A Hat Clip Is the Genius Travel Accessory You Didn’t Know You Needed

One factor about me: I’m going to burn as quickly as my pores and skin sees the solar. Another factor about me? I’m at all times going to journey with a cute hat to forestall that from taking place, as a result of solar security is essential to me (pores and skin most cancers isn’t any joke!).

For so lengthy, I might smush my beloved cloches, caps, and straw boaters into my suitcase after they got here on trip with me, however they might at all times find yourself dented or deformed after I arrived at my last vacation spot. At one level, I made a decision it could be greatest for my hats (and my tendency to overpack) to put on them on the airplane as a substitute, however, sadly, my head would get sweaty, and the brims would hinder me from taking in-flight naps, which I maintain very near my coronary heart. There gave the impression to be no good resolution—till I got here throughout an Instagram story from a good friend explaining how the Toptote hat clip modified her life. I purchased one instantly and have by no means seemed again.

Invented by jet-setting vogue stylist-turned-entrepreneur Lindsay Albanese and patented in 2018, the Toptote contains a clasp that attaches to a bag strap on one finish, and a hat holder with two high-powered magnets on the opposite. Stick the brim of your hat between the 2 magnets, and it will get locked in place (however really, these magnets are robust), letting your bag do all of the heavy lifting so you possibly can go head- and hands-free on the go. It is, in a phrase, genius. Such a nifty resolution to such a standard drawback, you possibly can’t assist however marvel why you didn’t consider it first. I’ve spent years recommending it to each traveler I do know—and now you, pricey reader.

Why I find it irresistible

The great thing about the Toptote lies in its simplicity. It suits within the palm of your hand and doesn’t take up a lot house—which is the important thing to any good journey accent—however it punches effectively above its weight with regards to practicality. It’s designed to carry all forms of hats, and I’ve seamlessly snapped the magnets round each type of hat you possibly can consider, from seashore to bucket and past. I’ve traversed with the gadget via chaotic airports, throughout busy seashores, and up windy mountains, and it has by no means, ever failed me. I’d go so far as to say it’s as robust and reliable as a sitcom father determine, and has modified the best way I pack perpetually.

There are just a few completely different Toptote types to select from, out there throughout quite a lot of retailers, like Amazon, Nordstrom, and LindsayAlbanese.com. That means you’re certain to search out one that appears nice along with your favourite bag, hat, and general aesthetic. I at all times journey with The Drop in black leather-based with gold {hardware}, as a result of it goes with every thing, however I’ve additionally acquired my eye on The Fray for future seashore journeys.