Lightweight, breathable outback hats made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, and waterproof waxed canvas. Most styles offer UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays, while remaining packable for travel and comfortable for all-day wear in hot, humid conditions. Ideal for hiking, fishing, boating, and outdoor work where ventilation and weather resistance matter more than traditional leather styling.
Cloth outback hats are made from breathable, weather-resistant fabrics including organic cotton, recycled polyester (often made from plastic bottles), hemp, waxed cotton, and oilskin canvas. Unlike leather outback hats, cloth versions are typically lighter weight, faster drying, and easier to pack for travel. Most Conner cloth outback hats offer UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays, making them ideal for extended sun exposure during hiking, fishing, or outdoor work.
Cloth outback hats are lighter (typically 3-5 oz vs. 8-12 oz for leather), dry faster when wet, and offer better ventilation through mesh panels or breathable weaves. Leather outback hats develop a rich patina over time and provide more wind resistance and durability in rugged conditions. Cloth styles like the Bounty Hunter Water Resistant Cotton Hat ($88) and Tracker Water Resistant Cotton Outback Hat ($86) are ideal for hot, humid climates where breathability matters most, while leather suits cooler weather and riders who want classic western styling.
Many cloth outback hats are water-resistant or waterproof depending on the fabric treatment. Waxed cotton and oilskin styles like the Portland Waxed Cotton Rain Hat ($85) and Murchasin River Water Resistant Hat ($95) repel rain and light moisture effectively. Standard organic cotton and hemp styles are water-resistant but not fully waterproof—they'll handle light rain and dry quickly, but prolonged downpours will soak through. Recycled polyester styles like the Tarpon Springs Floating Sailing Hat ($94) are designed to shed water and even float if dropped overboard.
Yes. Most Conner cloth outback hats offer UPF 50+ protection, which blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays according to third-party lab testing. Wide brims (typically 2.5-3.5 inches) provide coverage for the face, neck, ears, and upper back—areas where 90% of skin cancers develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends hats with at least 3-inch brims for effective sun protection. Cloth styles with mesh ventilation like the Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat ($84) maintain UPF 50+ ratings while allowing airflow to prevent overheating.
Yes. Most cloth outback hats are crushable and packable, making them ideal for travel. Organic cotton and hemp styles can be rolled or folded into luggage and will reshape when worn. Waxed cotton styles hold their shape better and should be packed flat or in a hat box. Recycled polyester styles like the Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat ($82) are specifically designed for packability—they compress into a backpack or duffel and spring back to shape. Unlike stiff straw or structured felt hats, cloth outback hats travel easily without specialized hat cases.
For organic cotton and hemp styles: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent, reshape while damp, and air dry away from direct heat. For waxed cotton and oilskin styles: Wipe with a damp cloth only—do not machine wash or the waterproof coating will deteriorate. Reapply wax treatment annually to maintain water resistance. For recycled polyester styles: Hand wash or machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water, then air dry. Avoid hot water and high heat, which can damage the fabric structure and UPF protection.
For hot, dry conditions: Choose styles with mesh crown panels like the Aussie Golf Soakable Mesh Hat ($84) or Aussie Cooler Canvas Mesh Hiker Hat ($82), which allow maximum airflow while maintaining UPF 50+ sun protection on the brim. For hot, humid conditions: Select lightweight recycled polyester styles like the Airflow Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat ($82) or Sunblocker Lightweight Recycled Outdoor Hat ($80), which wick moisture and dry quickly. Both options outperform leather in temperatures above 80°F where ventilation prevents heat buildup.
Yes. Conner Hats uses organic cotton (grown without synthetic pesticides), hemp (requires 50% less water than conventional cotton), and recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles. The brand is family-owned and operates from a solar-powered warehouse in Florida. Conner sources from suppliers who pay fair wages and practice ethical treatment of employees, with many factory relationships spanning 15+ years. Select styles are handmade in Australia by BC Hats, the original company founded by Bill Conner in Byron Bay in 1969. Every hat is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
