Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Why Eric Javits is the go-to brand for chic, functional, travel-friendly hats
When it comes to finding a hat that’s equal parts elegant, practical, and beautifully made, few brands do it quite like Eric Javits. Known for their iconic packable designs, sculptural silhouettes, UPF protection and attention to comfort. Eric Javits hats have become a staple for women who want sun or rain protection without sacrificing style. I’ve been admiring the brand for years, and after adding the Eric Javits Kaya Rain Hat, Francoise II Straw Packable Hat, Daphne Fedora, and Fenway Baseball hat to my wardrobe, I completely understand the hype. Kaya is lightweight, rain-resistant, foldable, and effortlessly chic, Eric Javits sun hats ‘Francoise’ and ‘Daphne’ are packable, made from patented Squishee straw, and have UPF 50 sun protection, and the leather baseball cap is probably my most worn hat as it’s so practical for Fall and Winter. They’re one of those rare accessories that are both functional and fashionable, works for both everyday outfits and polished looks, and the sun hats came with me to both Indonesia and Europe. If you’re curious whether Eric Javits hats are worth the investment, I’m covering everything you should know from quality and fit to versatility and styling in this Eric Javits review. Plus an exclusive Eric Javits promo code to save you money.
Eve Dawes is a fashion editor and founder of Glamour and Gains magazine with over 15 years of industry experience. The Eric Javits hats featured in this review were gifted by the brand. All opinions are her own. This article contains affiliate links which do not affect the price.
Eric Javits review
I first discovered Eric Javits a few years ago when a friend wore one of their hats to the horse races and I remember thinking, that’s so sophisticated, I need to wear hats more and check out this brand.
Eric Javits winter collection
When I started planning a winter trip to Europe, I knew I needed a lot of cold and wet weather gear. I have warm hats but nothing for rain, that’s lightweight and packable. I didn’t want to just put up my hood, I wanted a rain hat that still felt elegant and polished which immediately made me think of Eric Javits. It’s what they’re known for: beautiful, functional hats that you can pack, wear, and actually live in.
I chose the Fabric Eric Javits Kaya Rain Hat in Houndstooth microfiber fabric as I thought it was more of a statement piece but is still in neutral colors that goes with everything. It comes in 8 other colors if you prefer something different. The first thing I noticed and appreciated for packing is how lightweight it is. It’s also a truly foldable, packable hat which makes it so convenient to throw in your bag if you’re not sure about the weather and don’t want to commit to wearing a hat all day. Although, when it’s this stylish, I don’t know why you wouldn’t.
I love how the wide brim gives you both rain and sun protection and how versatile it is. Dress it, dress it down, and throw it in your bag to have at all times. It’s one of those classic pieces that instantly elevates any outfit and that you throw in your bag and leave there all Fall and winter year after year.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual but still more stylish than your everyday baseball cap, the water-resistant Eric Javits Fenway black leather cap is a great option and just as easy to pack. I’ve been wearing mine a lot during our fall work travels to places like Colorado and Oregon, especially when it’s raining and I’m trying to keep my curly hair from frizzing. It also has a handy ponytail opening at the back and an adjustable Velcro tab for a comfortable fit.
Eric Javits Spring/Summer collection: Sun hats
It’s not just winter collections that Eric Javits does well. Their Spring/Summer collection of straw hats and summer hats check every box. Chic, functional sun hats that offer style, UPF 50 sun protection, are packable, lightweight, and statement pieces that instantly pull together resort wear outfits, dresses, linen sets, and casual denim looks. The Eric Javits Spring/Summer collection includes visors, buckets, fedoras, and wide brim straw hats for women.
I’m used to wearing a straw hat for one season and it losing it’s shape, whereas most of Eric Javits hats are packable, travel beautifully, and retain their shape. I ordered the Francoise II wide brim straw hat, as I loved the color combination and classic wide brim style. As well as the smaller, more practical Daphne Fedora also in cream and black. They’re both versatile, neutral UPF sun hats that go with pretty much all of your Summer outfits but I wear them for different occasions.
While both say they’re packable, don’t just think you can roll them or throw them in your case. There are packing instructions in the hats which include things like stuffing the crown and supporting the brim.
I wear the larger Francoise II hat poolside and for beach vacations as the wider brim gives more sun protection. I took it to both Indonesia and France this Summer. Whereas I tend to wear the more structured and smaller Daphne Fedora for day to day and in cities, as the smaller brim lets me see more. Both have UPF50 sun protection but being 5’2″, wider brims can often make things harder to see!
Eric Javits hat sizing
My Eric Javits Kaya rain hat, baseball cap, and sun hats all fit me perfectly. The rain hat does have both an adjustable “trench coat” belt on the outside that adjusts to head size and an elasticized inner band for the perfect fit. Definitely read how each style of hat fits and check their sizing chart.
