Outback Hat vs Cowboy Hat: Style Tips & Key Differences

In the world of hats, some styles are almost too similar to tell apart. An outback hat and a cowboy hat can look the same at first glance. However, there are key differences that can help you decide which to wear in the outback hat vs cowboy hat debate.

Imagine the opening scene of a movie. A person rides on horseback across a rugged desert. A cloud of dust rises behind the horse's hooves. The rider, clad in leather boots and a lasso, is covered in dust. She removes her hat, and her long hair flows in the desert wind. At this point, you might wonder if this scene is set in the Australian outback or the American West. By taking a closer look at the hat, you'll find your answer. The subtle differences between the outback cowboy hat from Australia and the western cowboy hat tell all.

Outback Hat vs Cowboy Hat

So, how can you tell the difference between these two styles? It comes down to a few details. Both hats feature wide brims that protect the wearer from harsh weather and hot sun. On a cowboy hat, you'll find a rounded brim, while the outback hat has a flat brim. Another telltale difference is the crown. The crown of a cowboy hat is rounded and pinched at the top. In contrast, the crown of an outback hat is flat on top or has only a slight crease. This distinction is central to the outback hat vs cowboy hat discussion.

These two deceptively similar hats were actually first designed at the same time but on opposite ends of the earth.

The Outback hat: Australia At Heart

In the mid-1800s, Benjamin Dunkerly moved to Sydney, Australia from England and started a hat company named Akubra. Akubra has roots in an Aboriginal word that means heat covering, fitting for a hat company. He focused on making hats suitable for the harsh conditions of Australia, notably the Australian outback. His hat featured a wide brim to protect from the sun and a comfortable crown for all-day wear. This highlights the essence of the outback hat vs cowboy hat debate.

Akubra hats became Australia's most famous felt outback hats, but other hatmakers put their own spin on the design. Most notably, Bill Conner created the first outback hats made from leather. This durable material quickly gained worldwide popularity. Movies like Crocodile Dundee and Man from Snowy River brought Conner's leather styles to the forefront of popular culture. These outback hats were even named the official hat of the Brisbane World Fair in 1988. Thus, the outback hat grew from an Australian work style to a worldwide favorite, emphasizing the Australian cowboy hat vs American cowboy hat contrast.

Cowboy Hats: Designed In The United States

Around the same time Dunkerly was starting Akubra, John B. Stetson was working on his own hat that soon became the most iconic staple for the American cowboy. Today, the typical cowboy hat has a rounded, curved brim and a well-defined pinched crown. However, it didn't always have this look, which makes the comparison between Akubra and Stetson quite interesting.

When John B. Stetson first manufactured these hats in Philadelphia, he had a basic design. His first hat, the Boss of the Plains, was released in 1865. It featured a smooth, rounded crown and a round, flat brim. By today's cowboy style standards, the hat was rather ordinary in design. However, like the original Akubra outback hats, this style was durable and functional, ideal for working cowboys in the American West. Cowboy hats for men and women soon became incredibly popular.

As the cowboy hat rose in popularity, it evolved to better suit the needs of workers. Hat makers deepened the pinch on the crown for better control and curved the brims to stay out of the way of ropes.

What are Cowboy and Outback Hats Made Of?

The original outback hats were made using fur from the abundant rabbit population in Australia. Today, Australian outback hats are made of leather, canvas, cotton, and wool felt. This variety in materials is a key point in the Australian hat vs cowboy hat discussion.

When cowboy hats were first made, Stetson used fur from beavers, rabbits, and other small animals. As cowboy hats for men and women became more popular, the materials expanded. Now, cowboy hats are made of wool felt, raffia, straw, and sometimes leather.

So, another easy way to distinguish between an outback hat vs cowboy hat? Look at the materials. If the hat is made of raffia or straw, it's likely a cowboy hat. If it's made from canvas, it's probably an Australian outback hat. To become an expert at telling these two hats apart, here's what you need to know:

Design

Ready to become an expert at telling these two hats apart? Here's what you need to know:

Outback Hat: Style Characteristics

• Australian outback hats have a very similar silhouette to an American cowboy hat. But the shape is more flexible, slightly more relaxed, and is typically a bit softer.
• The brim tends to be flat on the sides and slightly downturned on the front and back.
• If there is a crease at the top of an outback hat, it's much less pronounced than that of a cowboy hat.

Cowboy Hat: Style Characteristics

• Cowboy hats share one main feature with outback hats: a wide brim. Unlike the outback style, western hats feature upturned brims, giving the hat a curled-up look on the sides.
• This design maintains sun protection while keeping the wide brim out of the way for those working in the hat.
• Cowboy hats feature a deep crease or pinch on the top of the crown. This can differ greatly from style to style but is quite different from the flat or slight crease of an outback hat.

When Should You Wear A Cowboy vs. Outback Hat?

These functional and stylish hats aren't just for work anymore, and both styles are popular worldwide. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind.

When and Where To Use A Western Hat

• Cowboy hats have evolved from a functional tool to a popular accessory. Now, many people, not just working cowboys, wear western hats.
• If you're visiting a ranch or attending a rodeo in the Southwest, you'll look at home in this style.
• Seasonally, wear felt hats in the winter to help keep warm and dry. In the summer, people usually wear straw hats to protect them from the sun and heat.
• When wearing your cowboy hat, remember to keep the brim down in front to protect your eyes from the sun. However, for more formal events, you might consider wearing the brim up to look more sophisticated.

When Should You Wear an Outback Hat?

• Outback hats are designed to protect you from the rugged climate of the Australian outback. But the useful style has spread globally.
• Now, you'll spot this style even in the ranches of Patagonia. If you're spending the day outdoors and want to protect your skin, feel free to try this style.
• In Australia, you'll find the hat is popular among all people, from city dwellers to those in rural areas.
• For those who appreciate a hat with a story, outback cowboy hats offer a blend of history and practicality, making them a versatile choice for any wardrobe.
  

Did you know? Bill Conner was one of the first people to popularize Outback Hats in the United States. Check out our Australian-made outback hats now!