5 Classic Hat Styles for Travel (& How to Pack Them)
I love a good hat! They look great in travel photos, instantly elevate your outfit, and provide protection from the sun (not to mention giving you a stylish way to hide less-than-perfect travel hair). Whether I’m hiking in a National Park or galavanting through cities like Boston, you’ll catch me sporting a hat on nearly every trip. From the perfect sun hat to wool wide-brim boaters, there’s a hat for just about any occasion. In this guide, I’m breaking down which classic hat styles are my go-to and how to pack them for travel.
These are five classic women’s hat styles for travel and how to pack them.
How to Travel with a Wide Brim Hat
Option 1: Place the hat upside down in your luggage and then fill the crown and pack around it under the brim. This helps protect the shape of the hat while also saving space.
Option 2: No room in your luggage? Use a hat clip (or this more budget-friendly hat clip) to fasten it to your backpack or bag.
Option 3: Skip all the fancy packing hacks and just carry your hat with you on the plane! While you won’t want to wear it once you’re seated, I find that wide-brim hats make a pretty good phone stand when placed on a tray table. This way, you can Netflix and chill on the plane without having to hold your phone.
Packable Hats
If the above options don’t suit your needs, a packable hat may be the way to go! These wide-brim hats were designed to roll up easily to fit in your backpack, purse, or luggage.
5 Classic Women’s Hat Styles for Travel
Straw Sun Hat
Sun hats are such a classic because they’re one of the most practical hat choices out there. A wide-brim straw hat is my go-to for any warm-weather trips. They’re the perfect complement to any spring or summer dress, and the wide brim is key for protecting your eyes and skin from any harsh rays. Many even offer UPF sun protection!
Wide Brim Felt Hat
When I’m traveling in the mountains or during the fall, I usually reach for a wool felt hat. Equally as functional as a straw sun hat, felt hats have the added seasonal bonus of providing some added warmth as well. Not to mention, they look great in travel photos.
Chin Strap Hat
The wind might be my least favorite of the elements, particularly because it’s highly skilled at whisking away one’s headwear. When I’m out for a hike or visiting a city during some gusty weather, hats with a chin strap come to the rescue. Thankfully, these hats are another example of when practicality meets beauty. There’s something about a chin strap that’s just darn adorable!
Ballcap
Sometimes, a wide-brim hat just isn’t the most practical headwear for your outing. On those occasions, the classic ballcap is a go-to for providing some sun coverage. It’s also easy to pack and perfect for effortlessly covering your tresses in-between washes.
Beret
The ultimate classic and chic hat is definitely the beret. Perfect for the fall and winter months or just for elevating an outfit, a beret is undoubtedly my most frequented style. It’s also a favorite because it takes up virtually no space in your luggage!
Winter Hat
The obvious choice for winter activities or cold-weather trips, it’s important to have a high-quality stocking cap in your arsenal. When choosing your winter headwear, opt for wool if you’re able. It naturally wicks away moisture, making it the best material for regulating temperature and preventing dampness from sweat or snow.
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