Eric Javits review: quality and construction
I feel like you get what you pay for with Eric Javits hats as they really pay attention to the craftsmanship, quality, and details.
Lets start with the materials which are carefully selected. Think lightweight and malleable luxurious Italian velour, soft wool for warmth and flexibility, buttery leather, and high-tech Squishee® materials designed to maintain their shape, be durable, and offer a high level of sun protection. I actually find the rain hat to also be quite warm which I wasn’t expecting.
I like that Eric Javits hats are keeping the art of hat making alive as they aren’t mass produced by machine. They’re often hand-stitched by hat artisans or crafted with state-of-the-art machinery for precision. Along with handmade trimmings and a meticulous quality control process to make sure their luxury headwear stands out in both style and quality.
I feel like regardless of which design you choose, you’re getting a quality piece that feels special and for the most part are statement pieces.
Who is Eric Javits?
Eric Javits opened his women’s hat business in 1985 in New York City and he became famous for his Squishee® hat. It was designed to help with the widespread concern about melanoma and protect against the sun’s damaging rays. Now he has a collection for all seasons and what I love is that although the quality and design is there, because most of them are packable, they don’t feel precious, they feel usable.
It has been said of Eric Javits that he does not just design accessories he celebrates women. The Eric Javits look is instantly recognizable for its down to earth glamour. His trademark is elegance with gentility married to function. Eric Javits
Is Eric Javits a luxury brand?
Eric Javits is considered a luxury designer that specializes in hats, bags, and shoes. It’s not what I’d consider a designer brand necessarily, where you’d pay upwards of a thousand dollars for a hat, but it’s a high end, luxury brand where the quality speaks for itself. Besides on EricJavits.com, they can also be found in high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, and Bloomingdales.
Shop Eric Javits & exclusive discount code
If you’re shopping for a winter hat, the Eric Javits has over 50 styles including rain hats, sun hats, wide brim hats and you can shop them all at EricJavits.com. Top of my Summer hat wishlist from the Squishee Straw Women Collection is the iconic wide brim fringe hat as seen on Jennifer Lopez.
Honestly, deciding which one to get is the hardest, as there’s so many fabulous styles which is how I ended up with four of them. I love statement accessories, and chic straw hats like the Gondolier Boater Hat and Bey straw hat; the more sun protection the better, and the bigger the better.
Don’t forget to use Eric Javits promo code EveD10 for 10% off site wide.
Eric Javits hats FAQ
Is there an Eric Javits discount code?
Yes! You can use my exclusive Eric Javits discount code EveD10 to save 10% sitewide at EricJavits.com. Definitely worth remembering if you’ve got your eye on one of their hats!
Are Eric Javits hats worth the money?
I think so! They’re definitely more expensive than your average hat, but I love that they’re both stylish and practical. It’s the little details, quality and craftsmanship that make the difference for me. Plus, I actually wear mine rather than having them sit in my closet because I’m worried about ruining them.
Can you pack Eric Javits hats in a suitcase?
Yes, many Eric Javits hats are designed to be packable, which is one of the main reasons I love them for traveling. I’ve taken my Francoise II and Daphne hats on trips to Indonesia and Europe, and my Kaya rain hat is also foldable. Just don’t assume packable means you can squash them into the bottom of your suitcase! Follow the packing instructions for your particular hat, as some need the crown stuffed and the brim supported to help maintain their shape.
Do Eric Javits hats have UPF 50 sun protection?
Some do, including my Francoise II and Daphne Fedora, which both offer UPF 50 sun protection. That’s a big reason I love them for beach vacations and sunny destinations. Just check the individual product description, as not every Eric Javits hat has the same sun protection rating.
Do Eric Javits hats run true to size?
My Eric Javits hats have all fitted me perfectly without needing any adjustments. However, I’d definitely recommend checking the brand’s size guide before ordering, as the fit and adjustment features vary between styles. My Kaya rain hat, for example, has an adjustable outer belt and an elasticized inner band.
Which Eric Javits hat is best for travel?
That really depends on where you’re going! For beach vacations and lounging by the pool, I love my Francoise II because of its wider brim and UPF 50 protection. For sightseeing and walking around cities, I tend to reach for my Daphne Fedora as the smaller brim is a little more practical, especially when you’re only 5’2″ like me!
For rainy destinations, I’d go with the Kaya rain hat, and for something more casual, the Fenway leather baseball cap is another one I’ve been wearing a lot during our fall travels.
Is there an Eric Javits discount code
Yes, you can use code EveD10 for 10% off your Eric Javits order.
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For more styling inspiration, honest reviews and exclusive discount codes, come find me on Instagram at @glamourandgains. I share things there that don’t make it onto the site. Also, feel free to message me with any other questions I didn’t answer in this Eric Javits review.
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