Things Worth Buying
a curated edit of clothes, beauty, home, and everything in between.
The Summer Hat Worth Buying
Chic, packable, and designed with built-in sun protection, Janessa Leone hats are the ultimate warm-weather accessory. These are the summer hats worth investing in and wearing for years to come.
Whenever I'm shopping for a sun hat, I ask myself the same questions: Does it fit well and look right on my face? Does it offer enough coverage to actually protect me from the sun? Will it work with the rest of my wardrobe? Can I pack it for travel without losing its shape? That's exactly why I keep coming back to Janessa Leoné.
While living in Santa Barbara, daily sun protection was non-negotiable, and a well-made summer hat became part of my everyday uniform. Even now in New York City, I still gravitate toward the polished look a brimmed hat provides — a more considered alternative to a baseball cap.
What sets Janessa Leoné apart for me is the balance of style and practicality. The brand prioritizes high-quality materials and sustainable practices, and it shows in every piece. The hats are beautifully made and thoughtfully designed, with many offering built-in UPF protection and packability for travel. It's the kind of piece that instantly elevates a beach or casual day look without trying too hard.
A few of my current favorites:
Waverly Hat
The ultimate vacation hat. Crafted from durable raffia with a wide wire-infused brim you can shape to your liking, the Waverly offers maximum sun coverage while still feeling chic and wearable. Designed specifically for packability with UPF 35+ protection.
Felix Bucket Hat
A raffia crochet bucket hat that somehow feels both relaxed and polished. The shorter brim makes it easy to wear every day, and the flexible construction makes it ideal for travel. One of those effortless pieces that works just as well with denim as it does with a swimsuit or sundress.
Sherman Hat
A more structured, monochromatic take on the classic fedora — slightly sharper and more tailored while still maintaining the relaxed ease Janessa Leoné does so well. Another excellent travel option with UPF 45+ protection.
Roma Hat
A wide-brim fedora silhouette with a leather chin strap finished with gold hardware. Incredibly chic, practical on windier beach days, and offering UPF 50+ sun protection.
Janessa Leoné hats are an investment, but they're high-quality, beautifully made pieces that hold up year after year. I'm also a fan of the brand’s structured wool hats for fall. And if you're looking to shop the look for less, pre-owned styles can often be found on resale sites like The RealReal.
A great summer hat should travel well, offer real sun protection, and frame your face in a way that elevates everything you're wearing. Janessa Leoné delivers on all three.

