What’s the Best Way to Pack a Hat Without Ruining It?

Hats: stylish, practical, and frustratingly delicate when it comes to travel. Whether you’re bringing a classic Panama hat, a floppy beach hat, or even a structured cowboy hat, keeping it in shape while you’re on the move takes a little planning. Let’s break it down so you can arrive at your destination with your hat looking as fresh as the day you bought it!

Packing a Hat in a Carry-On

You’re probably team carry-on if you’re trying to avoid baggage fees (because who isn’t?). The good news? Hats can travel safely in a carry-on with a little effort.

Best Options:

1. Wear it on the plane. The easiest method, with zero risk of damage. Bonus: You look effortlessly cool walking through the airport.
2. Stuff it and place it on top in your carry-on. If you’re short on head space (haha), fill the crown of your hat with socks, underwear, or small clothing items to help it keep its shape. Then, place it upside down in your bag and pack soft clothes around it for support.
3. Use a hat clip for your bag. If your hat isn’t too delicate, consider clipping it to the outside of your carry-on with a travel hat clip. Just be prepared for some envious stares from fellow travelers.

Packing a Hat in Checked Luggage

If you’re trusting the airline with your bag, you’ll want to be extra careful—your bag can get tossed around quite a lot!

Best Options:

1. Use a hat box. Old-school? Yes. Effective? Also yes. A structured hat box is the best way to protect delicate or expensive hats.
2. Pack it in the center of your bag. If you don’t have a hat box, fill the crown with soft items (like scarves, socks, or t-shirts), then place it in the middle of your suitcase with clothing packed securely around it. Avoid putting anything heavy on top!
3. Foldable hats for the win. If you’re bringing a packable straw or fabric hat, roll it loosely and tuck it into a side compartment. Some hats are made to be folded, but if yours isn’t, don’t force it—your hat might not keep its shape once you unpack it.

Different Hats, Different Strategies

Not all hats are created equal, and some require more care than others.

• Wide-brim hats (sunhats, fedoras, Panama hats): Best packed upside down with the crown stuffed, surrounded by soft clothes.
• Baseball caps: These are easy—clip them to your bag or stack them on top of your packed garments.
• Beanies and bucket hats: No drama here—fold and tuck them anywhere.
• Structured hats (cowboy hats, fancy derby hats, etc.): These need serious protection. A hat box is your best bet, or wear it while you’re traveling.

The key to packing a hat? Support, structure, and a little creativity. Plan ahead, pack wisely, and you won’t have to deal with hat-shaped heartbreak when you unpack.

Now, where are you headed, and what fabulous hat are you bringing? 😏 Share your tips with the Frayed Passport community!

Featured image by Andrea Bertoni on Unsplash