Travel Products Style Accessories The 17 Best Packable Sun Hats for Your Summer Getaways Tip your hat to these compressible styles that make protecting yourself look great. By Rena Behar Rena Behar Instagram Twitter Website Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 26, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa No sun-soaked vacation is complete without some time in a giant hat. Not only do these accessories amp up your style, they also provide crucial sun protection so you can spend more time basking and less burning. We spoke to two dermatologists for expert advice on shopping for UV-blocking accessories. The best packable sun hats have a UPF (that’s UV protection factor) of 50+ and a brim of at least 4 inches. They also either fold, squish, or snap in such a way that they won’t get damaged in your luggage, so you’ll arrive at your destination looking crisp. Our Top Picks Best Overall: San Diego Hat Company Women’s Ribbon Braid Hat with Ticking at Amazon Jump to Review Best Visor: San Diego Hat Company Signature Women's Ultrabraid at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Larger Heads: Sungrubbies Ribbon Braid Big Floppy Hat at Sungrubbies.com Jump to Review Best Style: Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style for Men: Filson Summer Packer Hat at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Active: San Diego Hat Company Women's Active Sun Brim Hat at Amazon Jump to Review Best Active, Men's: Solbari Traveller Broad Brim at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bucket Hat: Solbari Holiday Sun Hat UPF50+ at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Basking: Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Compact at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall San Diego Hat Company Women’s Ribbon Braid Hat with Ticking Amazon View On Amazon View On Sandiegohat.com Why We Love It It has a versatile look to pair with multiple vacation outfits, and the adjustable fit is comfortable for most. What to Consider It’s not water-resistant. The best sun hat doesn’t always need to make a statement. It should be versatile, easy to wear in a variety of situations, and there when you need it. This ribbon braid hat is light enough to go anywhere with you, and its easy style means it won’t ever look out of place. It comes in only one size, but the external tie is adjustable so you can dial in your fit, and you get five neutral color options to choose from in both dark and light hues. It’s also affordable enough that should you somehow manage to lose it, you won’t need to call in your travel insurance. Want your brim even wider? Upgrade to the XL Brim option. You just may not want to wear it in the pool, since it’s not water-resistant. Price at time of publish: $37 The Details: 5-inch brim | Polyester | 50+ UPF Best Visor San Diego Hat Company Signature Women's Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor Amazon View On Walmart View On Sandiegohat.com 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. One of dermatologist Dr. Ivy Lee's main hats in her 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, nautical stripes, playful bright orange, and a lime green-and-pink combo. Price at time of publish: $31 The Details: 4-inch brim | 22.4-inch circumference | 75 percent paper, 25 percent polyester | 50 UPF Best for Hiking Solbari Wanderer Sun Hat UPF50+ Mulberry Amazon View On Amazon View On Solbari.com 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 hitting the 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. Price at time of publish: $45 The Details: 3.9 inch brim size | 21.75 to 24 inch circumference | 85 percent polyester, 15 percent elastane | 50+ UPF From Straw Hats to Baseball Caps, These Are the Best Sun Hats for Men Best for Larger Heads Sungrubbies Ribbon Braid Big Floppy Hat Beige Sungrubbies View On Sungrubbies.com Why We Love It Sometimes you want both size and packability – this hat offers it all. 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. Dermatologist Dr. Melanie 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 one for you. Choose between white (up to 2XL), light beige (up to 4XL), or black (up to 3XL), then adjust the bow around the crown of the head for the perfect fit. Price at time of publish: $48 The Details: 7 inch brim size | 21.7 to 26.4 inch circumference | Polyester | 50+ UPF Best Style Madewell Packable Braided Straw Hat Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom 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. Price at time of publish: $40 The Details: 3.5 inch brim size | 21 inch (S/M) or 22.5 inch (M/L) circumference | Paper straw Best Style for Men Filson Summer Packer Hat Moosejaw View On Backcountry.com View On Filson.com View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It This well-thought-out hat has both good looks and solid performance to match. What to Consider It runs small, and the brim is a little shorter than we’d like. It can be hard sometimes for full-brimmed men’s hats to look, well, cool, but we think Filson has done it. And not only does this hat look good, it’s impressively well-designed. It’s made with light, water-repellent, breathable fabric that also has a 50+ UPF. Grommets on the side help with breathability and add some extra style, and it’s easy to roll up and pack in your bag (assuming you ever want to take it off your head). It comes in small, medium, and large, which will fit heads of 21.12 to 21.5 inches, 21.87 to 22.25 inches, and 22.62 to 23 inches, respectively, and is noted to run on the smaller side. It only comes in one color, but the “otter green” hue is versatile enough to see you from trail to travel days. Price at time of publish: $85 The Details: 2.75-inch brim | Dry finish shelter cloth | 50+ UPF Best Active San Diego Hat Company Women's Active Sun Brim Hat Amazon View On Amazon View On QVC View On