Shop Bill Conner Hats Collection

BC Hats are the original handmade leather hats created by Bill Conner in Byron Bay, Australia from 1969-2020. Conner Hats is the broader brand founded by Bill's son Will, offering hundreds of hat styles made from sustainable materials worldwide. BC Hats represent Bill's personal craftsmanship legacy—each one handmade in his Byron Bay workshop using techniques he developed over 50 years. Only BC Hats feature the original shapeable leather brim construction that earned Bill the 1993 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award from the Australian government.

No. Bill Conner retired in 2020 and permanently closed his Byron Bay workshop. The BC Hats available through Conner Hats represent the final inventory—no additional hats will be produced. Will Conner (Bill's son) acquired the remaining stock to preserve his father's legacy. Once these hats sell out, authentic BC Hats will only be available through secondhand markets.

BC Hats are one of the few hat brands increasing in value because production has permanently ceased and Bill Conner's 50-year legacy is documented. His innovation—creating Australia's first leather hat with a shapeable brim—influenced the entire Australian hat industry. BC Hats gained international recognition after appearing in the 1986 film *Crocodile Dundee*, and in 1988 became the official hat of the Brisbane World Expo. Limited remaining inventory combined with historical significance makes BC Hats collectible items rather than just functional headwear.

Bill Conner's shapeable brim innovation allows you to manually shape and hold the leather brim in your preferred position—turned up, turned down, curved, or flat. The oily steer hide leather used in BC Hats is flexible enough to mold by hand but holds its shape through wear. This was revolutionary in 1969 when most leather hats had stiff, fixed brims. You can customize the look to suit your face shape and style preference, and the brim retains that shape until you reshape it.

BC Hats use oily waterproof leather that improves with age and requires minimal maintenance. For regular care: brush off dust with a soft cloth, allow the hat to air dry if wet (never use direct heat), and store away from direct sunlight. The oily finish naturally repels water—you don't need to apply conditioners or waterproofing treatments. If the leather feels dry after years of use, apply a small amount of leather conditioner designed for oily leather. The crushable design means you can pack BC Hats flat for travel; they'll return to their original shape when you pop the crown back out.

Availability varies by style and changes as inventory sells. The Bac Pac Traveller is currently available in Small through XX-Large (limited quantities in X-Large and XX-Large). The Cool as a Breeze Canvas Mesh Hat is available in Small through XX-Large. Check individual product pages for real-time size availability. Conner Hats cannot restock sold-out sizes because production has ended.