Last updated on July 20, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Finding the right straw hat means balancing three factors: actual UV protection, a shape that actually fits your face, and one that can withstand being thrown in your suitcase. And it’s always so hard to find a product that hits all three! They’re so precious that they’re hard to pack, and you end up forgetting them on the plane, losing their shape, or looking terrible. After years of searching and testing designer sun hats for hot weather travel, the Eric Javits Francoise II became my choice. We’ll also break down why and share a few other designer straw hats worth knowing about if you’re planning on building your collection this summer. This is not a compilation of every straw hat on the internet, but rather designer summer hats that I actually wear, pack, repurchase, or have on my wishlist. If you’re unsure about whether a quality sun hat is actually worth the investment, this guide will explain exactly what you can expect.
This post contains affiliate links and giveaways that do not influence the price. Eric Javits Use code EveD10 for 10% off.
Why Straw Hats Are Worth Investing In
A good straw hat does two things. It instantly adds shine to even the simplest of clothes, and finding a hat with UPF will provide even more UV protection. Cheap straw hats tend to lose shape over the seasons, crack from moisture, or not actually block out the sun despite their looks. I think a well-made designer straw hat is worth the investment because it’s well-structured, travels well, and looks intentional rather than something you just picked up haphazardly at the airport.
Eric Javits Francoise II: Sun Hats Go Designer
I own Francoise II in ‘Cream Black’, which also comes in a tone-on-tone latte mix, and it’s become my go-to hat for just about every warm weather trip. This product is made with Eric Javits’ signature Squishee. It is a lightweight, straw-like material that is more durable and portable than natural straws. I chose this large, floppy straw hat with a 6.5-inch brim and a UPF 50+ rating. This hat is independently tested to provide as much sun protection as possible, blocking 95% of UVA and UVB rays. What I liked about it, other than its UV protection, is that it’s portable, has a classic, chic shape, and a neutral color that goes well with almost everything I carry.
It maintains its shape and structure even after repeated wear, and is characterized by maintaining the shape of the face frame all day without fading in the wrong direction. The logo is also subtle, so you can feel comfortable wearing it anytime, anywhere.
Designer straw hat brands you need to know: Eugenia Kim, Gucci, etc.
This collection of designer straw hats covers the luxury brands we think are actually worth spending your money on this summer, from classics to trends to logo-forwards. Besides Eric Javits, if you want a designer sun hat that never goes out of style, Eugenia Kim is known for her timeless, face-flattering shapes. Styles trending right now include Gucci’s GG leather-trimmed straw boater, wide brim, flat crown silhouette and signature double G leather band, which are everywhere this season. If you prefer logos, Valentino Garavani leans into them more than most, with straw bucket hats and pieces that make branding part of the design rather than an afterthought. If you love designer straw hats but want them in bucket form, both Janessa Leone and Saint Laurent can do very well at very different price points.
Another thing to know if you’re going through menopause or just generally feeling hot: open weave styles like a straw visor allow more air to pass through than a solid crown, which makes a real difference on days when 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 you can shop it directly. Eric Javits Use code EveD10 for 10% off.
How to package a designer straw hat without ruining it.
Gone are the days when you had to carry it on an airplane. However, this is also what most people get wrong about portable hats, assuming you can roll up a straw hat and put it in a bag, but then the brim will break. Trust me. I’ve been there and done that! Yes, some can, but some require a little more affection and reading the care instructions, even if they are squishy hats. Like the Eric Javits Francoise hat, honestly, even though you can roll most hats, I recommend packing these hats because they don’t take up much space and are much safer.
To pack a straw hat, stuff the center crown with a t-shirt, underwear, or scarf to keep its shape, then keep the brim flat and not folded, and support it underneath with clothing or other necessary items. Packaged this way, the Francoise II easily fits into a medium-sized suitcase without losing its shape. This is one of the most travel friendly designer sun hats I own.
Are designer straw hats really worth it?
A good straw hat does two things. It offers true UV protection and instantly adds shine to even the simplest outfit. Keeping track of what hat styles are trending is also an easy way to update your outfit. Cheap straw hats tend to lose shape over the seasons, crack from moisture, or not actually block out the sun despite their looks. So, if you only plan to use it for one vacation or pool season and don’t mind sun exposure, it’s fine. But a well-made, quality sun hat that holds its structure, travels well, and looks more intentional than something you bought later at the airport is worth the investment.
Jennifer Lopez Hat: Eric Javits Floppy Embellishment
I love hats to change up my look and block UV rays, especially in the summer. Next on my wishlist is the Eric Javits Floppy With Fringe, a style famously worn by Jennifer Lopez. It has the same dramatic, face-framing silhouette as the Francoise II, but with added fringe detailing for a slightly more relaxed beach vacation vibe. If you’re building a collection of designer straw hats, this is a great second piece after you’ve gotten your trusty neutral rotation.
Can’t you show off your designer straw hat? Try this instead
If you don’t have the budget for a designer sun hat right now, you don’t have to skip the classy look entirely. Try a plain straw hat with a designer silk twilly tied around the base or a unique brooch. You can also easily change the band color to match what you’re wearing that day. Using one of these two styling tricks will instantly make your basic hat look a lot more expensive, and it’s a trick that we also use on designer pieces to change up the look without having to buy a second hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Eric Javits Francoise II is one of the best designer straw hats of quiet luxury, style, and function, with a UPF 50+ rating, a face-framed 6.5-inch brim, and a portable design that retains its shape after travel.
The head of the hat is stuffed with soft material to maintain its shape and then wrapped by holding the brim flat rather than rolled or folded. This will prevent the brim from getting wrinkled during transport.
Eric Javits Floppy With Fringe is a designer straw hat worn by Jennifer Lopez, known for its dramatic silhouette and fringe details.
Add a designer twill embellishment around the base or a pin for a statement brooch. Both will instantly elevate your plain straw hat without having to buy a new hat.
Yes, for most people, many designer straw hats, like the Eric Javits Francoise II, will keep their shape season after season, offer genuine UPF 50+ sun protection, and pack in your travel bag without breaking or losing structure like cheaper straw hats. I’ve previously purchased a UPF-protected, packable hat from Amazon, but it only lasted me one summer before it lost its shape, and I love the structured style.
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Glamor & Gains covers fashion, beauty, trends and travel with years of industry experience behind every review and feature. Rather than writing from press releases since the site was founded, our editors have led the site by testing and personally wearing many of the accessories recommended, including the Eric Javits pieces featured here.
Whether we’re reviewing designer accessories, beauty gadgets or travel destinations, we’re based on personal experience, real-world testing and honest assessments of quality, value and practicality.
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