7 Best Travel Hat Boxes for 2024
From keeping the sun out of your eyes on a beach trip to completing your outfit for a night out on the town, hats definitely make the must-have list when traveling. Unfortunately, if you don’t pack them correctly, they usually end up squished and bent out of shape upon arrival. Don’t make that mistake again! Next time you travel, make sure you’ve got one of the best travel hat boxes at your side.
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7 best hat boxes and hat cases for travel
1. Best overall travel hat box: Calpak
There’s nothing chicer than traveling with a matching luggage set. And traveling with a matching travel hat box? That’s the trademark of an uber-sophisticated jet-setter. If you’re already a Calpak fan, then their Trnk Medium Hat Box will be the pièce de résistance of your travel wardrobe. Made of the same hard-shell material as their signature Trnk-style suitcases, this travel hat box is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. From wide-brimmed fedoras to sun hats, Panama hats, and gamblers, it can hold hats up to 15.5 inches around and keep them secure throughout your travels.
Price: starting at $175
2. Best vintage-style travel hat box: Steamline Luggage
There’s something about a hat box that just screams Old World elegance—especially when you opt for The Editor from Steamline Luggage. Accented with brown leather details and secured with classic gold clasps, this vintage-inspired travel hat box is the most elegant carry-on bag around. Inside, there’s room to store two broad-brimmed hats plus your handbag valuables, like your travel wallet, passport, jewelry, and sunglasses. On the outside, a removable shoulder strap and a top carry handle, give you options whether you’re rolling through the airport or hopping on a train.
Price: starting at $380
3. Best western travel hat box: Schneiders
For big, bold statement hats, you need a big, bold travel hat box. And there’s no better pick than the Western Hat Can from Schneiders. Crafted especially for fans with a flair for western style, this hat box can protect and carry western hats or helmets up to 4 ¼ inches. It’s even equipped with a mirror on the inside lid so you can always know you’re looking your best. Best of all, this travel hat box is designed to fit any western hat you own: With the adjustable hat rest, you can get the perfect fit every time so you don’t have to worry about the crown or brim getting stretched out or crumpled when you’re on the go.
Price: starting at $89
4. Best foldable travel hat box: ideable creations
We get it: Travel hat boxes are definitely glamorous, but they can also be a little cumbersome, too. If you want to keep your hats secure while you travel without weighing yourself down, try the Large Hat Travel Case from ideable creations. Measuring 16 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall, this travel hat box is big enough to store whatever you need—from cowboy hats to sun hats, fedoras, sombreros, and even top hats—but it’s also lightweight enough to easily carry with you on the go. Made out of thick cotton, this travel hat box has both the durability to protect your hats on the go and the flexibility to easily fold up so you can store it out of the way when you’re done traveling.
Price: starting at $19
5. Best travel hat box with matching suitcase: COTRUNKAGE
When packing for a beachy travel adventure where sun hats are a must, a travel hat box is the perfect personal item bag to accompany your carry-on when you fly. Want to go a little matchy-matchy? Try the Vintage Luggage 2-Piece Set from COTRUNKAGE. Inspired by the eternally stylish fashion of the Roaring 20s, this vintage luggage set gives you a trunk-style carry-on suitcase with a matching travel hat box. Outfitted with TSA-approved locks and ultra-quiet spinner wheels, this luggage set gives you the modern conveniences you expect with a vintage-inspired flair that’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
Price: starting at $229
6. Best travel hat box for caps: New Era Cap
If wide-brimmed fedoras aren’t your thing, then you may not need a large, rounded hat box. Still, your favorite caps risk getting squashed and bent out of shape if you try to pack them in your regular carry-on. Enter the 6-Pack Cap Carrier from New Era Cap. Designed specifically for caps, this travel hat box can securely store up to six of your favorite pieces. And because it’s protected with an all-over EVA foam, you can be sure that each and every cap will stay shielded from the elements, no matter where you travel.
Price: starting at $49
7. Best travel hat box with window: Munskine
If you’re traveling with a couple of different hats, it can be hard to find which one you need in a pinch. That’s why Munskine designed this travel hat box with a window. Made from thick, durable felt, the Large-Capacity Foldable Hat Box features a transparent side panel so you can easily peek inside and grab the hat you need to complete your outfit. Its zippered opening gives you quick access to your hat wardrobe on the go, while its two leather handles are durable enough for all your travel adventures. And just like the name says, you can fold up this travel hat box and discreetly tuck it out of the way when not in use.
Price: starting at $18
Travel Hat Boxes - common FAQs
How do you store hats without ruining them?
When you're traveling, the best way to store a hat is in a hat box. Specifically, you want to store it upside down on its crown. This will ensure your hat maintains its shape and doesn’t get squished in your suitcase.
Are travel hat boxes worth it?
Hat boxes are a must-have for travel. While you can tuck away beanies and berets in your regular suitcase, fedoras, sun hats, and other wide-brimmed hats are likely to get squashed and bent out of shape in your carry-on.
How do you travel with a hat?
The best way to travel with a hat is with a dedicated hat box. This will prevent your hat from getting bent or ruined during travel. If you don’t have a hat box yet, you can try stuffing your hat with newspaper to keep it propped up in your suitcase, but there is a greater chance it will get squished this way.
