I’m a beauty writer and luxury travel consultant. So for me, summer revolves around designing the perfect getaway and making sure I have adequate sun coverage. Of course, I pack mineral sunscreen and a sporty rashguard but I also need a chic hat that will protect my skin from the sun while also leveling up my outfit.
As a frequent traveler, I learned the hard way that packing a hat in your suitcase and having it arrive in pristine condition is no simple task. I ruined a fancy Maison Michel pink fedora on a trip to Europe (stuffing it with socks did not work) and next settled for a $12 foldable hat from Amazon (it was not cute-I removed it for every photo). But then I discovered Janessa Leoné’s gorgeous “ packable” hats, which have made my life a hundred times easier and more stylish.
You can pack Janessa Leoné’s Simone hat it a suitcase, purse or beach bag for up to 24 hours and it … [+]
Janessa Leoné
I had heard a lot of buzz about the California-based brand for its handcrafted, minimalist-chic hats, often spotted on celebrities and influencers. After trying on a few, I decided on a classic Panama-inspired hat that’s designed to be crushable and made with a durable fiber that can be rolled and folded without ruining its shape. I had a trip to Sicily coming up, and even though Leoné’s hats are expensive, I splurged. I went for the Hamilton, a style that’s temporarily sold out but is very similar to the Simone.
On the way there, I packed the hat in the silky tote bag it came with, which was actually the ideal size to sling around my suitcase handle. This would be my trick, I thought, to avoid folding the hat. Once in Sicily, I wore the hat constantly. It was the perfect accessory to my breezy vacation dresses, and more importantly, when paired with some oversized sunnies, it kept my face shielded from the intense Italian sun. On the way home, however, I had an extra bag to carry-beautiful ceramics I bought on the trip-which meant, the hat had to go in my suitcase.
I experimented and discovered that if you fold the hat like an accordion, rather than simply folding it the long way in half, this protects the hat’s crown and helps it spring back to its original shape when you unpack it. I gently placed it inside my suitcase, hoping that it would still resemble a fashionable accessory back in Los Angeles. Fourteen hours later, I finally arrived home and unraveled my trip treasures. Remarkably, once I unearthed it, the hat bounced back into its oversized shape-minus any strange dents or unwanted creases.
This hat has since come with me to Lisbon, Portugal; Hudson, New York; and most recently, Oaxaca, Mexico, all while providing great sun coverage on beach days, walking through town or just hanging out by the pool. The best part is that my hat keeps me stylish while protecting my skin at the same time-no matter where life takes me.
More Chic, Sun-Protective Hats To Consider
If you plan on spending time outdoors this summer, here are five additional styles to shop, some of which are on sale. Here’s also where to find our favorite beach hats.
Wide-Brimmed In A Versatile Color That Goes With Everything
Classic Raffia At More Than 30% Off
Stays Put For Extra Windy Beach Days
Breathable Straw Option In A Lighter Color From Janessa Leoné
Lightweight Visor In A Two-Tone Design
Originally published at https://www.forbes.com.