Black is the outback hat that works in town. The wide brim and shapeable edge do the same sun and rain work as our brown and natural styles, but the colour reads sharper with a coat and shows less road dust. Worth knowing about black in particular — a dark crown absorbs more heat in direct sun than a natural straw one, so if you're after a hat for long summer days outdoors, look at our straw hats instead.
Black outback hats combine the wide-brim sun coverage of traditional Australian outback styles with the wardrobe versatility that only black delivers. These hats offer 2.5 to 3.5-inch brims for face, neck, and ear protection, crafted from materials that are tested and rated per hat.
Outdoor enthusiasts who want one hat that works everywhere—hiking trails, music festivals, ranch work, travel, and casual daily wear. Black pairs with every color in your wardrobe, eliminating the need to own multiple hats for different outfits.
Unlike tan or brown outback hats that lean casual or rustic, black outback hats transition seamlessly from outdoor adventure to urban settings. The color conveys sophistication and intentionality while maintaining the functional benefits of traditional outback design. Black also hides wear and stains better than lighter colors, extending the visible life of your hat.
| Material | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Mulesed wool | Year-round wear, cold weather | Water-resistant, insulating, crushable |
| Leather | Rugged outdoor use, all seasons | Extremely durable, develops patina, shapeable brim |
| Water-resistant wool | Unpredictable weather, rain | Sheds light rain, holds its shape when wet |
A black outback hat typically features a wide, flat brim, a flat or slightly domed crown, and may include a chin cord for secure wear in wind. Compared with many cowboy styles, which often have upturned brims and deep crown creases, outback hats are known for their flat brims, which provide shade for your face, neck, and ears. The black color sets these hats apart from traditional tan or brown outback styles and offers wardrobe versatility, pairing easily with different outfit colors and transitioning from outdoor activities to casual urban wear.
Most Conner black outback hats provide shade. Their 2.5- to 3.5-inch brims, depending on style, shade the face, neck, ears, and upper back. Many of our hats are UPF rated; check each product page for the rating. A wide brim provides more shade than a baseball cap or a narrow-brimmed hat.
Choose black if you want maximum wardrobe versatility and a hat that works in both outdoor and urban settings. Black pairs with every color—denim, earth tones, bright colors, patterns—and conveys sophistication that tan or brown outback hats don't match. Black also hides dirt and wear better than lighter colors, maintaining a cleaner appearance over time. Choose brown or tan if you prefer a more traditional, rustic aesthetic or primarily wear earth-toned clothing. For most buyers who want one versatile outback hat, black is the practical choice.
Conner offers black outback hats in Australian wool and genuine leather, including wool styles with water-resistant features:
Many Conner black outback hats are crushable: they can be crushed for a moment and pop back into shape. Crushable is not the same as packable. Wool styles like the Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat and Crossroads Crushable Wool Hat are crushable and reshape after a short squash. Leather styles like the Lone Wolf Crushable Leather Hat are crushable too. For travel, pack them properly; see our hat care page. This makes them ideal for travelers who need sun protection without dedicating significant luggage space to a rigid hat. Look for "crushable" in the product name to identify packable styles.
Measure your head circumference just above your eyebrows and ears using a flexible tape measure. Match your measurement to Conner's size chart: Small (21 1/4-21 5/8 inches / 54-55 cm), Medium (22-22 3/8 inches / 56-57 cm), Large (22 3/4-23 1/4 inches / 58-59 cm), X-Large (23 1/2-24 inches / 60-61 cm), XX-Large (24 3/8-24 3/4 inches / 62-63 cm), XXX-Large (25 1/8 inches / 64 cm). Buy a hat that fits comfortably, as outback hats do not loosen unless stretched, which is easy. Many styles offer adjustable sizing with drawstrings or elastic bands for fine-tuning the fit.
Conner Hats' Limited Lifetime Guarantee applies to purchases from connerhats.com. For a workmanship failure during the first 12 months, Conner provides a free replacement of the same style, size, and color, with shipping covered. After 12 months, a replacement is 40% off, with shipping not included. Material degradation from use qualifies for a 30% off code. If your hat is lost or stolen, you can get 50% off the same hat, with shipping not included. To make a guarantee claim, email photos and your order number.
This collection includes Australian wool, genuine leather, and organic cotton inner bands. The brand runs its original St. Augustine warehouse on 100% solar power (orders now ship from American Fork, Utah) and has worked with suppliers since 1999. Our Supplier Code of Conduct requires suppliers to pay fair wages and meet ethical workplace requirements. We still maintain our company food forest at the site and have created a hub there for other small businesses to use the location. Will Conner, who founded the brand, has traveled to visit suppliers for decades, though less often now.