Sandiegohat.com Why We Love It It will stay on your head while you exercise without blocking your view. What to Consider The brim might flop up if there's a strong 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. Price at time of publish: $22 The Details: 4.5-inch brim size | 22.4 inch circumference | Polyester | 50+ UPF From Spacious Towels to Sturdy Umbrellas, These Are the Best Beach Accessories Best Active, Men's Solbari Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat UPF50+ Solbari View On Amazon View On Solbari.com Why We Love It The Traveller will stay on 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 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 even the most intense hiking or water activities. If the seas get rough, the chin strap and its locking toggle plus 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 keep it breezy. Choose from white or beige with navy accent, or go full navy. Price at time of publish: $55 The Details: 3 inch brim size | 21.8 to 24 inch circumference | Nylon | 50+ UPF Best Bucket Hat Solbari Holiday Sun Hat UPF50+ Solbari View On Amazon View On Solbari.com Why We Love It Capitalize on the bucket hat trend with this reversible, feature-packed style. What to Consider The chin strap is only usable on one side of the hat. The bestseller of all of Solbari’s hats, this reversible bucket hat keeps you covered and colorful. There are seven color options available, all beige on one side with the color on the other so you can keep it neutral or add some pop to your summer styles. It also comes in two sizes (S/M and L/XL), but that’s just the first of ways to find your ideal fit; It also has an internal wire to customize the brim shape, a drawstring at the back of the hat to adjust the sizing, and a chin strap in case the wind comes up. The cotton and linen blend should breathe nicely and be able to fold into your suitcase with minimal space required. Price at time of publish: $55 The Details: 4-inch brim | 21.75- to 22.75-inch or 23- to 23.75-inch circumference | 50 percent cotton, 50 percent linen | 50+ UPF Best for Basking Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Compact in A Snap! Shelby Shapeable Poolside Hat Amazon View On Amazon View On Coolibar.com 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. If you're concerned about your large hat flying away, Coolibar's Shelby Shapeable Poolside Hat is here to help. It comes with a chin strap which makes sure the hat won't take flight no matter how rough the poolside conditions get. The wired 7-inch brim can easily be manipulated based on sun position 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 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. Price at time of publish: $59 The Details: 7-inch brim size | 22.5 inch circumference | Polyester | 50+ UPF The 11 Best Packable Backpacks of 2023 Best With Chin Strap Columbia Global Adventure Packable Hat II Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI 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. The 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 keep you color-coordinated. 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. Price at time of publish: $35 The Details: 4-inch brim size | 58 percent paper, 25 percent polyester, 17 percent polyethylene | 30 UPF Best Foldable Wallaroo Hat Company Women’s Scrunchie Sun Hat – UPF 50+ Amazon View On Amazon View On Wallaroohats.com 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. Price at time of publish: $49 The Details: 4.5-inch brim size | 22.8 inch circumference | Polyester | 50+ UPF Best Lightweight Baggu Packable Sun Hat 4.9 Baggu View On Baggu.com View On Moma.org Why We Love It You get 16 colors to choose from and the ability to spin your hat up into a flat package. What to Consider It doesn’t include UPF. There was a time when this hat was nearly impossible to purchase. Luckily, it’s slightly easier to get your hands on now. Its wide, flat brim will keep you covered, and the organic cotton material will make sure it does so in comfort. It only comes in one size, but the headband is adjustable and there are chin straps to tie it on when you need extra security. There are 16 color options available, including some extremely fun prints like clouds, lemons, and multiple floral options (including one neon one with horses alongside electric-hued blooms). Don’t worry, there are also solid shades available if you prefer something a little more neutral. When you’re ready to pack it up, just hold it like a steering wheel and twist it up, and it will slide easily into its companion pouch and sit small and flat inside your bag (or Baggu tote). Price at time of publish: $36 The Details: 23.5-inch circumference | 100 percent organic cotton Best Straw J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat J.Crew View On Jcrew.com Why We Love It This chic hat sits at just the right angle and offers multiple variations on a classic. What to Consider It doesn’t have a UPF rating. J.Crew is really getting in on the packable hat game this season, and this wide-brim option is the best of their set. You want as wide a brim as possible to keep the most sun off your face, but not so much that it's flopping down into your eyes, a balance that this hat hits just right. It comes in three sizes to find your perfect fit: small/medium, medium/large, and large/x-large. Go for a classic straw with a black band, or get the marled Black Ivory if you want something extra sophisticated (and darker colors equal more sun protection too). You can also opt for an option with a band of pearls around the rim if you’re feeling fancy, or an open-weave top for some additional breeze. Just note that none of them have UPF included. Price at time of publish: $70 The Details: Raffia | 3 sizes Best Splurge Eric Javits Hampton Straw Sun Hat Bloomingdale's View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales