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Two years ago, as an adult, I finally started wearing a hat. For years I thought it wasn’t for me, but by chance I tried on a wide-brimmed hat from Eric Javits and it completely changed my mind.
I was planning on wearing it on every vacation, but even with its roll-up design, when it arrived I didn’t think it looked as perfect as it did before I packed it. And my first hat cost over $200, so it was an investment that needed to be protected.
My travel gear was missing a hat box, but I won’t make that mistake again. These practical items protect the delicate brim of your hat, prevent it from bending or losing its shape, and work well with a variety of styles, whether you’re wearing a baseball cap or a fedora.
We’ve researched hats in different sizes that are best for travel and feature features like straps, roomy interiors, and bold styles.
This is a one size fits all model, so hats with brims larger than 4.38 inches may not fit.
Like the other quality hard bags on this list, this travel case is understatedly cool and durable. But what really makes it the “best” is its many thoughtful features and more affordable price (other similar bags range from $200 to $500).
In addition to the top handle, there’s a removable, adjustable, and slightly wider shoulder strap that puts less strain on your shoulders when carrying heavy items than other options we’ve seen.
The printed satin lining also features a large cuff pocket and a small zipped pocket, making it not only easy to carry and store items, but also adding a ton of practical features. We also love the little feet on the bottom of this suitcase, which allow you to stand it upright instead of placing it on a dirty floor. With a cute herringbone pattern and cream and charcoal colorway, this suitcase will look as good as the day you first got it.
Mark & ​​Graham’s signature personalization service is a fun addition that will make your box completely your own.
Inspired by the Hamptons, this hardshell bag is the epitome of beach chic and is the perfect bag to sling over your arm while boarding a luxury yacht or enjoying a glamorous day on the beach.
The raffia exterior has a bohemian feel, accented by bright white leather details and gold hardware. The zip-up bag has a polyester twill lining and two pockets for additional accessories. A top handle and removable shoulder strap provide multiple carrying options, and the heat-stamped monogram pattern is a cool extra feature that most competitors don’t offer.
Details: 18″ x 16.5″ x 6″ | Woven raffia, polyester, PU leather | Holds up to one hat.
This soft yet durable felt bag features a clear panel on the side, so you can easily store all your hats, even if you fill it so full that you can’t even remember what’s inside. What’s more, you can easily store multiple hats according to the size of each. The bag also features top and side handles, a secure zipper closure, and an internal bottom strap.
The filled box is just over 10 inches tall, and when not in use, it can be compressed to about 1.2 inches for easy storage. Felt fabrics can wrinkle easily when folded and stored, but they are easy to iron.
There’s something iconic about the classic steamer trunk: in the old days, it was the luggage of choice for wealthy travelers when people dressed up for travel.
We may no longer have to dress up while waiting to board flights A-C, but this hat box is inspired by similar style and nostalgia. We especially like the Illustrator style, which features a Japanese Pasco fiberboard exterior, a lining with a vibrant artist-designed print, and a sleek cream finish.
A detachable, premium leather shoulder strap, handles, a neat buckle and a luggage strap complete the features of this bag, which is certainly worthy of becoming a family heirloom.
Details: 17.75 x 16.5 x 6.75 inches | Leather and Japanese Pasco fiberboard | Holds up to three hats.
This updated version of the bag comes in a stunning range of colours and features a handle and a detachable shoulder strap.
Despite its price, this beautiful bag is made from soft recycled leather by artisans in Mexico. The vintage-style bag is large enough to hold three or four hats and features several pockets for storing other items, while the elastic band at the bottom can even hold a laptop securely.
In addition to its beautiful design, we especially like that it comes in a TSA-approved bag, so you can put it in the overhead compartment on a plane without worrying about it getting damaged when checked in. It can be carried like a briefcase by the top handle or over the shoulder with the removable and adjustable shoulder strap.
It can be folded out and comes with a removable anti-roll bar, a unique feature that most other travel hat boxes don’t have.
This travel hat box features an internal stabilizer that keeps the box securely upright when unfolded, protecting the shape and structure of your hat even during bumpy rides. It even fits large hats with brims up to 16 inches, and features leather handles, heavy-duty zippers, a strap that fits over your suitcase handle, and an internal elastic strap.
The cover is also made of durable, moisture-wicking polyester, and the poles can be removed to fold the cover to your desired size, either compacting it or laying it completely flat for storage.
