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 | Water-repellent treatment, maintains shape when wet |
A black outback hat features a wide, flat brim (typically 2.5 to 3.5 inches), a flat or slightly domed crown, and often includes a chin cord for secure wear in wind. Unlike cowboy hats with upturned brims and deep crown creases designed for ranch work, outback hats prioritize maximum sun protection with flat brims that provide superior coverage for your face, neck, and ears. The black color differentiates these hats from traditional tan or brown outback styles by offering wardrobe versatility—black pairs with any outfit color and transitions easily from outdoor activities to casual urban wear.
Most Conner black outback hats provide sun protection. The wide brim (2.5 to 3.5 inches depending on style) provides coverage for areas most vulnerable to sun damage: face, neck, ears, and upper back. Materials like Australian wool, organic cotton, and leather offer natural UV resistance, and our materials are UPF tested with ARPANSA. This level of coverage exceeds what you get from baseball caps or narrow-brimmed hats, making outback styles ideal for extended outdoor exposure.
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 three primary materials:
Many Conner black outback hats are specifically designed to be crushable and packable. Wool styles like the Jackeroo Crushable Wool Hat and Crossroads Crushable Wool Hat can be rolled or folded into luggage without damage—they reshape when you take them out. Leather styles like the Lone Wolf Crushable Leather Hat also pack flat and reshape. 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 snug—almost uncomfortably tight—because outback hats expand with heat from your head and will loosen to conform to your shape. Many styles offer adjustable sizing with drawstrings or elastic bands for fine-tuning the fit.
Conner Hats are warranted to the original owner against manufacturing defects under our limited lifetime guarantee. The guarantee also includes a 50% off code to replace the same hat if yours is ever lost or stolen. If your hat fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, Conner will replace it. This warranty reflects the brand's commitment to quality and durability—these hats are built to last for years, not seasons.
Yes. 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 who pay fair wages and practice ethical employee treatment. 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, personally travels to verify supplier practices and material sourcing.
