12 Packable Sun Hats That Are Stylish and Loved by Dermatologists
Whether it's finally warming up where you live or you're heading out to a beach vacation, you need protection if you're spending time in the sun. A good sun hat is "absolutely critical" according to Dr. Melanie D. Palm, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego. "Even on cloudy days, we still are exposed to 80 percent of the UV of a sunny day."
Ideally, your hat will have a UPF factor of 50+ and at least a 4-inch brim to guarantee you're getting enough coverage from damaging UV rays. We also looked for hats specifically designated as packable or travel-friendly to make sure they're easy to toss into a suitcase or beach bag and then pop on at your destination with no structural damage.
"Sun-protective clothing is one of the easiest and most important tools we can use to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun and allow us to enjoy the outdoors safely," says Pasadena-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ivy Lee. A crucial factor, though? Making sure you like it enough to actually wear it. "I've seen many expensive UPF 50+ hats that sit lonely on a closet shelf," says Lee.
Luckily, with these options, that shouldn't be a problem. Our favorite is the Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat for its classic but crushable design and thoughtful touches like an internal drawstring to adjust sizing and a cotton lining to minimize any potential sweat or skin irritation.
These are the best packable sun hats to shop:
- Best Overall: Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat at Amazon
- Best Visor: San Diego Hat Company Signature Women's Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor at San Diego Hat Company
- Best for Hiking: Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat at Solbari
- Best for Larger Heads: Sungrubbies Ribbon Braid Big Floppy Hat at Sungrubbies
- Best Style: Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat at Nordstrom
- Best Style, Men's: Coolibar Men's Galileo Packable Travel Hat at Amazon
- Best Active: San Diego Hat Company Women's Active Sun Brim Hat at Amazon
- Best Active, Men's: Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat
- Best Bucket Hat: Solbari Getaway Reversible Sun Hat at Solbari
- Best for Basking: Coolibar Women's Shelby Shapeable Poolside Hat at Amazon
- Best Color Options: Columbia Women's Global Adventure Packable Hat II at REI
- Best Squashable: Wallaroo Scrunchie at Amazon
T+L's Top Picks
Best Overall: Coolibar Women's Aubrey Wide Brim Beach Hat
Also available at Coolibar
Why We Love It: Good sun protection, style, and a customizable fit make this the most appealing packable sun hat for most people.
What to Consider: It's not water resistant, so make sure you're not taking a swim in it.
Dr. Lee keeps at least three go-to hats in her arsenal, including a floppy sun hat with an extra-broad 5- to 7-inch brim for days with extended outdoor exposure. She recommends the Coolibar Aubrey, which is described as having "soft, crushable construction" so you can toss it in your beach bag or checked suitcase without any concerns about losing its shape. The neutral tone and classic stripe, meanwhile, mean you won't have to worry about any mismatching, and UPF 50+ means you won't have to worry as much about the sun either. Its 5-inch brim circles a cotton-lined crown that should minimize any sweatiness concerns, and an internal elastic drawstring ensures that you'll be able to find the perfect fit.
Brim size: 5 inches| Circumference: 22.5 inches | Material: Straw | UPF: 50+
Best Visor: San Diego Hat Company Signature Women's Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor
Also available at Walmart
Why We Love It: This visor comes in a wide color range and easily rolls up into a packable cone.
What to Consider: Since it's a visor, the top of your head won't get as much protection, so this shouldn't be an all-day option.
Hat number two in Lee's collection is this roll-up, broad-brim visor that she keeps in her purse or car console for daily wear — don't think that just because you aren't spending that much time outside means you don't need a hat or visor. "This option is super practical, so I can wear [it] anywhere and everywhere," she says. The visor can roll up into a tight cone for easy stowage, then fastens around your head with a velcro closure when it's time to head outside. Match anything in your travel wardrobe with your choice of 28 colors, including classic straw, chic mixed red and black, playful bright orange, and a lime green-and-pink combo.
Brim size: 4 inches | Circumference: 22.4 inches | Material: Paper and polyester | UPF: 50
Best for Hiking: Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat
Why We Love It: A removable chin strap and water-resistant fabric keep the Wanderer fit for wherever your adventure may lead.
What to Consider: Since the fabric is designed to be light and breathable, the brim may blow around a bit in the wind.
A more adventure-friendly option from dermatologist-recommended Solbari, the Wanderer Sun Hat works for both trail or teatime afterward. It has a removable chin strap to make sure your hat doesn't fly off on a windy boat ride, then you can switch over to a more chic look when it's time for afternoon cocktails. It's also water- and stain-resistant, so any drops in puddles or unexpected showers won't be a problem. The soft, stretchy fabric comes in five colors, but we're especially fond of the stylish mulberry shade. It's available in three sizes and also includes an adjustable drawcord at the back to fine-tune your fit.
