Have you ever stood in front of a display full of summer hats and felt completely lost? I definitely have. When I first got into hats, I thought “straw hat” was just one category. But over time, I learned that there are different materials - each with their own pros, cons, and completely different vibes.

After years of collecting, I’ve found that palm leaf, raffia, and seagrass are the three most popular natural materials. Here’s my personal take on each, so you can figure out which one might be your perfect match.

Palm Leaf Hats 

Palm leaf hats are sturdy, structured, and keep their shape even on windy days. I usually wear these when I’m traveling out West or doing outdoor work because they’re built to last. A good palm leaf hat can stay with you for years and still look great.

What I love most about palm leaf hats is how incredibly sturdy they feel - they hold their shape even on windy days and have this natural water resistance that makes them perfect for outdoor adventures. Over time, they age with a beautiful patina that tells the story of every trip I’ve taken. The only trade-off is that they can feel a bit heavier if I’m wearing them from morning till night.

Here’s one of my favorites from LuxeBrims: Stetson Style Inspired Men’s Palm Leaf Straw Cowboy Hat Gus Crown.

Raffia Hats - Light as a Summer Breeze

Raffia is soft, lightweight, and very flexible. I take this type to the beach or on international trips because it’s easy to pack - I can gently roll it and tuck it into my bag without taking up much space. It feels airy on the head, perfect if you don’t like heavy hats. What I love most is how light it feels for hours of wear. The only thing I’ve noticed is that it can lose its shape if I’m not careful, so I always make sure to store it gently.

Favorites Worth Exploring

The Jude Packable Straw Hat — effortless, laid-back style that’s perfect for a sunny day at the beach.
The Spencer Suede Boater Hat – Raffia Straw — a chic twist on the timeless boater, blending classic charm with a modern edge.

Seagrass Hats – Easygoing & Breathable

With their airy weave, seagrass hats let every bit of breeze pass through, keeping me cool even on the hottest days. I reach for these when I’m going for a walk on the beach or hopping on a boat - they just give off that relaxed, tropical vibe. They’re not as long-lasting as palm leaf or raffia, though.

They’re feather-light, keep me feeling fresh, and have this charming rustic texture that feels so authentic.

Over time, I’ve seen them fray a little, so they’re not the sturdiest option if you wear hats every day.

More to Explore

If you’re looking to expand your summer hat collection, LuxeBrims has some beautiful options worth checking out.

 Our Straw Hats range from timeless wide-brim classics to playful, on-trend bucket styles - perfect for everything from sunny picnics to weekend getaways.

For those who are always on the move, our Travel Hats are packable, versatile, and ready to go wherever your adventures take you.

A little tip from my own trial and error:

If you want a hat that can take a beating and still look great years later, palm leaf is the way to go.

Pick raffia if you want something lightweight and easy to travel with.

Pick seagrass if you want an airy, laid-back summer vibe.

 From my own experience: If you’re still unsure, try all three for different occasions. I did, and I found that each one tells a different story about the trip or the outfit I wore it with.

 Explore my favorite summer hats at LuxeBrims.com – you might just meet your next adventure-ready companion.