The container holds up to 15 hats, making it a good travel option as well as a long-term storage solution.
Whether you’re packing wide-brimmed hats, cowboy hats, beanies, baseball caps, floppy hats, or other large hats, this organizer will accommodate them with ease. In fact, its spacious interior is large enough to hold 15 hats.
The exterior of the bag is made from thick, durable felt, has tall, clear side panels for easy viewing of contents, a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, and three carry handles: two on each side and one on top. The bucket-shaped design has plenty of capacity, so it can hold everything from travel towels and blankets to stuffed animals and clothes, and can also be used as a laundry basket.
While many popular hat styles will fit, those with brims wider than 3 inches (such as large sun hats) will not fit.
Made from EVA foam and spandex, this slim organizer holds up to three regular hats or two full-size felt hats (or any hat with a brim less than three inches wide) despite its thin frame. In fact, it can hold bowlers, bucket hats, straw hats, straw hats, and other types of hats.
We especially appreciate the versatility of the bag. It’s lightweight, waterproof and scratch-resistant, has hidden zippers, a back strap, an interior lining to prevent shifting, a soft lining, a clear ID holder and three carrying options for travel. The bag even fits into most large suitcases and has an elastic strap that can be used to secure it to the handle of a suitcase.
This is the hat box I dreamed of on my first trip when I first wore a big wide-brimmed hat. This stylish hat box is large enough for hats up to 18.5 inches, including sun hats like mine, as well as wide-brimmed fedoras and bucket hats.
I especially like the water-resistant outer layer, which is slightly textured for a discreet yet bold look. Available in neutral tones like almond (light brown), espresso (dark brown), and black, it’s elegant enough to wear as a regular piece of luggage on a weekend trip to someplace amazing. The detachable shoulder strap adds versatility, too.
This cool organizer holds up to six baseball caps without damaging their perfect flat shape. The storage bag is made of soft and durable EVA foam with a durable zipper and ventilation holes to prevent odors.
This bag is small and portable enough to fit in a suitcase or carry-on, and features a top handle for easy carrying. You can also use the handles to hang it in a closet at your hotel or home.
When buying a travel hat box, first consider the type, size, quantity, and shape of hats you have or plan to buy. You want to make sure you choose a box that will best accommodate each hat.
For example, think about how many hats you plan to pack and find a box that will fit that many hats. Also, before purchasing a hat box, be sure to measure your largest and widest hats to make sure they will fit in the box you plan to pack.
We also recommend that you think about how you prefer to carry your travel hat box: pack it in a checked suitcase or carry it on? If you choose the latter option, look for a travel hat box with an adjustable or removable shoulder strap in addition to the top handle to provide multiple carrying options. These considerations will help you find the best travel hat box for you.
It’s also important to consider the material your hat box is made of, as this will affect the hat inside. For example, if you have a felt hat with a detailed crown or a flat-brimmed baseball cap and you want it to retain its shape, you’ll want to choose a hard case to prevent the hat’s contours from becoming distorted. However, a soft hat in a soft case may be sufficient, and soft cases are often more convenient to use as regular storage items.
On the other hand, hard suitcases will be heavier to carry and, if they are particularly large, may have to be checked in.
Likewise, you should consider using a soft or waterproof liner for particularly fragile headwear to ensure it stays safe while traveling.
While a box may proudly claim to hold between five and 15 hats, this may not be the case if your hats are too large, bulky, or unevenly stacked. The number of hats that can fit in a suitcase ultimately depends on the size and dimensions of the box, as well as how well each hat fits inside.
If you’re concerned, be sure to measure your hats before purchasing a box to ensure they’ll fit, and look for a box with a flexible return policy so you can safely try on all your hats at home.
It depends on the airline. Like any other carry-on or personal item, hat boxes must meet each airline’s size requirements. Generally, the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you without sticking out. Hat boxes designed to hold large, wide-brimmed hats may be too large for this size.
In this case, the airline may count it as carry-on baggage or require you to check it in during the flight. It is best to prepare in advance, know the dimensions of your personal suitcase and familiarize yourself with the carry-on rules of your specific airline to avoid last-minute surprises.
T+L contributor Emily Hochberg is a seasoned travel and lifestyle writer and editor. She frequently vacations with her family and regularly packs everyone’s bags, hats included. She also regularly tests luggage and travel gear and has reviewed dozens of travel boxes and hat cases to find the best options for traveling with different headwear.
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