You’ve got your flight all set and now comes the dreaded part – packing. Packing is something most people despise, but fear not! There are a few tricks of the trade that can make the process a bit easier. However, when it comes to pack a hat, many folks are clueless.
If you’re headed to a sunny destination, a hat is a must-have item that you definitely don’t want to forget. Thankfully, there are ways to pack your sun hat without causing any damage. Let’s dive into the steps you need to know for packing hats while traveling!
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Steps to Pack a Hat for Travel
If you’ve already packed your suitcase for your vacation but you’re worried about how to bring your beloved hat without taking up too much space or risking any damage, we’ve got you covered. Some travelers struggle with fitting their hat into their suitcase, and there’s always the concern of it getting dented or creased during the journey. This is especially true for straw hat, which are more prone to damage. So, how can you ensure your hat arrives at your destination in perfect condition? We’ve got three solutions that will safely transport your hat to your travel spot without a hitch.
1. Fill the hat with clothing
One way to pack your hat is by placing it in your suitcase. This works best for hats that are made of stiff materials like straw. To keep the crown of the hat from getting damaged, stuff it with soft items like underwear, swimsuits, or other soft clothing and put hat upside. Start by folding the softest clothes you have, such as T-shirts or underwear, and placing them in the suitcase first.
2. Place a soft item of clothing into hat crown side.
When it comes to placing your hat in your suitcase, make sure it fills up the entire space. To do this, position it at the bottom or near the bottom of your suitcase. Remember to leave some space around the brim so you can easily fit other items around it.
To prevent your lighter items from getting squished or losing their shape during travel, it’s important to pack strategically. Start by placing the heaviest items towards the bottom and back of the suitcase. Then, gradually add the lighter items and soft clothes towards the top. To ensure your hat maintains its shape, stuff the inside with something stiff like denim. This will help it hold its form and allow you to pack lighter items, such as t-shirts, on top.
If you prefer not to pack anything on top of your hat, you can elevate it closer to the top of the suitcase by placing a layer of clothing underneath it. This will give your hat some extra space and protection.
3. Be sure to pack hats into the center of the suitcase
When packing your hat for travel, it’s important to protect it from damage. To do this, place it in the center of your suitcase and pack your clothes around it, making sure to add extra padding to any easily damageable areas like the brim. Also, be sure to pack heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase to prevent them from squishing your hat while rolling it in an upright position. Remember, gravity can be a hat’s worst enemy, so pack wisely!
Best hats for Travel
Many tourists opt for functional hats such as Tilly hats or baseball caps; however, these choices lack style. Personally, I desire a hat that not only looks good but also requires a bit more effort to pack. The extra effort is worthwhile as it allows you to have a great hat that complements your outfit, rather than something you would never want in your pictures. Additionally, it is important to consider that hat with wide brim provide protection for the back of your neck, which a baseball cap does not offer. They are much easier to pack and more comfortable to wear while lounging in the sun.
- Wide Brim Panama Hat
- Western Wide Palma Hat
- Palma Wide Fedora Hat
- Terry Bucket Hat
- Lake Washed Bucket Hat
- Redwood Straw Hat
- Textured Summer Straw Hat
- Wyeth Suki
- Ciabatta Hat
- Aubrey Panama Hat
- Lulla Frayed Edge Rancher
Packing Sun Hats and Stiff Hats
Sun hats and other stiff hats can be a real pain to pack. This encompasses:
- Straw hats
- Paper braid hats
- Formed wool/felt caps
- Panama hats
Packing Baseball Caps
Thankfully, packing baseball hats is a breeze. But, you definitely don’t want to ruin the brim.
- Fold the back of the hat inward towards the brim, creating a half-moon shape.
- Use clothing to support the hat and maintain its shape.
- If the bill is curved, place cushioning underneath, like a pair of socks.
- Avoid putting anything heavy on the bill to prevent damage.
The usage of a Hat Box
Carrying a hat box can be a hassle, but it’s worth it if you want to keep your hats in top shape. With a hat box, you won’t have to worry about your great hats getting bent or creased during travel. If you’re flying, it might not be worth the extra effort, but if you’re driving or have extra luggage space, a hat box is a great option for your favorite hats.
How to pack Cabana and Breeze mesh sun hat!
Owning a SolAir Cabana or Breeze mesh sun hat (easy packable hats) comes with a great perk – they can be easily packed in a backpack or suitcase, making it super convenient to take them along wherever you go! To pack either of these styles, simply fold the brim up on the sides of the hat, like a taco. Then, lay it on its side and stuff some socks inside the crown of the hat to prevent it from getting squashed flat. It’s worth mentioning that, once you unpack your hat, it might not regain its original perfect shape.
How should I roll a hat?
- Rollable hats may have indents in the crown that can be pressed back out by hand.
- Packable hats typically have a seam running along the head, which is pressed inwards along with the indents.
- The hat is then folded lengthwise and rolled up from back to front.
- This makes it convenient and safe to store the hat in a suitcase.
- By following these steps, you can easily store your hat without any hassle.
The Panama hat
Panama hats are a great choice for travel due to their flexible straw, which is more pliable than other types. However, the Toquilla straw used to make these hats is only stretchy in humid, tropical weather. It’s best to avoid rolling and creasing your Panama sun hat in Central European climates, as the straw could break in those conditions.
To make packing easier, you can gently steam your hat before rolling it up. Just be sure to unroll it as soon as possible upon arrival, as leaving it rolled up for too long can cause the straw to become brittle. So, save the rolling for your next vacation!
Bottom line
When you’re on the go, having a hat that you can pack is a game-changer. Not only does it add a touch of style, but it also shields you from the sun. However, it’s important to pack it correctly to maintain its shape and avoid any damage. And if you want to make things even easier, go for a hat that’s ready for travel!