Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Finding the right straw sun hat means balancing three things: real sun protection, a shape that actually suits your face, and something that survives being shoved in a suitcase. And it’s always so hard to find one that does all 3! They’re either too precious to pack and you end up carrying them onto the plane, and then forgetting them, they lose their shape, or they just look terrible. After years of searching for and testing designer sun hats for hot weather trips, the Eric Javits Francoise II has become my go to. I’m also breaking down why as well as sharing a few other designer straw hats worth knowing about if you’re building out your collection this summer. This isn’t a roundup of every straw hat on the internet, it’s the designer summer hats I’ve actually worn, packed, would buy again, or that are on my wishlist. And if you’re on the fence about whether a luxury sun hat is actually worth the investment, this guide covers exactly what to expect.
This article contains affiliate links and gifted items which do not affect the price. Use code EveD10 for 10% off Eric Javits.
Why a Straw Sun Hat Is Worth the Investment
A good straw sun hat does double duty, they add instant polish to even the simplest outfit and if you look for one with UPF, give you extra sun protection. Cheap straw hats tend to lose shape within a season, crack in humidity, or provide next to no actual sun coverage despite looking the part. A well made designer straw hat holds its structure, travels well, and looks intentional rather than like an afterthought grabbed at the airport which is why I think they’re worth the investment.
The Eric Javits Francoise II: My Go To Designer Sun Hat
I own the Francoise II in ‘Cream Black’, it also comes in tone on tone Latte Mix, and it’s become the hat I reach for on almost every warm weather trip. It’s made from Eric Javits’ signature Squishee, a lightweight, straw like material engineered to be more durable and packable than natural straw. I went for this large, floppy straw sun hat with a 6.5″ brim and UPF 50+ rating that’s been independently tested to block 95% of UVA and UVB rays to give myself as much sun protection as possible. What sold me beyond the sun protection is that it’s packable, has a classic, chic shape, and neutral colorway that goes with pretty much everything I pack.
What’s kept it on repeat is that the shape and structure hold up even after repeated wear, and it doesn’t go floppy in the wrong way, it keeps its face framing shape all day. The logo is also discreet so I feel safe wearing it everywhere and anywhere.
Luxury Sun Hat Brands Worth Knowing: Eugenia Kim, Gucci, Valentino Garavani and More
This designer straw hat roundup covers the luxury brands I feel are actually worth your money this summer, from classic to trending to logo forward. Besides Eric Javits, if you want a designer sun hat that never goes out of style, Eugenia Kim is the name to know for timeless, face flattering shapes. For the trending style right now, it’s Gucci’s GG leather trimmed straw boater, the wide brim, flat crown silhouette with the signature double G leather band that’s everywhere this season. If logos are your thing, Valentino Garavani leans into it more than most, with straw bucket hats and pieces that make the branding part of the design rather than an afterthought. And if you love a designer straw hat but want it in bucket form, Janessa Leone and Saint Laurent both do them exceptionally well, in very different price brackets.
One more thing worth knowing if you’re navigating menopause or just run hot generally, an open weave style like a straw visor lets more air through than a solid crown, which makes a real difference on the days a full luxury sun hat feels like too much.
Shop the Look
Everything mentioned in this designer sun hat guide, including the Francoise II, is linked below and shoppable directly. Use code EveD10 for 10% off Eric Javits.
How to Pack a Designer Straw Hat Without Ruining It
Gone are the days of having to carry it on the plane with you. However, this is also the part most people get wrong with packable hats, assuming you can just roll a straw sun hat and shove it in your bag, but that’s how you end up with a crushed brim. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that! Yes, some you can, but others even squishee hats need a little more love and for you to read the care instructions. Like the Eric Javits Francoise hat, and honestly I’d recommend packing most hats like this even if they say rollable as it doesn’t take up much more space, if any, and is a lot safer.
To pack your straw sun hat, stuff the center crown with a t-shirt, underwear, or a scarf to help it hold its shape, then keep the brim flat rather than folded, supporting it underneath with clothes or whatever else you need to pack. Packed this way, the Francoise II fits easily into a medium suitcase without losing its shape. It’s genuinely one of the most travel friendly designer sun hats I own.
Is a Designer Straw Hat Really Worth the Price?
A good straw sun hat does double duty: real UV protection and an instant polish to even the simplest outfit. It’s also an easy way to update an outfit if you keep up with which hat styles are trending. Cheap straw hats tend to lose shape within a season, crack in humidity, or provide next to no actual sun coverage despite looking the part. So they’re fine if you’re just planning on using them for one vacation or pool season and don’t care about sun coverage. But a well made luxury sun hat that holds its structure, travels well, and looks intentional rather than like an afterthought grabbed at the airport is worth the investment.
The Jennifer Lopez Hat: Eric Javits Floppy With Fringe
I love hats, especially in Summer for changing up my look and sun protection. Next on my wishlist is the Eric Javits Floppy With Fringe, the style famously worn by Jennifer Lopez. It has the same dramatic, face framing silhouette as the Francoise II but with added fringe detail for a slightly more relaxed beachy, vacation vibe. If you’re building out a designer straw hat collection, this is a great second piece once you’ve got a reliable neutral in rotation.
Can’t Splurge on a Designer Straw Hat? Try This Instead
If a designer sun hat isn’t in the budget right now, you don’t need to skip the elevated look entirely. Take a plain straw hat and add a designer silk twilly tied around the base, or pin on a statement brooch. It’s also an easy way to change the color of the band to coordinate with whatever outfit you’re wearing that day. Either styling trick instantly makes a basic hat look considerably more expensive, and it’s a trick I use even with my designer pieces to change up the look without buying a second hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Eric Javits Francoise II is one of the best straw sun hats for quiet luxury, style and function, with a UPF 50+ rating, a face framing 6.5 inch brim, and a packable design that holds its shape even after travel. Another bonus is that it’s also more of a mid price-point than a designer straw hat price.
Stuff the crown of the hat with a soft item(s) to help it keep its shape, then pack it with the brim flat and supported rather than rolled or folded, this prevents the brim from creasing in transit.
The Eric Javits Floppy With Fringe is the designer straw hat famously worn by Jennifer Lopez, known for its dramatic silhouette and fringe detail.
Add a designer twilly around the base or pin on a statement brooch, both instantly elevate a plain straw hat without needing to buy a new one.
Yes, for most people, since many designer straw hats like the Eric Javits Francoise II hold their shape season after season, provide genuine UPF 50+ sun protection, and pack for travel without cracking or losing structure the way cheaper straw hats often do. I have bought UPF protection, packable hats on Amazon before but they’ve only ever last me one summer before losing their shape, and I love a structured style.
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Glamour & Gains covers fashion, beauty, trends and travel with years of industry experience behind every review and feature. Our editor has led the site since it was founded, testing and personally wearing so many of the accessories recommended, including the Eric Javits pieces featured here, rather than writing from press materials.
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