A dress hat is doing a different job from a sun hat: it has to hold a clean line all day and look deliberate with a jacket. That means a structured crown, a finished edge on the brim, and a material that stays sharp — wool felt for autumn and winter, fine straw and toyo for summer weddings and race days.
Dress hats are refined, structured headwear designed for formal occasions, professional settings, and sophisticated everyday wear. This collection includes fedoras, bowler hats, and wide-brim styles crafted from premium materials like wool felt, straw, leather, and organic cotton. Each hat is handmade with attention to traditional hatmaking techniques, combining timeless silhouettes with sustainable materials.
Every Conner dress hat is crafted using materials that balance durability with environmental responsibility. Our non-mulesed wool felt hats are naturally water-resistant and can last 10-15 years with proper care. Wool felt is a low-impact, biodegradable material, though the bands are not biodegradable.
Conner Hats was founded by Will Conner, who learned the craft from his father Bill Conner. Bill learned leatherwork in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1969 and later established BC Hats in Byron Bay, Australia; he created Australia's first leather hat with a shapeable brim. Today, Conner continues that legacy with a commitment to responsible production and to requiring suppliers to pay fair wages.
Dress hats serve multiple purposes across different lifestyles. Fedoras and bowlers work for formal events, weddings, and professional settings where polished appearance matters. Wide-brim straw styles provide sun protection for outdoor occasions like garden parties or race days. Crushable wool options travel well for business trips or destination events. Demand for well-made, sustainably sourced hats continues to grow, driven by consumer interest in unique accessories and cultural heritage styles.
Wool Felt: Naturally water-resistant, breathable, holds shape beautifully. Best for autumn, winter, and early spring. Can be steamed and reshaped. Provides insulation without overheating.
Straw (Raffia/Paper): Lightweight, breathable, ideal for warm weather and summer events. Natural UV resistance. Not water-resistant—avoid wearing in rain.
Leather: Rugged durability, develops unique patina over time. Water-resistant when treated with conditioner. Works across seasons but runs warmer in summer heat.
Organic Cotton/Hemp: Breathable, packable, suitable for travel. Requires minimal water to grow. Naturally resistant to mold and mildew.
Fedoras feature a pinched front crown with an indented top and a medium-to-wide brim (typically 2-3 inches), worn with the brim snapped down in front. Trilbys have a shorter brim (1.5-2 inches) with a sharp upturn at the back, creating a more compact silhouette. Bowler hats (also called derby hats) have a rounded crown with a short, curled brim and a more structured, formal appearance. All three styles work for dress occasions, but fedoras offer the most versatility across formal and semi-formal settings.
Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your head about 1/4 inch above your ears and eyebrows, where the hat will sit. Measure in inches or centimeters and compare your measurement to the size chart on each product page. Conner dress hats are available in sizes Small (21 1/4-21 5/8 inches), Medium (22-22 3/8 inches), Large (22 3/4-23 1/4 inches), and X-Large (23 1/2-24 inches). If you're between sizes, order the larger size. Two free size inserts ship with every order.
Wool felt can be reshaped with steam. Hold the brim over steam briefly, gently adjust the brim or crown while warm, and let the hat dry naturally. Do not fully soak it. For leather hats, shaping depends on the style, so check with us before trying to reshape one. Straw styles vary too, so check the specific hat rather than assuming it cannot be reshaped.
Australian wool felt hats are naturally water-resistant and can be worn in light rain. If your hat becomes wet, shake off excess water and leave it to dry slowly indoors. Never place it on or near direct heat, as this can cause it to change shape. For cleaning, use a lint roller to remove dust and dirt. For stubborn marks, use a damp sponge or hat brush. Store your hat away from direct sunlight, either hanging on a hook or placed flat in your wardrobe where nothing will squash it.
Yes. This collection includes hats with organic cotton inner bands, Australian wool, organic raffia, straw, hemp, weathered cotton, and genuine leather. Wool felt is biodegradable and renewable. Wool felt is biodegradable and can last 10-15 years with proper care, reducing the need for replacements. The brand is committed to responsible production and treading lightly on the planet.
Straw hats (raffia and paper straw) are lightweight, highly breathable, and ideal for hot weather above 70°F. They offer shade and allow maximum airflow but should not be worn in rain, as water can weaken the fibers. Australian wool felt hats are heavier, provide more structure, and work better for cooler summer evenings or air-conditioned indoor events. Felt offers water resistance and can be worn in light rain. Choose straw for outdoor summer occasions and felt for transitional weather or formal indoor events.
Conner Hats offers a Limited Lifetime Guarantee for hats purchased from connerhats.com. For workmanship failure, Conner will replace the same style, size, and color, with shipping paid, during the first 12 months. After 12 months, you can get 40% off a replacement, 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. Email customerservice@connerhats.com with photos and your order number. Conner does not repair hats, but can help you fix issues yourself.
Dress hats work for formal events (weddings, galas, cocktail parties), semi-formal occasions (garden parties, race days, theater outings), professional settings (business meetings, conferences), and sophisticated everyday wear. Fedoras and trilbys adapt well to business casual attire. Bowler hats suit more formal dress codes. Wide-brim straw styles are ideal for outdoor summer events where shade is welcome. The key is matching hat material and formality to the occasion: wool felt for cooler formal events, straw for warm-weather elegance, leather for rugged sophistication.
