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Women's Travel Hats: Back in Style

"There is nothing more personal...
and now they're back in fashion too!"

Women's travel hats don't come in as many styles and shapes as they did 50 or 60 years ago, when wearing a hat was virtually compulsory.

These days they aren't as common, but I've found them useful - even essential - in many parts of the world.

Mostly, they serve as protection from the sun, and they can protect you from mosquitoes as well. Not only do they shield your head, but a good hat shades your face and neck. As a redhead whose skin turns puce all too often, I find a hat is an essential part of my travel packing list.

How to choose women's travel hats

You should look for the same things in a hat as you do in other women's travel clothes - and then some. Here are some of those things:

Water repellant if you can - a soggy hat in the rain is no fun
Quick drying for when it does rain or you have to wash it
Washable of course, because it's bound to get sweaty and dirty
Sprayable - if you're heading into a malaria zone, you should be able to spray it with a strong repellent
Wrinkle-free, or as much as possible - you'll be carrying it at the bottom of your backpack and you don't want it to look too crumpled
It should fit well - but without being tight
So it should be unshrinkable or it might be too small after you wash it
It should breathe and allow the air to circulate around your head to keep you cool and dry
UV resistant: increasingly manufacturers are adding this feature, making your hat even more sun repellent
Broad enough for the brim to properly protect your neck and face from the sun
A hook or cord to attach your hat to your head when it's windy or to your backpack when you're not using it

And if at all possible, it should be attractive and marry well with the rest of your clothes. I prefer lighter beige or khaki to darker colors, especially in hot climates, because I find they stay cleaner longer and keep you cooler.

The queen of women's travel hats (and men's, for that matter) in my opinion is one of the Tilley range - guaranteed for life even if you lose it. You've probably seen them on many heads along your travels. Other brands that get good ratings are Columbia and Outdoor Research, among others.

A hat is quite a personal item - you can embroider it, put pins on it or otherwise make it yours. Since they don't look as good on everyone - head down to your local outdoor shop, and try them all on!