Why We Love It This graceful style comes with an elastic band and high UPF, but you’d never guess from looking at it. What to Consider There’s only one size available. Eric Javits created a material he dubbed Squishee, a packable straw that also blocks UV rays while still looking chic. The Hampton lives up to Javits’ goals for his hat collection, with a high UPF rating plus a versatile, classic style. And it even rolls up into a cone-like shape when it’s packing time — without you having to worry about damaging your investment. You get seven neutral colors to choose from (though there are sometimes brighter seasonal colors added), and though it does only come in one size, the interior elastic band means you should still be able to get a solid fit, and the brim is adjustable as well. Prefer a flatter top? We also love the A List Fedora style. Price at time of publish: $260 The Details: 4.5-inch brim | 22.25-inch circumference | 95 percent polypropylene, 5 percent polyester | 50+ UPF Best Fabric Hat Attack Canvas Packable Hat Amazon View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Hatattack.com Why We Love It A fun fringe trim and cotton-linen blend set this hat a step above. What to Consider It’s dry clean only. If you want a solid fabric hat, go for Hat Attack’s canvas style. The blend of cotton and linen keeps things cool and breathable while also providing a solid block against the sun. There are striped and neutral options for whatever style speaks to you, and a fun fringed edge adds an extra accent. The soft fabric will fold up easily in your luggage, but if you’ve got an aquatic trip planned, however, this might not be the best sun hat for you, as it is dry-clean only. Price at time of publish: $75 The Details: 4.5-inch brim | 22.5-inch circumference | Cotton and linen The 11 Best Reef-safe Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Full Coverage Seirus Quick Shade DLX Floppy Hat Seirus View On Amazon Why We Love It This water-resistant hat will keep you covered from the eyes down. What to Consider If you take off the face cover, there’s no drawstring to help it stay on. If you’re spending the day surrounded by the harsh reflections of the water, you may end up wanting a little more coverage than just a hat alone. Enter, the Seirus Quick Shade, which also includes a breathable fabric attachment (referred to as a Sunthing) that covers basically everything else except your eyes. This hat is more functional than it is stylish; you only get to choose the bandanna color to go with the tan hat, but it’s still a solidly neutral design. The unisex style comes in either small/medium or large/extra-large, but the tube is adjustable. It’s also quick-drying in the event you hit any unexpected wake. Price at time of publish: $35 The Details: Nylon | 25 UPF Tips for Buying Packable Sun Hats Consider the material A straw hat will keep you the coolest, but it isn’t always the best choice for every activity. If you’re going to be hiking, for example, you may want something sweat-wicking, and boaters may want something water-resistant, both of which will be better served by a hat made of polyester. Look for UPF rating The first qualification to look for in a good sun hat is its UPF (UV Protection Factor) grading. As the name implies, this system indicates the item's level of protection against ultraviolet energy and how much UV radiation reaches your skin, taking into account color, weave density, and fabric. A white T-shirt has a UPF of about 5; the highest you can go is 50+. Lee cites a UPF of 50 as the general dermatologist recommendation, which means it will protect your skin from 98 percent of UV radiation. Select adjustable options You don’t want to have to quit early because your hat gave you a headache or chase it down the street because it was too loose and got snatched by the wind. Since no two heads are alike, look for a packable sun hat with adjustable features in the band and brim, like toggles or elastics. A chin strap can also help make sure your hat stays in just the right spot. Frequently Asked Questions What types of hats keep you cool? Straw hats are your best choice, thanks to their more open weave and better air circulation. A broader brim is also better since it allows for more air movement. If you aren’t a fan of straw, look for natural, breathable materials like linen or sweat-wicking polyester (though tread with caution, as some synthetic fabrics can be less breathable than others). What color hat is better for sun protection? The darker a color, the more protective it is. Dark hats will absorb both UV rays and heat from your body; just make sure you have a breathable fabric to keep you cool as well. How do you pack a packable hat? This depends on the hat. Each packable hat has its best fold, so start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can’t figure it out, try gently pushing on the hat from a few different angles to see what feels right. If you simply can’t get it to fold or roll, you can also pack it open, upside down, supported by clothes inside the crown and around the brim. How do I determine the right hat circumference for my head? You may want to bust out the measuring tape for this one. Take the measure of the circumference of your head around your ear level, then check the size chart for the brand you’re shopping. Most sun hats have their circumference listed; if they have adjustable or elastic bands, you don’t need to match the number exactly. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Rena Behar relied on her extensive gear reviewing career and personal travels, as well as years of sunbathing, to find the best packable sun hats. She also 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. The Best Sun-protective Clothing for Women of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? 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