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    Raffia Hats: Organic Hand-Woven Straw

    Raffia is harvested from palm leaves without cutting down the tree. The palm leaves on this tree can grow from 60 to 80 feet, and can be harvested without damage to the plant itself. Without pesticides and herbicides, a raffia hat is organic and sustainable, but a raffia hat by Conner is also stylish and functional.

    Guides for choosing your hat


    About Conner's Organic Raffia Hat Collection

    Conner's organic raffia hats combine skilled artisan craftsmanship with measurable sustainability. Each hat is hand-braided from raffia palm leaves harvested without cutting down the tree. Sourced from Madagascar where sustainable harvesting practices support local artisan communities, these hats require no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemicals during cultivation.

     Material Performance

    Organic raffia offers shade and comfort. The tight weave provides shade, helping block direct sun. Raffia is lighter and more breathable than denser palm straw. Flat-raffia hats weigh about 3-5 ounces; crocheted and wide-brim styles weigh more.

     The material is naturally flexible and packable. Raffia can wrinkle when folded for travel; steam restores its shape. Raffia's natural resin provides mild water resistance. Raffia is biodegradable, and untreated raffia typically breaks down naturally within 6-12 months when composted.

    Handmade Craftsmanship

     Every Conner raffia hat is handmade. This artisan production supports fair-wage employment in local communities while ensuring each hat is individually crafted with attention to detail. The hand-braiding process creates natural variation in color and texture, making each piece unique.

    Style Versatility

    The collection includes western cowboy styles with shapeable brims, wide-brim sun hats for beach and outdoor activities, fedoras for urban wear, and gambler hats for versatile everyday use. Brim widths range from 3 to 4 inches, providing superior sun coverage for face, neck, and ears. Interior terry stretch bands ensure comfortable all-day fit across head sizes from Small (21 1/4 inches / 54 cm) to XXX-Large (25 1/8 inches / 64 cm).

    Organic raffia works equally well in humid coastal climates and dry desert conditions. The breathable weave prevents heat buildup while providing shade during extended sun exposure. Styles with vented crowns add additional airflow for active use during hiking, gardening, or outdoor work.

    Woman wearing Latin Quarter ladies raffia wide brim straw hat with chin cord
    Woman in White shirt wearing western straw hat with vented crown and route 66 logo on vegan hat band
    Man smiling wearing straw outback sun hat with faux leather braided hat band and chin cord

    Who These Hats Are For

    Conner's organic raffia hats serve outdoor enthusiasts who spend hours in the sun—hikers, beachgoers, gardeners, travelers, and ranchers—who need shade without sacrificing style. They're designed for buyers who value measurable sustainability (regenerative materials, artisan support, biodegradable construction) over vague eco-marketing claims. The combination of handmade quality, functional performance, and environmental responsibility appeals to conscious consumers who want their purchases to align with their values while delivering practical benefits.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Raffia Hats

    Organic raffia is a natural fiber from palm leaves in Madagascar. The leaves are harvested without cutting down the palm, which can continue to grow. Raffia palms rely on natural rainfall and do not require irrigation. Our suppliers are required to pay fair wages. Untreated natural raffia is biodegradable and typically composts in about 6–12 months.

    Organic raffia hats provide shade, but their UPF rating depends on the specific style. Hats with open mesh, vents or brims under 2.5 inches are not UPF rated. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page for its rating. Wide brims provide shade to your face, neck and ears.

    Yes. Organic raffia is breathable, and its lightweight construction can make it comfortable in hot weather. The material allows airflow, while styles with vented crowns add airflow for active use.

    Yes, but pack your raffia hat gently and avoid tightly folding or crushing it. Raffia can wrinkle when folded. If it wrinkles, reshape it by hand and use steam to help restore its shape.

    Organic raffia requires minimal maintenance. For regular cleaning, brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt. For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap (avoid harsh detergents) and blot, don't rub, the affected area. Let the hat air dry completely before wearing. Never machine wash or submerge raffia in water, as prolonged moisture can weaken the fibers. Store your hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. If the hat loses shape, use steam to reshape: hold the affected area over steam for 10-15 seconds, then mold with your hands and let cool. Raffia's natural resin provides mild water resistance, but proper care still means avoiding prolonged moisture.

    Organic raffia has several sustainability advantages. It comes from Madagascar, where the palms are rain-fed and do not require irrigation. Harvesting the leaves does not require cutting down the tree, and untreated raffia is biodegradable, typically composting in about 6–12 months. Conner also supports sustainability through its original St. Augustine warehouse, which runs on 100% solar power; orders ship from American Fork, Utah. Our suppliers are required to pay fair wages. We maintain a one-acre food forest of fruit and nut trees at the original site, which is also a hub for other small businesses and a place to learn about growing a food forest.

    “Straw” is a broad category that includes materials such as wheat straw, paper straw, palm straw, and raffia. Organic raffia is a specific type of straw sourced from Madagascar. It is harvested from palm leaves without cutting down the tree, and it is rain-fed without irrigation. Raffia’s natural resin gives it mild water resistance, though it is not hydrophobic. So the main difference is that raffia is a distinct straw material with its own sourcing and properties, rather than a synonym for straw in general.

    Yes. Conner Hats' Limited Lifetime Guarantee covers workmanship failures on hats purchased from connerhats.com. If braiding unravels, seams separate, or the hat's structure fails under normal use within the first 12 months, Conner will replace the same style, size, and color, with shipping paid. After 12 months, a 40% off replacement is offered; shipping is not included. For material degradation from use, a 30% off code is available. If your hat is lost or stolen, you can get 50% off the same hat; shipping is not included. To make a claim, email Conner customer service with photos of the issue and your order number.

    Measure your head circumference with a flexible tape measure just above your eyebrows and ears, keeping the tape level all the way around. Match your measurement to Conner's size chart: Small (hat size 6 3/4-6 7/8; head 21 1/4-21 5/8 inches / 54-55 cm), Medium (7-7 1/8; 22-22 3/8 inches / 56-57 cm), Large (7 1/4-7 3/8; 22 3/4-23 1/4 inches / 58-59 cm), and X-Large (7 1/2-7 5/8; 23 1/2-24 inches / 60-61 cm). If you're between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort. Two free size inserts ship with every order to help adjust the fit.