Last Updated on May 1, 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 finally adding the Eric Javits Kaya Rain Hat and Francoise II Straw Packable Hat to my wardrobe, I completely understand the hype. Kaya is lightweight, rain-resistant, foldable, and effortlessly chic, and Francoise is packable and has UPF 50 sun protection. They’re one of those rare accessories that’s functional and fashionable, works for both everyday outfits and polished looks, and will most definitely be coming with me to Europe. If you’re curious whether Eric Javits hats are worth the investment, here’s everything you should know from quality and fit to versatility and styling.
Eve Dawes is a fashion editor and founder of Glamour and Gains magazine with over 15 years of industry experience. The Eric Javits Kaya Rain Hat and Francoise II Straw Packable Hat 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.
So 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.
Eric Javits Spring/Summer collection
It’s not just winter collections that Eric Javits does well. Their Spring/Summer collection of straw hats check every box. Chic, functional sun hats that offer both style and UPF 50 sun protection, are rollable, 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. These 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. I’ll post pictures with it in Bali during our vacation next month.
Eric Javits hat sizing
My Eric Javits Kaya rain hat fit me perfectly without even having to adjust it but it 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 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, 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 while I have the packable rain hat, what he became famous for was the 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 e-commerce 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 brand where the quality makes it luxury. 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 Fall/Winter Collection has over 50 styles including rain hats and wide brim hats and you can shop them all at EricJavits.com. Top of my Fall/Winter hat wishlist is the Eric Javits Leather Fenway baseball cap which is perfect for running errands.
Don’t forget to use Eric Javits discount code EveD10 for 10% off sitewide.
I’m also sharing some of my favorites from the Squishee Straw Women Collection in case you’re shopping for an iconic hat for summer. Although, you’re going to wish I’d chosen less to share with you as deciding which one to get is the hardest. Topping my wish list is the Gondolier Boater Hat, Floppy With Fringe as seen on Jennifer Lopez, and Bey straw hat. I love a big straw hat, the more sun protection the better, and definitely the bigger the better.
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