When putting together summer travel outfits, if I'm feeling too plain, or not loving my hair, or it's just too hot, my solution is always the same: add a hat. 

Sometimes, a great summer hat is all you need to take your travel outfits from simple to chic and stand out. From bucket hats, to wide-brim straw, or seaside cowgirl, embellished, scalloped, or classic; a hat needs to hold shape, work with multiple outfits, and survive transit in a suitcase.

Nine tried-and-trusted brands you need to know for both high-fashion and high-function looks - and everything in between.

+ Scroll to the bottom of this post for my never-fail, always perfect, hat packing hacks! +

1. American Hat Makers

Best For:  Long trips where one structured hat needs to handle repeated packing and daily wear without losing shape.

American Hat Makers leads here because the construction is engineered for durability under pressure, with brims and crowns that maintain structure while allowing controlled flexibility inside a suitcase.

• Balanced structure that resists warping during transit
• Breathable straw and lightweight blends for hot climates
• Interior comfort bands designed for extended wear
• Versatile silhouettes that move between beach and city

2. Lack of Color

Best For:  Style-focused trips where a statement hat still needs to survive packing and look consistent across outfits.

Lack of Color is consistently one of my most-worn brands, and is known for combining fashion-forward silhouettes with materials that allow for light compression, making it one of the more wearable options across styled outfits.

• Soft raffia and straw that tolerate packing pressure
• Wide brims that provide usable sun coverage
• Neutral tones that integrate easily into travel wardrobes
• Lightweight builds suited for warm destinations

3. Sunday Afternoons

Best For:  Outdoor-heavy itineraries where sun protection and packability matter more than styling.

Sunday Afternoons focuses on technical performance, with packable designs built specifically for sun exposure and long hours outdoors.

• UPF-rated materials for high UV environments
• Foldable construction that recovers shape
• Ventilated panels for airflow in heat
• Adjustable fits that stay secure during movement

4. Brixton

Best For:  Trips that mix city settings, dinners, and daytime exploring where one hat needs to carry a more refined look.

Brixton offers a more structured, urban aesthetic that still allows for moderate packability, making it a strong crossover option.

• Structured silhouettes that maintain a polished look
• Materials that handle light compression
• Versatile styling across casual and elevated settings
• Durable construction without excessive rigidity

5. Nikki Beach

Best For:  Europe summer, beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, shell adornments and chic resort looks

Nikki Beach, named for the famous beach club, designs hats around a luxe, European summer aesthetic and resort environments.

• Bold, fashion-forward designs
• Lightweight materials for warm climates
• Moderate flexibility depending on style
• Strong visual identity for styled travel looks

6. Hat Attack

Best For:  Easy, everyday travel where one hat needs to work across beach days and casual city wear.

Hat Attack sits in a practical middle ground, combining relaxed styling with materials designed for travel-friendly flexibility.

• Packable straw and fabric blends
• Wide-brim options for sun coverage
• Lightweight construction that avoids bulk
• Easy styling across multiple outfits

6. Eugenia Kim

Best For:  A fashion-driven splurge, impeccable craftsmanship and original designs, special occasions.

Eugenia Kim brings a more elevated, designer perspective, with select styles that balance structure and flexibility for travel use.

• High-end construction with attention to detail
• Select packable straw and fabric blends
• Distinct silhouettes that elevate simple outfits
• Lightweight materials suited for warm climates

7. Columbia

Best For:  Active travel, hiking and backpacking-focused trips, affordable high-quality options, function over fashion

Columbia focuses on practical, no-friction performance, delivering lightweight hats that can be packed without much thought.

• Breathable, lightweight fabrics for heat
• Adjustable features for a secure fit
• Packable construction with minimal maintenance
• Accessible price point for everyday travel

8. L*Space

Best For:  Beach-focused trips where the hat integrates seamlessly into a resort wardrobe, their famous rollable visor

L*Space leans into resort styling, offering softer constructions that naturally adapt to packing and coastal environments.

• Flexible straw blends that allow compression
• Relaxed silhouettes suited for beach settings
• Lightweight feel for extended wear
• Styling that pairs with swimwear and casual looks

9. & Other Stories

Best For:  Festival Season, Seaside Cowgirl and western aesthetic, a more-is-more approach to fashion.

& Other Stories materials and construction often translate well into travel when selected carefully. The brand leans into softer straw, cotton, and raffia blends that allow for light packing while maintaining enough structure to look intentional once worn.

• Soft straw and woven blends that tolerate light compression
• Clean, minimal silhouettes that work across multiple outfits
• Lightweight construction suited for warm climates
• Subtle detailing that elevates simple travel looks

This works well for trips where the hat needs to move between beach settings, city walks, and casual dinners without feeling overly styled or difficult to pack.

Focus On Materials That Handle Heat and Packing

Material selection determines how a hat performs across both temperature and transit. The difference between a rigid straw and a flexible weave becomes obvious the moment it is packed.

• Raffia and soft straw weaves: Allow slight bending without breaking, making them easier to pack
• Tightly woven straw: Provides stronger structure but requires more careful placement in luggage
• Synthetic blends: Often improve durability and moisture resistance while maintaining flexibility
• Natural fibers: Promote airflow and reduce heat retention during extended wear

The most effective designs balance resilience with adaptability, allowing the hat to move without losing form.

The Always-Works Hat Packing Hack:

In my 10 years of full-time travel, I have packed my suitcase this exact way almost every single time, and it always, always works. 

• If you're bringing multiple brimmed hats, nest them inside each other from smallest to largest in the order they naturally fit the best
• Fill the crown (head hole) with soft clothing to maintain shape - I like to use small items that don't wrinkle or don't matter if they do, like pajamas, socks, and athleticwear
• Place the hat brim side down in your suitcase, on the side opposite the handlebars (the flat, smooth side)
• Surround the hat with packing cubes, a well-sealed toiletry bag, or other items
• If you are not already using packing cubes you need to start - they will change your life. 
• Avoid placing heavy items directly on top of the crown
• Use hats designed for rolling or folding when space is extremely limited