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A $195 sun hat has to do more than look good on a hook by the door. So we read through the buyer feedback on the Jenni Kayne Crochet Raffia Sun Hat, which now stands at 548 reviews.
Below you will find what shoppers love, what bothers them, and who we think will be happiest with it.
Quick Facts at a Glance
The hat costs $195 and comes in a single shade, Natural.
Sizing comes as S/M (57 cm circumference) or M/L (59 cm). The brim is 3.75 inches wide.
It is handmade from crochet raffia and has an internal band for adjusting the fit. Cleaning is limited to spot treatment with a damp cloth.
The hat is made in China. A few reviewers were surprised by that, since they expected a more artisan backstory at this price.
What Buyers Praise
The wide brim earns the most consistent applause. It shades the face and shoulders, not just the crown of your head.
Reviewers also call the hat lightweight. One editor said she forgot she had it on, which says a lot about how comfortable it is.
Packability is the other big win. Because the hat is crocheted instead of stiff straw, it folds small enough for a beach bag or a suitcase without cracking.
Several reviewers said it came through a rainstorm and returned to its shape once it dried. Most straw hats cannot say the same.
- A 3.75-inch brim that covers more than the top of your head
- Light enough to keep on through a full beach or pool day
- Folds flat for trips and holds its shape afterward
- A neutral shade that suits nearly any summer outfit
Where Buyers Push Back
By far the most frequent complaint is the internal adjuster. It is a thin satin ribbon, and many reviewers say it is close to impossible to grip, which makes tightening it a struggle.
Anyone with a smaller head or fine hair is likely to feel this problem the most.
Some reviewers also questioned the price against the quality of the raffia. In their view, $195 is a lot for a hand-crocheted natural fiber piece.
Reports also say the brim hangs a bit low on certain faces. A couple of buyers said that made the hat feel larger than they had expected once it arrived.
- The ribbon adjuster is thin and tough to tighten
- Some shoppers think the price is steep for the raffia construction
- It runs slightly large, and the brim can fall lower than expected on some faces
Who Should Buy It
Frequent travelers get the clearest payoff. A packable hat that will not crush in a suitcase solves a problem that straw hats leave open.
If you have a smaller head and want a snug, secure fit on windy days, think hard about the adjuster before you order.
Other Options From the Same Collection
Shoppers who see the ribbon as a dealbreaker have two other choices from Jenni Kayne.
The Shore Raffia Visor costs $165 and skips the full crown entirely. The structured Soleil Hat costs $225 and offers a stiffer, more sculpted brim.
Storage and Care
The brand lists spot cleaning as its sole care step. That makes careful storage matter more than washing.
Raffia can warp or discolor when it is put away badly, so give the hat a safe place to rest between trips.
Buy From a Trusted Seller
The hat is popular enough that knockoffs are floating around. Purchase it from Jenni Kayne itself, or from an authorized retailer such as Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s.
Be cautious about ordering from any site you do not recognize.
Our Verdict
The ribbon is a genuine weak spot, and plenty of buyers mention it. Still, a person with an average or larger head who wants the hat mostly for trips and beach days should be well served.
When a snug, secure fit is your top priority, try the hat on in a store before committing.
Pairing Idea: the Courtney Top
Planning a summer look around the hat? The Courtney Top from the same brand makes an easy partner.
It is made from featherweight 100% merino wool and has a polo collar. Its relaxed cut works in summer, and layering is easy once temperatures drop.
The top costs $265 in Ivory or Dark Navy. Like the hat, it leans on a neutral look meant to be worn for years.