A raffia hat is the easiest way to look put-together in the sun, whether you're at the beach, at a summer wedding or walking around a new city. But between brim widths, shapes and sizes, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here's a simple guide to finding your perfect raffia sun hat.
1. Start with the brim
The brim decides how much shade you get and how the hat looks with your outfit.
- Wide brim (around 15 cm / 6 in and up). Maximum shade for your face, neck and shoulders. The classic beach and poolside hat. Our Noulo Raffia Hat – Wide Brim has an 18 cm (approx. 7 in) brim.
- Short or medium brim (around 5–10 cm / 2–4 in). Easier to wear in the city, in the car or on a windy day, and less likely to get in the way. Our Nina Raffia Hat – Short Brim has a 10 cm (approx. 4 in) brim.
- Everyday and statement styles. From simple, colorful styles like the Pika Raffia Hat (available in several colors) to openwork and detailed weaves, there's a shape for every look. See all hat styles.
2. Get the size right
Hat size is measured around the head. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about 1 cm above your eyebrows and ears, where the hat will sit. Our raffia hats are one size, with a head circumference of 56–57 cm (approx. 22–22.5 in), which fits most adults. If you're between sizes or have a smaller head, a thin ribbon or a strip of hat-sizing tape inside the band will give a snugger fit.
3. Match the hat to the occasion
- Beach and pool: a wide brim for maximum shade.
- City and travel: a short brim that's easy to wear all day.
- Summer events and weddings: a statement shape or detailed weave, like the Capri Hat or Marea Hat.
4. Pick a color that works with your wardrobe
Natural beige and caramel go with everything, from white linen to bright prints. Black looks sharp and modern, and colored raffia (blue, pink and more) adds a playful accent to simple outfits. If you only own one raffia hat, a natural tone is the most versatile.
5. Pair it with a matching bag
A raffia hat and tote together make an effortless summer look. Some favorites: the Caramel Raffia Beach Tote, a round bag with plenty of room for beach essentials; the Clipa XXL, big enough for towels and a yoga mat; and the Cassie, a small structured crossbody for evenings.
6. Care for it so it lasts
Keep your hat dry, store it crown-down or on a stand, and if it gets squashed, a little steam and some tissue paper in the crown will bring it back into shape. Our full raffia care guide explains how.
Every Zanatany hat is crocheted by hand in Madagascar, so each one has its own character. Shop all raffia hats.
