How to wear a floppy hat this summer?
A floppy hat is a fun accessory that goes with everything. You can wear it to the beach, on vacation, or anywhere you feel like making a fashion statement.
But with so many different styles, styling women’s straw hats can be challenging.
To help you out, we’ve put together a top-secret style guide to help you wear a floppy hat for every occasion.
Choosing the Right Floppy Hat for Your Stature
Depending on your body shape, there are a couple of key points to remember when shopping for hats for women.
- If you're petite: Go for a floppy hat with a smaller brim like Eric Javits "Seal La Vie" to streamline your outfit and keep it from overwhelming your frame.
- If you have a taller or larger build: Opt for a floppy hat like the "Margot Straw Hat" with a wider brim to help balance your proportions and make a major style statement.
The Best Hairstyles to Wear When Styling Women’s Straw Hats
The key to looking stylish is finding a hairstyle that compliments the hat's shape while keeping your hair out of your face — practicality and style should always go hand in hand!
- If you're wearing a wide-brimmed floppy hat: Try parting your hair in the middle and wearing it down in loose, flowing waves for a bohemian vibe.
- If you're wearing a smaller-brimmed hat: Opt for sophisticated fishtail braids, small accent braids, or low messy buns for a festival-ready look. Everyone will envy your style!
- If you have short hair : Consider wearing your hat towards the back of your head to show off some face-framing strands.
How to Wear a Floppy Hat to Go with Every Outfit
A floppy hat is the perfect fashion accessory to take your outfit from drab to fab.
But how do you wear a floppy hat that goes with everything?
The key is to keep the rest of your ensemble simple and let your hat be the star of the show.
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A Maxi Dress
Wearing a floppy hat with a maxi dress that reaches the floor is the perfect way to stay cool and look chic at the same time. Simply pair your straw hat with a flowy maxi dress and sandals or espadrilles. Add a leather crossbody bag, and you’ll get compliments wherever you go!
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Shorts and a Striped Tee
Floppy hats also look great with more casual, understated looks. Pair your striped hat with a classic combination of denim, a plain t-shirt, and sneakers. This outfit is the perfect recipe for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends.
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A Sheer Beach Cover-up
Throw on a cute cover-up over your swimsuit, and add your favorite pair of flip-flops to go on vacay mode. Don't forget to accessorize with sunscreen before heading out. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, an Eric Javits hat is mandatory. With a high 50+ UPF rating, you can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
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High-Waisted Flares
Everyone knows that the 70s are back! Choose a dark wash for a more slimming look, or go for a light wash to keep things feeling casual. If you're feeling extra bold, opt for a retro polka-dotted hat. Finish off the look with a pair of suede mules or booties and a confident walk.
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A Power Suit
Are you ready to look like a boss babe? A natural black ha with a matching suit can create a sophisticated monochromatic look. For a unique colour combination, team a bright red hat with a cotton grosgrain ribbon finishing and a navy suit for a yacht-ready look.
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An Oversized Shirt
Model off-duty looks are our fave. Pair a neutral-colored floppy hat with an oversized shirt made from a light fabric, and balance the look with classic chino shorts or tailored, tapered trousers to keep it in proportion.
Styling Women’s Straw Hats for Vacation-Ready Looks
Don’t forget to bring your packable hat on a summer getaway!
Whether you’re headed to the beach or the pool with your crew, a straw hat will keep you cool and protected all day long.
And when it comes to style, a straw hat is incredibly versatile.
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For a casual yet chic look : When you’ve just stepped off the plane and don’t know what to wear, pair your straw hat with an easy off-the-shoulder sundress. Tie a colorful scarf around your neck for a pop of contrast, and slip on some espadrilles. This outfit is perfect for strolling around town or exploring coastal shops and cafes.
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For a more sophisticated daytime look : Whether you’re lunching with friends or exploring museums, we’ve got you covered. Style your Eric Javits hat with wide-leg pants and a sleeveless blouse. Wrap a twill scarf around the brim to add a little polish, and try on some statement earrings and nude heels to complete the look.
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For a glamorous event : Looking for the perfect outfit for lounging on a yacht or enjoying cocktails at sunset? Pair your floppy hat with a flowing maxi dress. Opt for some sparkly jewelry and strappy sandals to elevate your look. Select an oversized floppy hat with a wide wingspan to pretend that you’re a celeb going incognito.
- For a fun and dressy vibe : When it’s time to dance, reach for a wide-brim fedora with straw fringe, your favorite denim jeans, and a silk blouse. Finish off the look with sky-high stilettos and a tiny clutch for some glamour.
Shop for Stylish Hats for Women at Eric Javits
Over the course of three decades, Eric Javits has introduced ground-breaking innovations to the world of women's headwear.
Our Eric Javits hats are crafted from a patented, ultra-durable, stylish Squishee material, incorporating 100% recycled fibers into the weaves.
With the ability to be folded and bent without losing their shape, Eric Javits hats make it easy to travel in elegance, even when space is at a premium.
Providing maximum UVA/UVB protection under the sun, Squishee hats for vacation are the perfect packable option, regardless of your destination.
Browse our selection of luxury straw hats on Eric Javits today to find the hat of your dreams!
FAQs - How to Wear a Floppy Hat
How do I choose the right size floppy hat for my head?
Measure your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible measuring tape. Most floppy hats come in standard sizes (small, medium, large) or have adjustable bands or drawstrings for a customizable fit.
The hat should sit comfortably on your head without being too tight or sliding around when you move.
What face shapes look best with floppy hats?
Floppy hats are particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces as the wide brim balances facial proportions beautifully. If you have a round face, choose a floppy hat with a slightly upturned brim to add height and elongate your features.
Those with square faces should opt for softer, more curved brims rather than structured edges to complement their angular jawline.
How should I style my hair when wearing a floppy hat?
Low hairstyles work best with floppy hats, such as loose waves worn down, a low ponytail, or a side braid draped over one shoulder. Avoid high buns or voluminous updos as they can create an awkward bump under the hat and affect the fit.
For shorter hair, simply tuck it behind your ears or let it frame your face naturally for an effortless look.
What outfits pair well with floppy hats?
Floppy hats complement bohemian and casual chic styles perfectly, pairing beautifully with flowing maxi dresses, denim shorts with peasant tops, or linen pants with simple blouses.
For a more polished look, wear your floppy hat with tailored pieces like a crisp white shirt and well-fitted jeans or a midi skirt. Beach and resort wear also pairs naturally with floppy hats, making them ideal for sundresses and swimwear cover-ups.
How do I keep my floppy hat secure in windy weather?
Use bobby pins that match your hair color to discreetly pin the hat to your hair at strategic points around the crown. Many floppy hats come with chin straps or ties that can be adjusted for windy conditions, though you can tuck these inside if you prefer the look without them.
For extra security, consider adding a decorative hat pin or choosing a hat with a slightly more structured crown that won't blow away as easily.