Brim size: 3.9 inches | Circumference: Not listed; available in three sizes for heads ranging from 21.75 to 24 inches | Material: 85 percent polyester, 15 percent elastane | UPF: 50+
Best for Larger Heads: Sungrubbies Ribbon Braid Big Floppy Hat
Why We Love It: Sometimes you want both size and packability, and this hat delivers on both.
What to Consider: There's no chin strap on this hat, which combined with the large brim might mean you're at risk of it taking flight if the winds pick up too strongly.
Palm is a fan of the Sungrubbies brand, which specializes in making hats for larger head sizes. They also prove that there's no need to sacrifice circumference for packability. If you're ready to go big, the 7-inch brim on the Sungrubbies Ribbon Braid Big Floppy Hat will have you embracing your inner Shiv Roy. The concentric circles of the ribbon braid add an attractive texture to the hat, and there are sizes available up to 4XL, so no matter what size head you're working with, you can still find a suitable fit. Choose between black or white, then adjust the bow around the crown of the head for the perfect fit.
Brim size: 7 inches | Circumference: Not listed; available in seven sizes for heads ranging from 21.7 inches to 26.4 inches | Material: Polyester | UPF: 50+
Best Style: Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat
Also available at Madewell
Why We Love It: Who says sun protection can't be cute?
What to Consider: The UPF on this hat isn't listed, so make sure you aren't seeing any light get in through the fibers.
For the fashion-conscious, Madewell also offers a Packable Braided Straw Hat that would fit nicely on your favorite wanderlust Instagram feed. Its unstructured nature is both part of its charm and the reason it can be easily thrown in your bag without losing its shape — just roll it up and tuck the band around it to fold it up when it's time to go. It's almost universally flattering and can complement almost any face shape as well as any color scheme you may have in your suitcase, with four neutral hues ranging from Almost Black to Antique Cream. It's available in two sizes.
Brim size: 3.5 inches | Circumference: 21 inches (S/M) or 22.5 inches (M/L) | Material: Paper straw | UPF: Not listed.
Best Style, Men's: Coolibar Men's Galileo Packable Travel Hat
Also available at Coolibar
Why We Love It: This hat has a wider brim than most men's hats and high UPF protection.
What to Consider: There have been some incidents of the band coming disconnected, and it isn't water resistant.
Men need cool hats too, and dermatologist-favorite Coolibar has a wide range. We're particular fans of the Galileo for staying a bit more fashionable. The hat comes in two shades, a neutral Khaki or blue-grey Fog, complemented by a stylish grosgrain ribbon band. There's also a 3.5-inch brim for keeping away the sun and an adjustable faux-leather chin cord, paired with a wooden bead, for keeping it on your head. But don't worry, it's still extremely foldable and offers a UPF of 50, combining fashion and function. You can spot-clean it, but don't take it in the water — it's unfortunately not water resistant.
Brim size: 3.5 inches | Circumference: 22.5 inches (M), 23 inches (L), 24 inches (XL), 25 inches (XXL) | Material: Polyester | UPF: 50+
Best Active: San Diego Hat Company Women's Active Sun Brim Hat
Also available at San Diego Hat Company
Why We Love It: It will stay on your head during your exercise without blocking your views..
What to Consider: The brim might flop up if there's a stiff breeze.
Lee's final hat choice for her set is a broad-brim hat with a chin strap for active or on-the-water days. The lightweight Active Sun Brim Hat from San Diego Hat Company, one of Lee's preferred brands, fits the bill with an adjustable under-chin cord to prevent any wind- or wave-induced escape attempts. There's also a moisture-wicking sweatband around the 4.5-inch brim to keep you cool while out hiking or exploring, while the brim's easily adjustable wired edges will keep your views unimpeded. It comes in five colors, including black, white, and a camo print, so you can make sure you coordinate your accessories appropriately.
Brim size: 4.5 inches | Circumference: 22.4 inches | Fabric: Polyester | UPF: 50+
Related: 14 Beach Accessories That Will Save Your Summer Vacation
Best Active, Men's: Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat
Why We Love It: The Traveller will stay on and keep you out of the sun even in the choppiest waters.
What to Consider: The brim is shorter than dermatologists recommend, but the high UPF helps make up for it.
This straightforward men's hat is one of the most popular designs from Solibari. It has just a 3-inch brim, but it still maintains a UPF of 50 in the fabric. The water- and stain-resistant nylon should hold up to the even intense hiking or water activities; if the seas get rough, the chin strap and its locking toggle, as well as the drawstring at the back of the hat to adjust the fit, make sure it will stay on. There's also an integrated sweatband and mesh paneling on both sides to stay breezy. Choose from white or beige with navy accent, or go full navy.
Brim size: 3 inches | Circumference: Not listed; available in three sizes for heads ranging from 21.8 to 24 inches | Material: Nylon | UPF: 50+
Best Bucket Hat: Solbari Getaway Reversible Sun Hat
Why We Love It: Bucket hats are coming back in style, and the longer brim on this reversible option keeps it on-trend and protective.
