The fedora is defined by its creased crown and pinched front, and it changes character completely with the material. Wool fedoras are the year-round choice — structured, water-resistant, crushable enough to travel. Straw and toyo fedoras are the summer version, open enough to breathe while still shading your face.
Conner fedoras use materials selected for reduced environmental impact. Organic cotton production eliminates synthetic pesticides that contaminate soil and water. Recycled polyester diverts plastic bottles from landfills.
Wool felt fedoras contain natural lanolin, which provides water resistance without chemical treatments. This allows the hats to repel light rain while remaining breathable. Straw fedoras woven from raffia and toyo provide natural UV protection through their dense weave structure, blocking harmful rays while allowing air circulation.
Bill Conner learned leatherwork in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1969 and went on to found BC Hats in Byron Bay, Australia, creating the first Australian leather hat with a shapeable brim. His son Will Conner learned hatmaking in his father's factory and established the Conner Hats brand. Will has worked with suppliers since 1999, when Will began sourcing from factories beyond his father's Byron Bay workshop, ensuring consistent quality and ethical labor practices. Production takes place in small batches with handmade attention to detail rather than mass manufacturing.
Every Conner fedora is warranted 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. This warranty reflects the durability of materials like Australian wool felt, which maintains shape and structure for decades with proper care, and quality construction methods that prioritize longevity over disposable fast fashion.
| Material | Best Season | Key Benefits | Care Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool Felt | Fall, Winter, Spring | Water-resistant, insulating, holds shape, durable | Brush regularly, air dry if wet, store on hat stand |
| Straw (Raffia/Toyo) | Spring, Summer | Lightweight, breathable, UV protection, packable | Keep dry, wipe clean, avoid prolonged moisture |
| Organic Cotton | Spring, Summer, Fall | Soft, breathable, easy care, sustainable | Machine washable, check label, air dry |
| Recycled Polyester | Year-round | Durable, quick-dry, eco-friendly, packable | Machine washable, wrinkle-resistant |
Conner fedoras are crafted from sustainable materials including responsibly sourced Australian wool felt, organic raffia straw, toyo straw, recycled polyester, and organic cotton inner bands. Wool felt fedoras offer water resistance and warmth for fall and winter wear, while straw fedoras provide lightweight breathability and natural UV protection for spring and summer. The materials in this collection are selected for durability and environmental responsibility—the organic cotton inner bands are made from organic cotton, and the recycled polyester is made from reclaimed plastic bottles.
Choose wool felt fedoras for temperatures below 70°F—they provide insulation, natural water resistance from lanolin in the wool, and hold their shape in light rain. Wool fedoras work for fall, winter, and transitional spring weather. Choose straw fedoras (raffia, toyo, or paper straw) for temperatures above 70°F—they're lightweight, allow airflow through the woven structure, and provide natural UV protection. Straw fedoras are ideal for summer, beach outings, travel, and outdoor events in warm climates.
A fedora has a wider brim (typically 2-4 inches) and a taller crown (4-6 inches tall) with a center crease and pinched front. A trilby is a fedora variation with a shorter, narrower brim (usually under 2 inches) and a more upturned back brim. Conner's fedora collection includes classic fedora styles with medium to wide brims, as well as pork pie fedoras which feature a flat crown top with a telescoped crease.
Yes. Conner Hats is family-run. Will Conner created the brand in 2014; his father, Bill Conner, has made hats in Byron Bay for over 50 years. His son Will Conner established the Conner Hats brand, and our original St. Augustine warehouse runs on 100% solar power (orders now ship from American Fork, Utah). We still maintain our company food forest at the site and have created a hub there for other small businesses to use the location. Each hat is crafted with handmade attention to detail in small-batch production. The hats in this collection use organic cotton inner bands, recycled polyester from plastic bottles, Australian wool, organic raffia, and toyo or paper straw. Conner sources from suppliers who pay fair wages and practice ethical treatment of employees.
Conner fedoras 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 fedora fails due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials, Conner will replace it. The warranty covers craftsmanship issues but does not cover normal wear, improper care, or accidental damage.
For wool felt fedoras: Handle by the brim, not the crown. Brush regularly with a soft-bristle brush in a counterclockwise direction to remove dust. If the hat gets wet, let it air dry naturally at room temperature—never use direct heat. Store on a hat stand or upside-down on the crown to preserve brim shape. For straw fedoras: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth to clean. Avoid prolonged moisture exposure, which can warp natural fibers. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Both materials benefit from storage in a hat box when not in use.
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). Many Conner fedora styles include adjustable sizing with interior drawstrings or elastic sweatbands. Fedoras should fit snug but comfortable—they'll conform slightly to your head shape with wear.
Some Conner fedoras are specifically designed as crushable or packable styles, made from flexible wool felt that can be rolled or compressed and will return to shape. Check individual product descriptions for "crushable" or "packable" features. Straw fedoras are generally more fragile and should be packed carefully in a hat box or stuffed with soft materials to maintain shape. Wool felt fedoras with stiffer construction should be carried or packed in rigid hat boxes to avoid permanent creasing.
