Whether you’re packing for a family vacation, a romantic city break for two, or a weekend away with the girls, you don’t want to forget your sun hat. Not only will it complement your outfit, but it’ll also keep you safe from harmful UV rays. There are plenty of summer hats out there, from simple baseball caps and wide-brimmed cotton hats to fun fedoras, colorful bucket hats and even visors (yep, these are a thing again!) that are easy to pack in your suitcase. These are the best packable women’s sun hats for travel.
1. Itopfox Floppy Big Brim Hat
Channel your inner super model in a wide brim sun hat that’ll look good with just about any outfit. If you’re out and about, an oversized straw hat looks great with a maxi dress or white jeans and a chambray shirt, and it’s equally stylish when worn by the pool or beach. Plus, wide-brimmed hats are ideal for keeping your face in the shade. This foldable hat by Itopfox comes in black, white, and black and white stripes.
2. Funky Junque Embroidered Floppy Sun Hat
In a sea of oversized women’s beach hats, this embroidered one from Funky Junque will make sure you stand out from the crowd. Choose from dozens of sayings—we love the ‘Hello Sunshine’ and ‘Good Vibes’ versions—but there are plenty more statements from which to pick. These are the perfect hats to pack if you’re heading away on vacay with your girlfriends!
Related: 9 Lightweight Summer Sandals Perfect for Packing
3. Siggi Floppy Sun Hat
This foldable, packable and generally very cute Siggi Floppy Sun Hat will look just as stylish on a city break as it will on the beach. It comes in three different sizes and the adjustable tape built into the sweatband will make sure you get the perfect fit. It offers UPF 50 protection and there’s a detachable chin strap so your hat won’t blow away if you’re running after the kids or decide to go sailing for the day.
4. Joylife Fisherman Hat
Take a trip back to the 1990’s with a fisherman hat. These playful, reversible hats from Joylife are available in a range of patterns guaranteed to make sunny days even brighter. We love the pop of yellow and red against the navy background on this fruity version. Easy to pack and easy to wash, these canvas hats are perfect for summer camping, fishing, barbecuing and more.
5. DALIX Rainbow Baseball Cap
Once the mainstay of ball players and soccer moms, baseball hats are having a new fashion moment. Easily one of the most versatile hats you’ll ever have in your wardrobe, baseball caps are perfect for days spent by the pool, on the beach, or if you’re simply having a bad hair day. This cap by DALIX comes in a wide range of colors and each one has a small embroidered rainbow logo on the front, perfect for summer.
Related: The Essential Beach Packing List
6. Malabar Hat Co. Straw Hat
Active moms who want to keep their face protected when they’re paddling their SUP or kayak need a sun hat that’s going to stay put. This woven straw hat from the Malabar Hat Co. is just the ticket. The adjustable toggle means it’s secure, the wide brim is lined with a playful red hibiscus print, and the hat offers UPF 50 protection.
7. Scala Visor Hat with Big Brim
Once upon a time, you would only see visors on the tennis court or the golf course. But these days they’re a bona fide fashion accessory. This cotton visor by Scala has a wider brim than normal and will keep you feeling and looking cool on hot summer days. It’ll also allow your hair to catch some natural highlights.
8. Women’s Wide Brim Sun Hat
If you want your beach look to be all about the drama, then this hat from Molodo is the perfect choice. While its 22″-22.8″ circumference and striking black color scheme are attention-grabbers, this hat folds down unobtrusively to fit inside a purse or carry-on bag. It comes in eight additional colors, including a classic straw look and a vibrant orange, for those looking for something a little brighter.
Related: The 13 Best One-Piece Swimsuits and Bikinis for Moms on Vacation (and at Home)
9. Funky Junque Ponytail Bucket Hat
A classic bucket hat is the perfect accessory to wear with jean shorts or your favorite sundress on vacation. This one from Funky Junque features UPF 50+ sun protection, comes in a variety of colors, and has a convenient opening for ponytails and buns so you never need to decide between a cute updo and some much needed shade.
10. Wallaroo Hat Company Victoria Sun Hat
It’s worth investing in a beach hat that will last year after year. Try the best-selling Victoria Sun Hat by Australian company Wallaroo that’s ultra-lightweight and comes in 20 different colors. Made from poly-straw, the hat is ultra-lightweight and breathable and an internal drawstring ensures a snug fit so it won’t blow away.
Katja Gaskell is a travel writer and family travel blogger who recently returned to live in London after 12 years abroad in Australia, India and Mexico. She has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet, reviewed hotels for the British boutique hotel site Mr & Mrs Smith, and has contributed articles to publications including BBC Food, The Australian, Lonely Planet online and more. She’s also the European Editor of Twist Travel Magazine. Katja is a firm believer that you can —and should!—travel with your kids everywhere. Find Katja on her own site, Globetotting.com.
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