Top 10 Packable Hats
These Hats Easily Fold And Collapse To Fit Into Any Travel Bag Or Luggage You Need
Packing for a vacation can trigger a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. But whether you’re struggling to stash all of your essentials into a carry-on or you’re living large with a check-on, one thing 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.
So, what's the deal with sun and beach-ready hats?
Sun hats are typically crafted from lightweight materials that support airflow, 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.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of the best sun hats that fit this description—each one is packable, lightweight, and stylish to boot. Enjoy knowing if you buy any of the hats featured below for your upcoming travels, you'll be able to safely pack them in any suitcase you wish.
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 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.
April 11, 2024
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
Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat
Overall Score
4.3
10
Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat
4.6
2463 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 Packable Hat On Amazon
NOTABLE 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.
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Free People Arrow Woven Packable Hat
Overall Score
4.35
09
Free People Arrow Woven Packable Hat
4.5
5 User Reviews
2.1
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 Woven Hat
NOTABLE DETAILS
Free People has managed to create a structured style in a packable design so you can take the Arrow Woven Hat wherever you go without the fear of ruining its dipped crown or sleek wide brim in your suitcase.
EXTRA INFO
This hat comes in five colors, including rich neutral hues like coffee and soft pastel shades like slate.
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Shade & Shore Packable Paper Straw Floppy Hat
Overall Score
4.4
08
Shade & Shore Packable Paper Straw Floppy Hat
4.4
626 User Reviews
2.9
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 Affordable Packable Hat
NOTABLE DETAILS
Thanks to its lightweight construction and wide, floppy brim, this comfortable woven straw hat completely shields your face from the sun while giving you a breezy, laid-back look on your outdoor adventures.
EXTRA INFO
This hat comes in three colors: natural, black, and white. And at just $10, we wouldn't be surprised if you snagged all three.
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Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
Overall Score
4.45
07
Free People Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
4.7
67 User Reviews
2.5
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 Oversized Hat
NOTABLE 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.
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Nordstrom Packable Braided Paper Straw Panama Hat
Overall Score
4.45
06
Nordstrom Packable Braided Paper Straw Panama Hat
4.4
148 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
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 Panama Hat
NOTABLE DETAILS
Priced at under $30, this straw hat is a classic style you'll turn to again and again. The Panama-style hat is made from a packable straw material and features an adjustable inner drawstring. Plus, it comes in five different color combinations.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This hat looks & feels wonderful. The fit is perfect becuse it is adjustable!! My favorite feature is it is packable!! How many times have you wished you could take your favorite hat along on your trip?! This hat looks far more expensive than it is. I'm buying it again in a different color!!"
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Eric Javits Classic Squishee Straw Packable Fedora Sun Hat
Overall Score
4.45
05
Eric Javits Classic Squishee Straw Packable Fedora Sun Hat
4.7
431 User Reviews
2.8
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 Fedora Hat
NOTABLE DETAILS
The Squishee Straw Hat is not your typical fedora. Made with lightweight yet durable recycled fibers, this fedora hat features a classic teardrop crown that's proportioned to the abbreviated brim, which turns up in the back. Its stylish flair doesn't end there, though. As soon as you slip it on, you can style the Squishee Hat in a number of ways, whether tilted to the side, straight on, or pulled down low.
EXTRA INFO
With a UPF 50+ rating, this straw fedora hat is designed to block 95% of UVA/UVB rays.
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J.Crew Packable Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.45
04
J.Crew Packable Straw Hat
4.4
414 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
3
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 Straw Hat
NOTABLE 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).
Janessa Leone Felix Packable Hat
Overall Score
4.5
03
Janessa Leone Felix Packable Hat
4.3
30 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
4
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
NOTABLE DETAILS
The Felix Packable Hat channels the 1960s with its retro style. Featuring a hand-crocheted design, round crown, and flexible, wide brim, this packable bucket hat comes in neutral shades, so you can easily work it into any of your vacation looks.
EXTRA INFO
According to reviewers, this straw bucket hat runs large, so we suggest ordering a size down for the best fit.
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J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
Overall Score
4.65
02
J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
4.4
414 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
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 WIde-Brim Hat
NOTABLE DETAILS
Surprise! J. Crew's Packable Straw Hat is back in a wide-brim version—this time at the #2 spot on 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 version as mentioned earlier.
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!"
Eric Javits Squishee A List Packable Fedora Hat
Overall Score
4.65
01
Eric Javits Squishee A List Packable Fedora Hat
4.8
139 User Reviews
5
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 Hat Overall
NOTABLE 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.
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