For young female tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar, ladies’ straw sun hats have emerged as one of the most popular travel accessories. Offering protection from the harsh coastal sun while adding a fashionable touch, these hats have seen steadily rising demand.
A visit to the markets near Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli beaches reveals rows of shops featuring straw hats in a variety of colours and designs. Adorned with flowers, ribbons, lace, and net detailing, these hats are particularly attractive to young women and child tourists.
Rashed, a vendor at Sugandha Point, said sales remain strong throughout the tourist season. “On average, we sell 20 to 30 hats a day. Women buy them more, especially colourful and stylish designs for taking photos,” he said.
Depending on design and quality, ladies’ straw sun hats are priced from Tk 250 to Tk 600. While simpler hats are relatively affordable, larger, wide-brimmed, and ornamented designs are priced higher.
Tania, a young tourist from Dhaka, said the hats serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. “The sun at the beach is intense, so a hat is essential. It also looks excellent in photos, and the price is reasonable,” she said.
Another tourist, Nabila from Chattogram, echoed the sentiment. “A single hat can completely change the look of an outfit,” she said.
With growing interest from both tourists and sellers, ladies’ straw sun hats have now become an integral part of Cox’s Bazar’s beachside fashion culture—blending sun safety with seasonal style.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