What to Consider: This brim is a little shorter than the dermatologist recommendation.
If bucket hats are more your style, go for the Getaway. This reversible option sneaks in at a 3.75-inch brim that's also shapeable, so you can adjust it over the course of the day. Choose from the neutral black-and-white option or three ice cream hues that will have you ready to hit the boardwalk; just pop up the brim to show off your color selection. Sun protection doesn't mean sacrificing breathability; the hat is 100% cotton to help keep air flowing and prevent sweat buildup. That cotton build also means rolling it up and throwing it in your luggage won't be a problem.
Brim size: 3.75 inches | Circumference: 21.5 - 22.5 inches | Material: Cotton | UPF: 50+
Best for Basking: Coolibar Women's Shelby Shapeable Poolside Hat
Also available at Coolibar
Why We Love It: Lounge poolside by day without worrying about wind, then roll it up into a cone when you're ready to go.
What to Consider: The hat needs to fold into a specific shape to snap properly, though there's a helpful video on the Coolibar site.
If you're concerned about your large hat flying away, Coolibar's Shelby Shapeable Poolside Hat is here to help: An added chin strap makes sure the hat won't be taking flight no matter how rough the poolside conditions get. The wired 7-inch brim can be easily manipulated for sun angle or to show off your best angles, and the sleek bow on the back adds a feminine touch. Even better, the "Compact in a Snap" feature means that it easily rolls up and secures into a flat cone shape with the help of a snap hidden under its bow. Choose black or white depending on how you want to top off your tan.
Brim size: 7 inches | Circumference: 22.5 inches | Material: Polyester | UPF: 50+
Best Color Options: Columbia Women's Global Adventure Packable Hat II
Also available at Columbia
Why We Love It: The Global Adventure hat has a winning combo of functionality and fun colors.
What to Consider: It's a bit thin, so you may run into problems with the hat ripping or denting with rougher use.
Columbia brand is a go-to in the outdoor industry, and their Global Adventure Packable Hat II boasts Omni-Shade fabric with a UPF of 30 and a 4-inch straight brim to keep you properly shielded while on the go. The adjustable chin strap will help it stay on your head, while the range of colors will help you stay color-coordinated. We think the light green Safari shade is especially fun, or go for an aquatic vibe with the Icy Morn/Sea Wave two-combo. And as the name implies, it's ready to hit the road whenever you are, with no special packing effort required.
Brim size: 4 inches | Circumference: Not listed | Material: 58 percent paper, 25 percent polyester, 17 percent polyethylene | UPF: 30
Best Squashable: Wallaroo Scrunchie
Also available at Wallaroo
Why We Love It: If its ability to stand up to any kind of luggage squashing weren't enough, it also comes in a slew of colors.
What to Consider: Because it's on the lighter side, you may find it overly floppy.
Go ahead and squish up the Wallaroo Scrunchie; it won't be left any worse for wear. As the name implies, this hat can be rolled up into your luggage, then easily uncurled and reshaped no matter how determined you were to fit it in with that extra pair of shoes. The wire-edged 4.5-inch brim gives you an endless option of angles to choose from, no matter what silhouette strikes your mood. The polka dot pattern adds a touch of whimsy to eight different color options, or go with a classic black or white. On the practical side, an internal drawstring helps you find your ideal fit, and UPF of 50+ helps keep out harmful rays.
Brim size: 4.5 inches | Circumference: 22.8 inches | Material: Polyester | UPF: 50+
Tips for Buying Packable Sun Hats
Look for UPF
The first qualification to look for in a good sun hat is its UPF, or UV protection factor, grading. As the name implies, this system indicates the item's level of protection against ultraviolet energy, taking into account color, weave density, and fabric. Lee cites a UPF factor of 50 as the general dermatologist recommendation, which means it will protect your skin from 98 percent of UV radiation.
Think about brim size and material
The next thing you want to look for is the structure of the hat itself. Ideally you want a brim of at least 4 inches and not too many openings in the structure for sun to sneak through. "Because a broad-brim hat also provides you with your own shade structure, the hat may protect your eyes from UV rays," says Lee. "A broad-brim hat is an easy, effective, and fashionable way to keep our skin safe and healthy."
Materials themselves can vary, as long as they have sufficient UPF. "Tighter weaves, darker colors, and believe it or not, washed fabrics (which shrink the weave) are more advantageous," says Palm. If a hat doesn't have a UPF rating, you can try holding it up to the light and seeing how much light gets through.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Rena Behar has more than eight years of professionally assessing and reviewing products, as well as travels to more than 30 different countries, under her belt. She interviewed multiple board-certified professional dermatologists, including Dr. Melanie D. Palm, Medical Director at Art of Skin MD and assistant volunteer clinical professor at UCSD, and Dr. Ivy Lee, a board-certified dermatologist in practice in Los Angeles and member of the American Academy of Dermatology's Expert Media Team.
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