03
Eric Javits Squishee A List Packable Fedora Hat
4.8
108 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Designer Packable Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
The Squishee A List Packable Fedora features a traditional indented crown with a softly sloping, fringed brim. With a price tag just under $300, this is certainly an investment hat. However, it seems to be worth its cost based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews from shoppers.
BEHIND THE BRAND
If you're a hat enthusiast, you probably recognize the name Eric Javits. The brand has been designing functional hats out of high-quality materials for over 40 years, and their lightweight and flexible Squishee® straw is definitely their most popular material.
More Colors
J.Crew Packable Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.5
02
J.Crew Packable Straw Hat
4.3
189 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Raffia Packable Hat
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
A little floppiness is good in a sun hat, and J. Crew's Packable Straw Hat understands that. Made with malleable raffia fiber, this hat is a resilient accessory that's down to travel around the world with you. PS: Don't miss the Black Ivory rendition.
EXTRA INFO
Some reviewers mention that this hat runs small, so keep that in mind when choosing from the three available sizes (small/medium, medium/large, and large/x-large).
More Colors
J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.8
01
J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
4.6
151 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Packable Hat Overall
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Surprise! J. Crew's Packable Straw Hat is back in a wide-brim version—this time at the top of our list. Shoppers love this style for its functionality and appearance, and because this one has a wider brim, it offers a tad more sun protection than the aforementioned version.
PROMISING REVIEW
"Got this hat to replace another wide-brimmed floppy hat that was just a little too floppy. I could never see when I wore that other one. This one is great because there is a tiny bit of wire in the edge of the brim so I can adjust it to keep it from covering my eyes. But it still looks chic. I’ve gotten so many compliments when I wear this hat which is daily. It keeps the sun off of my face, which I love because I don’t always remember to wear sunscreen. It packs like a dream! I took it on a flight and folded it carefully with no problem. I keep it folded up in my bag and pull it out when I need it. It unfolds and can be shaped to wear so that you can’t see the fold lines. Brilliant! I should get another one in case I lose this one!"
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