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Before I bought the Jenni Kayne Crochet Raffia Sun Hat, I did what I do with every $195 purchase. I read the reviews. All 548 of them. Well, most of them.
Here’s what I found, plus what actually matters if you’re deciding whether this hat earns a spot in your summer rotation.
The basics
The hat is $195, sold in one color (Natural) and two sizes: S/M at a 57 cm circumference and M/L at 59 cm. The brim is 3.75 inches wide. It’s handmade from crochet raffia, adjustable via an internal band, and the only care instruction is to spot clean it with a damp cloth. It’s made in China, which surprised a few reviewers who expected a more “artisan” backstory given the price.
What people love
The wide brim gets consistent praise. It actually shades your face and shoulders, not just the top of your head. Reviewers also like how lightweight it is. One editor mentioned forgetting she was even wearing it, which is high praise for a sun hat.
It’s also genuinely packable. Because it’s crocheted rather than stiff straw, it folds down small enough to shove in a beach bag or suitcase without cracking. Several reviewers mention it surviving a rainstorm and bouncing back to shape once dry, which isn’t something you can say about most straw hats.
- Wide 3.75″ brim provides real sun coverage, not just style
- Lightweight enough to wear all day at the beach or pool
- Packs flat for travel and holds its shape afterward
- Neutral color pairs with almost anything in a summer wardrobe
What people complain about
The most common complaint by far is the internal adjuster. It’s a thin satin ribbon, and multiple reviewers describe it as nearly impossible to grip and tighten. If you have a smaller head or fine hair, this matters more than it sounds like it should.
A few reviewers also pushed back on the price relative to the raffia quality, arguing that $195 feels steep for a hand-crocheted natural fiber piece. And the brim reportedly sits a little low on some face shapes, which a couple of buyers noted made it feel bigger than expected once it arrived.
- Internal adjuster ribbon is thin and hard to tighten
- Some buyers feel the price is high for the raffia construction
- Runs slightly large; brim can sit lower than expected on some faces
Who this hat actually makes sense for
If you travel a lot and need something packable that won’t crush in a suitcase, this hat solves a real problem straw hats don’t. If you have a smaller head and were hoping for a snug, secure fit for windy days, the adjuster issue is worth thinking about before you buy.
I put this hat in context with the rest of the brand’s accessories and clothing in my full Jenni Kayne brand review, since the “is it worth it” answer really depends on which category you’re shopping.
Alternatives from the same collection
If the adjuster ribbon is a dealbreaker for you, Jenni Kayne also sells the Shore Raffia Visor at $165, which skips the full crown entirely, and the structured Soleil Hat at $225 for a stiffer, more sculpted brim. I compare all three, along with which one fits which face shape and use case, in my guide on how to choose the right Jenni Kayne pieces for your needs.
Keeping it in good shape
Since spot cleaning is the only official care instruction, storage matters more than washing here. I go through exactly how to store and maintain raffia so it doesn’t warp or discolor in my Jenni Kayne care guide.
Where to buy it safely
Because this hat is popular enough to have knockoffs circulating, buy it directly from Jenni Kayne or an authorized retailer like Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s. My guide on where to buy authentic Jenni Kayne covers what to check before ordering from a site you don’t recognize.
My take
I’d buy this hat again, but I’d go in knowing the ribbon adjuster is a real weak point, not a rare complaint. If you have an average to larger head size and mostly want it for travel and beach days, it delivers. If a secure, snug fit matters most to you, try it on in person first if you can.
Pair it with: the Courtney Top
If you’re building a warm-weather outfit around this hat, the Courtney Top is an easy companion from the same brand: featherweight 100% merino wool with a polo collar, relaxed enough for summer and simple to layer when it cools, at $265 in Ivory or Dark Navy. It carries the same neutral, wear-it-for-years logic that makes the hat worth the money.